In the series prequel, Commander Terry Stratton is like a fish out of water in his new role, stuck behind a desk. He yearns for the hands-on action of solving crimes rather than the tedium of wading through crime statistic reports. When fresh evidence is discovered, the Deputy Commissioner must reopen an investigation into the murder of a young man from a wealthy family. She asks Stratton to personally investigate, and he jumps at the chance even though it is her work he will be scrutinising. The case takes Stratton to Oatlands, one of Tasmania's most historic and picturesque towns. The more he learns about the town and its people, the more he doubts the findings of the original investigation. A pattern takes shape and unlikely suspects emerge - but not before Stratton incurs the wrath of his nemesis, Assistant Commissioner Morton. The questions mount, tensions escalate, and Stratton's career changes forever.