Hodgkiss doesn't miss a trick. Three adventures of that cranky, obnoxious, insufferable but remarkably observant and astute senior citizen.

The terminally corrupt Kanundda Council is desperate to prevent the ratepayers from learning the extent of council's huge debt before the looming elections. Threats and stand-over tactics are on the table. But Hogkiss and council's highly desirable CEO, Jan Campbell-Jones, soon see off the plotters.

Hodgkiss and his friend Pat Strong are having dinner with friends of Pat's when Hodgkiss has a close encounter with a bottle thrown from council car park on the other side of a high brick wall. Hodgkiss does not forgive or forget. His investigation turns up a history of hate and murder.

While attending a sitting of the State Parliament Hodgkiss hears one of the government members ask his own leader a particularly embarrassing question. When the member is found murdered Hodgkiss, who accidentally overheard an indiscrete conversation, soon finds himself at the centre of the investigation being conducted by his son-in-law Detective Inspector Donald Burke.