Publisher's Synopsis
This story takes place in Surfer's Paradise during the 1999 property downturn. As a consequence, the finances of a young property developer, David Hudson, are placed in jeopardy.
In a desperate bid to prevent his going bankrupt, he willingly accepts the help of Geoff Simons, a brilliant but shady accountant. David Hudson, desperate to maintain his luxury lifestyle, is forced to resort to lies and fraudulent practices. To achieve his goals, he wantonly uses women and heartlessly casts them aside.
Meanwhile, Richard Mathews is overseas on business. A good friend, Maureen Blake, who is employed as his personal assistant and a senior woman executive, is left in charge of his construction company. Unsuspectingly, while opening the company mail, she reads an incriminating anonymous letter. The slanderous contents of the letter claim Karen Mathews, her employer's wife, is having an affair with a property developer named David Hudson.
Convinced the letter was sent by a troublemaker, she decides, prior to Richard's return from overseas, that she needs to disprove the allegation against his wife. To achieve this goal on his behalf, she hires the services of Noel Wilson, an experienced private investigator. During their quest to prove Karen's innocence, Maureen Blake and Noel Wilson become romantically involved.
While following up various leads, Noel and Maureen uncover some disturbing information about David Hudson. Unintentionally, their revelations bring grief and misfortune to several of Maureen's close associates.
At all costs no matter who suffers, even if it constitutes committing the ultimate crime, murder? David Hudson's one obsession is self-preservation. Exposed by a series of contrived anonymous letters, David Hudson devises a plan to have Noel Wilson killed.
Convinced David Hudson is to blame for other tragedies, including the attempt on Noel's life, Maureen and her enraged group of friends unite against him, vowing to stop at nothing until David Hudson is punished and justice is served.