Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte faces a series of baffling murders in the isolated mining town of Broken Hill, where the victims are all bachelors. Bonaparte must navigate the insular social dynamics of the mining community and the harsh Australian outback environment to identify a killer who leaves no obvious trail. He relies on his unique tracking skills and psychological intuition to outmaneuver a perpetrator who seems to understand the local terrain better than anyone else. The narrative follows a classic investigative structure, emphasizing the methodical gathering of clues and the slow unraveling of local secrets.

This work is widely regarded as a quintessential example of Arthur Upfield's ability to blend traditional mystery tropes with the unique atmosphere of the Australian outback. Readers often note the meticulous attention to detail regarding the geography and social customs of the mining region. The character of Napoleon Bonaparte is frequently cited for his intellectual depth and his unconventional methods that distinguish him from contemporary detectives of the era. The narrative structure provides a clear, logical progression that satisfies the requirements of the genre while offering a distinct sense of place. The book remains a significant entry in the Boney series, reflecting the author's deep familiarity with the Australian landscape.