AustLit

'A deserted picnic ground. The killer, horrified and frozen with indecision, falls asleep at the scene until he mistakes a firetruck for authorities and bolts. Kate wakes from a dream holiday to discover her husband Matt is leaving for a younger woman, Bridie. Matt shares his initial joy with his friends; Paul, a womaniser; Lewis, a computer nerd struggling with relationships and Jason, a professional family man married to Angela, who travels interstate regularly on business. But not all is as it seems. Paul keeps a childhood secret of drowning his schoolmate Aaron's younger brother, and attempts to seduce Kate. He runs into Aaron, who confronts him. Jason meets Julie whilst away and begins an affair. Julie idolises him and tracks his movements. Jason flies to WA where he is revealed as Will who runs a profitable drug business with his brother. In Sydney, a couple's marriage is souring. Ryan works shifts on a rig in WA, but his wife Indio learns he travels elsewhere. She discovers a large stash of money and two passports in their apartment. When Jason returns home, his son is injured, Indio investigates him and Julie pursues him. Lewis takes Julie to his apartment intoxicated and she wakes alongside, aghast. Later, picnickers find her body in a local park. Police do door-to-door checks and Paul deflects the enquiries onto his mates. Jason makes a sudden return interstate and when Angela phones, Ryan receives it and his true identity as Will is learned. Bridie wounds Paul whilst fighting with Matt, and Aaron reluctantly provides medical assistance. Indio confronts her husband at a restaurant. She accuses Angela and she and Jason are taken into custody, where the police reveal they have Jason's full history of false identities, drugs and bigamy. They suspect murder too until Lewis confesses.' (Publication summary)