Tambalin Valley, remote in the mountain country of New South Wales, was the haunt of lyrebirds fascinating because of their dancing and wonderful mimicry. The valley was also the home of quiet farming folk who loved the good life. But, beneath the peaceful surface, dangerous men and women played a desperate game, and, when schoolteacher Harry Austin found his life in peril, he appealed to his long-estranged brother, Mike, for help.