One of Ballarat Hospital's most prominent surgeons is found dead on his own operating table. Investigating, Blake is drawn into a web of jealousy and sexual intrigue. Meanwhile, as Chief Superintendent Munro's enmity towards Blake continues, an old ally of Blake's returns from Melbourne.

Patrick Tyneman's son Edward, freshly out of jail, is arrested again for the murder of a freemason. Everyone suspects Edward, but Blake puts aside his former rivalry with the Tynemans and, with help from his former police colleague Doug Lawson, tries to get inside the masonic lodge to investigate more closely.