Terror and violent death are loose in the Catlins of the South Island. An animal's only reason for killing is food. The Catlin's killer is not an animal, but a monster with another reason to kill. What is that reason? Gloria Stuart's dead body is found in her remote farmhouse in the Clutha Valley; brutally murdered, stabbed to death in a savage attack. In the main bedroom the unconscious form of her husband Angus is found, covered in blood and reeking of alcohol. The jury's verdict is delivered in a short time. Guilty as charged; 'life imprisonment,' said the judge. The one child of this marriage was son Andrew, sixteen years old and in his first year of extended study at University. Since the cradle father and son had been at odds with each other and on many occasions Angus had invited Andrew to leave home. 'Don't come back, ever.' With the death of his mother Andrew had more reason to hate his father. He broke from school and travelled the world. Angus serves fourteen years of a life sentence before being freed. He returns to his home, the scene of the crime where a week later he is found hanging dead in the hallway. A note to his son begs for forgiveness. Andrew's love for his mother was unequalled. He returns with bitterness in his heart unable to forgive. His purpose is to claim his heritage and sell the land with its derelict home, but he is puzzled by the fact someone has been tending his mother's grave. Andrew finds death and fear stalk the valley.