The bluebird of happiness has stopped warbling and Jack's life has hit a new low. His body broken from too many beatings, Linda has left him, the racing world is in turmoil, his local - the Prince of Prussia - may never be the same again, and Jack has returned to the law in the form of mundane conveyancing. That is, until he learns of foreign students at a disreputable private college dying in bizarre circumstances. After Eddie, a Chinese courier who was supposed to deliver a package for Jack three years ago, shows up dead, Jack can't help but get involved. Following the trail of Eddie's last movements, Jack discovers Eddie's friend, an Indian student named Lakshmi, committed suicide shortly before Eddie disappeared. They studied together at a private college where the facilities and level of education leave much to be desired. Digging deeper, Jack encounters the psychiatrist Lakshmi saw before her tragic death, Dr Rory Finch. As they both work to discover the truth behind the two deaths, a relationship brews between Jack and Rory. Jack's investigation unfolds an intricate web of lies leading all the way to India and back again, where he enlists Linda's help, still working overseas as a journalist and living with Orton. But every step Jack takes towards the truth threatens his world and his friends - from Harry and Cam in the racing game, to cabinetmaker Charlie Taub's granddaughter, Gus, to the Prince of Prussia run by Stan and his regular clientele, the Fitzroy Youth Club. Jack must keep his wits about him, or this quest for the truth may be his last.