After a long separation, Ethel and her husband John Reginald Christie set up home in 10 Rillington Place, but Ethel soon wonders whether she has made the right decision. As war breaks out, the fractures in their relationship begin to reappear, with deceit, suspicion and violence never far below the veneer of married respectability.

When newlyweds Tim and Beryl move into 10 Rillington Place, they are befriended by their older neighbours the Christies. As time passes and their relationship hits a rough patch, Mr Christie's interest and influence over the couple takes a much more sinister turn.