The streets of Preston are alive with music and banter. But nothing can drown out the sound of breaking bones. Inseparable since childhood and feared by their community, Tony, Eddie, and Frankie are beyond the reach of justice. The brutal gang, The Three Dogs, are a law unto themselves. Detective Jim Hacker has watched The Dogs grow from thuggish youths to psychotic criminals. He seems to be the only one who wants to see their empire fall. Meanwhile Jamie Strange, a young Royal Marine, finds himself embroiled in the lives The Three Dogs when his girlfriend, Laurie Holland, cuts off their engagement to be with the most dangerous of The Dogs - Frankie Verdi.