Corporal James Vaanes is at the end of his secluded vacation when he stumbles on a murder scene on a tourist beach. The deaths feel especially important and ominous so he wants to find a way onto the case that is out of his area. His superior has never been a big fan of Vaanes so he rejects the idea, at least, until Vaanes reaches out to an old friend above his superior. No one seems to understand why anyone would kill the well loved couple at first. But then motives become evident on both sides only making the case a murky mess. Outside forces are also becoming apparent as an infamous, dangerous man has surfaced in the serene paradise. Meanwhile back in Vaanes’s home town Constable Taria Boyd is searching for a missing senior that is anything but routine. As if that is not enough of a challenge her estranged father appears but his intentions are unclear leaving Boyd to decide if she wants her dad in her life again just as she is regaining a hold on a love life. With no progress on the missing senior case another senior from the same care home goes missing leaving the team with a new suspect. Vaanes returns for a third time to the setting of Vancouver Island and he and his team are about to enter the most turbulent cases the dark reaches of the island can serve up.