In a small town, a priest opens fire on his congregation, killing five parishioners. One year later, a journalist arrives to investigate the tragedy, and after digging beneath the surface finds himself in a life-and-death race to uncover the truth.
One year after a horrific mass shooting, an investigative journalist arrives in a remote country town to write an anniversary piece, but soon realises there is much more to the story than meets the eye.
Martin's investigation leads to a series of revelations that draw him deeper into the scrublands and the secrets of Riversend.
The pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together but Martin's excitement is short lived when his search for the truth marks him as a target, and he very nearly pays the ultimate price.
All the answers as to who Byron Swift really was and why he chose to kill five people are revealed as Martin comes face to face with the true mastermind.
Returning to his hometown after a long absence, Martin Scarsden's hope for a peaceful holiday with new partner Mandy Bond takes a U-Turn when his childhood friend Jasper Speight is found dead and the only witness and suspect is Mandy.
As Martin continues to explore the events surrounding Jasper's murder, he and Mandy deal with the information that someone, possibly Jasper, drugged her. When family members confront Martin about an old betrayal, Mandy questions their relationship.
Mandy faces murder charges. Martin continues to hunt for the true culprit, uncovering more darkness in Port Silver. Jasper's mother Denise holds a vigil for Jasper at Hummingbird Beach which ends in a mass poisoning.
In the wake of the mass poisoning at Hummingbird Beach and with Mandy in a critical condition, Martin reflects on his past actions. Martin follows a lead that ultimately uncovers the Jasper's killer.
