Detective Inspector Alistair Finch, a man burdened by past professional failures, is tasked with investigating a series of brutal killings in the English countryside during the 1800s. The culprit appears to be a monstrous creature, wolf-like in appearance yet possessing otherworldly characteristics. The creature's attacks are swift and leave the villagers terrified and the police baffled. Finch, a man of logic and pragmatism, struggles to comprehend the nature of the beast, finding himself confronting not just a physical threat but also unsettling local legends and whispers of ancient curses. His investigation leads him down a path of uncovering the dark secrets and hidden histories of the community.
As Finch delves deeper, he uncovers a tapestry of folklore, superstition, and hidden truths about the village's past. He encounters resistance from skeptical locals, reluctant to share information about the creature or the unsettling legends. He finds himself battling not just the monster, but also the fear and prejudice of the villagers. The climax involves a desperate confrontation with the creature, the nature of which is revealed to be connected to the hidden history and ancient curses of the region. Finch must use his intellect and courage to defeat the beast and bring peace back to the community, confronting his own inner demons in the process. The resolution involves not just the physical defeat of the monster, but also a reconciliation of the community and the acceptance of their shared past.