The spiking murder of a tuna poacher in Port Lincoln brings ex-tunaman, ex-water policeman and dabbler in ancient scripts, Frank (Turk) Sweet, out of healing retreat after his mutilation by The Chair, top dog of the Chinese Mafia. Turk's reluctant return to Port Lincoln at the bidding of his old mentor, Boss Bulin, to catch the killer lays him open to new hells. For one, unexpected danger from old mates as murderous as the Asian toe-cutter he has vowed to one day track down. For another, having to confront an old love for his mentor's daughter that is both unfinished business and hopelessly taboo.