Detective-Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte arrives in the remote Australian outback to solve the mystery of a stolen airplane found abandoned with a drugged, paralyzed woman on board. Bonaparte, a man of mixed European and Aboriginal heritage, utilizes his unique observational skills and deep knowledge of the land to track the perpetrators. He faces the harsh, unforgiving environment of the Diamantina region, which serves as both a physical barrier and a tactical challenge. The narrative follows a traditional investigative framework, focusing on the methodical collection of clues and the interrogation of local inhabitants.

Readers frequently highlight the atmospheric depiction of the Australian landscape as a central element of the narrative. Discussion often centers on the unique perspective of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose methods blend traditional police work with indigenous tracking techniques. Critics often note the pacing is deliberate, favoring slow-burn investigation over rapid action sequences. The work is recognized for its historical significance in the development of the Australian crime genre and its detailed portrayal of regional life during the mid-twentieth century.