'Greenwood's strength lies in her ability to create characters that are wholly satisfying: the bad guys are bad, and the good guys are great' Vogue

When a mysterious invitation arrives for the redoubtable Miss Phryne Fisher from an unknown retired Captain Herbert Spencer, Phryne's curiosity is excited. Spencer runs a retreat in Victoria's rural spa country for the many shell-shocked soldiers of the first world war. It's a cause after Phryne's own heart but what does Spencer want from her?

Meanwhile, Cec, Bert and Tinker find a young woman floating face down in the harbour near the wharves. Could this be the missing friend of Ruth, Phryne's adopted daughter? With Detective-Inspector Jack Robinson seconded unwillingly to a special investigation, Mr and Mrs Butler with Detective-Sergeant Hugh Collins are left to shield Phryne's household from danger as Tinker, Jane and Ruth decide to solve what appears to be a heinous crime.

Unaware of these happenings, Phryne and the faithful Dot view their rural sojourn as a short holiday but are quickly thrown into disturbing Highland gatherings, disappearing women, murder and the mystery of the Temperance Hotel. All test Phryne's resourcefulness in her search to save lives.