When a contestant in a popular TV game show is electrocuted in his dressing room, Blake, in one of his more unusual cases, suspects foul play. Superintendent Lawson and the show's sponsor Patrick Tyneman - Blake's habitual adversary - both suspect the victim's opponent on the show, Simon Lo. Simon is certainly a difficult character, but Blake is convinced that part of the suspicion may be caused by prejudice, and sets out to make more detailed enquiries.

Ballarat Hospital's only female doctor is found hanged at the hospital in an apparent suicide. If Blake can prove it isn't suicide there are several potential suspects, not least the hospital's untrustworthy chief surgeon Geoffrey Nicholson, a close friend of town bigwig Patrick Tyneman. Blake's antipathy towards both leads him to some seemingly obvious conclusions - but has he gone too far this time? Meanwhile, a telegram arrives for Blake with some news about his family.