The book features Lauren Adams and Jake Parker in the lead roles, investigating an airline crash that a mentally disturbed boy called Fahim claims was caused by his father.

A plane crashes over the Atlantic, killing all 345 passengers on board, including the wife, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren of former CHERUB chairman Dr. Terrence "Mac" McAfferty.

Back at the warehouse, Mac discovers that the plane crash was not an act of terrorism as was suspected, but instead caused by expired aircraft components that Hassam and Asif had altered to look new before using their shipping business to transport the parts for a smuggling gang.

As Mac goes to break the news to Fahim, he shows Lauren a farewell message written by his grandson moments before the crash.

Meanwhile, to his dismay, James Adams is assigned work experience at a local chicken restaurant with Kerry Chang.