Barlow's involvement in the security arrangements for a number of open-air pop festivals appears to be routine, but when things go adrift, at least one chief constable is glad he is there.
Barlow volunteers to take charge of a political kidnapping. Millionaire industrialist Joseph Miller is snatched off the street by the People's Freedom Front. The terrorists want to exchange him with Farouk Allah who is in Reading Jail.
The Home Office send Det. Chief Supt. Barlow to Italy to discuss cross border policing. While staying there he stumbles on to a massive scam where locals are looting antiquities and selling them to dealers funded by the Syndicate.
Mafia head Rizzi returns to Britain despite being deported previously. Barlow suspects that he is behind the murder of villain Tommy Robbins and has set his sights on his associate Roger Toder and his gambling empire.
Barlow gets drawn into building industry politics following a bomb attack on Sir Arthur Tillyard's home. Tillyard claims it was the work of the "lump", men opposed to tax concessions given to builders who regard them as self employed.
Professor Armstrong believes Det. Chief Supt. Barlow is joining him a university speech for security reasons. Barlow is actually there to vet him for a post with the UN but discovers evidence to destroy any future prospects.
Barlow is brought in by Military Intelligence to debrief of Timothy Ellis following the death of his superior Captain Ewings. Ellis has been working in Northern Ireland and admits he has been paid by an anonymous telephone source.
Barlow takes an interest in group called Human Energy, who claim to offer beneficial help for mind and body. Sgt Rees is sent to access Human Energy but vanishes and is later found murdered by the side of the road.