In the drought-stricken Kimberley, where water means the difference between survival and ruin, Special Investigator Odysseus "Odie" Kalaris is called to a sacred waterhole where the body of water project engineer Michael Crawford lies half-submerged, surrounded by poorly staged traditional elements.

What begins as a murder investigation evolves into something far more sinister, revealing connections between ancient underground water systems and generations of deliberate deception. When a second victim—environmental consultant Rebecca Palmer—is found at another sacred site, Odie must navigate both historical water rights disputes and the complex intersection of cultures that define this harsh land.

As powerful interests move to protect century-old water theft, Odie uncovers links between Crawford's modifications to a controversial water project and colonial-era survey manipulation that diverted water from traditional lands. With drought intensifying tensions throughout the region, each revelation tests Odie's tracking abilities and puts his understanding of both his mother's Gija heritage and his father's Greek traditions to the ultimate test.

The vast Kimberley landscape conceals a deliberate deception: water control equals power and prosperity. But in a country where water remembers its true path despite human intervention, some tracks lead to secrets that will kill to stay buried.