Weeks from Christmas in the sweltering heat of summer, Detective Kate Miles’ estranged brother, Luke Grayling, returns home for the funeral of a childhood friend – Ant Reed, dead by suicide.

Days later, Marcus Rowntree, is found dead in the back paddock of his property. Almost twenty years ago, Luke, Ant and Marcus were best mates in high school. Now, two of them are dead.

A tragic coincidence? Or is there something more sinister connecting the three men?As press attention deepens, and uncomfortable truths about Luke’s personal life come to light, Kate is forced to contend between loyalty to the police force, and the bonds of friendship and blood.