Nothing is ever as it seems in this savage country. Broome was to become a spine tingling experience of murders, bush fire and other near disasters. Geoff Filerman undercover cop did not see mixing it with crocodiles as part of his job description: or falling in love with Sue, and losing her. 

In this brave new world, with only his wits and  his connection with the aboriginal stockmen to help him. His new boss was behaving strangely and a past friend's mule headed attitude didn't help either. He has to deal with a missing illegal seaman, missing money and a pearl for sale which seems to be at the heart of the problem.