It is the eighth of the author's novels to feature his recurring character Detective Inspector Napoleon 'Bony' Bonaparte.
[1] While on his way to McPherson's Station to meet the local Police Sargeant, Bony witnesses a plane bomb the policeman's car, killing him instantly.
The action of the novel takes place at "McPherson's Station", 80 miles northwest of Shaw's Lagoon, South Australia.
[1] A reviewer in The Advertiser wrote of the novel: "Apart from the thrilling story Mr. Upfield conveys with a sure hand the atmosphere of the burning heart of Australia, and writes some really clever sketches of the aborigines and their customs.
Once you put aside the fact that he uses terms that are now forbidden (such as half-caste) you'll find that his views on these matters are perceptive and deeply sympathetic.