When DS Theo Fleming is called back from leave to attend a crime scene, he has reservations. The victim is a geologist who had been researching long-disused copper mines on land whose title is disputed by local Māori. Given the complexity of tribal politics and distrust of the police, Theo's local knowledge may not be an advantage. He engages his scientist friend, Caspian, to help with the police inquiry. Theo’s superior in the CIB is convinced that this crime is the fallout of a gangland dispute over drugs or retribution for violations of Māori burial sites. Theo and Caspian’s probings reveal an altogether more sinister scenario, one in which the sins of the father cast a long shadow.