Protect first. Regret later. A late night. An icy road. A car wrapped around a tree. When Detective Liz Moorland stares at the lifeless faces of her ex-colleague’s daughter and son-in-law, she knows it is enough to push Vince Carter over the edge. Vince, a bitter and reclusive retired cop, was once a hero to many. But in his eyes, he has failed those he most loved. Estranged from his daughter before her death, the enormity of his loss is immeasurable. While Liz’s hands are full chasing an escaped criminal, Vince—alongside his fight for custody of Melanie, his eight-year-old granddaughter and sole survivor of the wreck—pieces together a compelling theory that the crash was no accident. Vince’s theory provides Liz with an unexpected connection to her case and simultaneously raises concerns over Melanie’s safety and what she saw that fateful night. Those concerns are justified. One person knows what the little girl saw. The killer.

Not goodbye, Auntie. Just 'til next time. A little girl is missing. Homicide Detective Sergeant Liz Moorland has seen this before. Another child, eighteen years ago. Same colour hair and eyes. Same sweet smile. The same park. They never found her. Liz has a connection to both disappearances and is convinced they are linked. But if she's to find this child then she has to keep her head. And with the chance of being removed from the most important case of her life, Liz can't make a mistake. All signs point to a serial kidnapper but when the abductor calls, he'll only deal with Liz. Is this a cruel coincidence or a well-laid trap, planned for decades? Haunted by the last words of her niece, Liz makes a promise to both girls. She'll do whatever it takes to bring them home. Even if it means risking her career. And her life.

The new case is cold. Freezing cold. Until another murder with striking similarities rocks a remote outback town. Detective Liz Moorland is desperate to get out of Melbourne. Away from the aftermath of shocking events surrounding her team and her father. The heat of the red dirt is a welcome distraction. But was this murder done by a copycat or is the original killer still living within the small community? And what is the secret which keeps everyone away from the old church. Almost everyone. There's so much more to this case than Liz expected and she is quickly caught up in the hunt for a killer who is poised to strike again. With a town unwilling to help her, has her longing for solitude put her in the most perilous situation of her life?