When journalist Bob Slater is killed while researching the history of Deathwater, a grand Brisbane house with a dark reputation, children's author Micky Douglas is asked to complete the investigation. As he delves into the history of the Forest family and the generations of violent deaths associated with the estate, he uncovers a web of long-buried secrets, hidden motives, and dangerous truths. Set against the backdrop of Brisbane's colonial past, the novel combines a classic whodunit with a gothic family mystery, making it an appealing choice for readers who enjoy atmospheric crime fiction where the past refuses to stay buried.