Detective-Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte investigates the baffling disappearance of a woman from a train traversing the isolated Nullarbor Plain. Tasked with solving a crime that leaves no trace in the vast, unforgiving Australian outback, Bonaparte must navigate the complex social dynamics of the remote town of Chifley. He faces the physical challenge of the harsh desert environment and the logical challenge of a perpetrator who seems to have vanished into the landscape. The narrative follows a traditional investigative framework, emphasizing the protagonist's keen observation and deductive reasoning.

Readers frequently highlight the atmospheric setting as a primary strength of the novel, noting how the Australian landscape functions as a character in its own right. Discussion often centers on the protagonist's unique methodology, which blends conventional police work with traditional tracking techniques. Critics often point to the deliberate pacing, which reflects the slow, methodical nature of the investigation in a vast, empty environment. Many readers appreciate the cultural context provided by the author, which adds depth to the standard mystery format. The work is widely regarded as a significant entry in the series for its vivid portrayal of outback life.