Douglas P. Douglas, university lecturer and editor of the academic journal 'Locus', agrees to publish an article entitled "Clay Lake" which explores the literary significance of a remote, mysterious lake in the Peak District. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the article itself is shrouded in mystery, and contains secrets of its own. As the repercussions of its publication begin to threaten his professional career, Douglas finds many of his previous certainties slipping away and is forced to recognise the worrying parallels with ongoing disruptions in his personal life...