How far would you go to conceal a murderous legacy? 

In the early nineties, Australia is scandalised when artist James Montague Ballantyne confesses to killing eight people and using their remains in his paintings. The nation becomes obsessed with ‘The Canvas Killings’, and rumours persist of undiscovered artworks and more victims. 

His wife and child must flee the media frenzy with new identities. And after covering the trial, celebrity reporter Zelda Munro-Fischer builds on her reputation by publicly adopting the daughter of a possible victim. 

Thirty years later, Ballantyne’s son Sam Reed has forged a successful life: loving husband and family man, pendable teacher, and all-round nice guy. The only crack in this façade is his son’s inherited artistic talent. 

But Sam knows how to deal with problems. Until he steps in to prevent a robbery and is thrust into the spotlight. Zelda’s adopted daughter Tamsin, now also a journalist, notices Sam’s uncanny resemblance to Ballantyne. Believing him to be her only lead to the missing artworks and the fate of her real mother, she begins a dogged pursuit. 

Threatened, Sam’s increasingly erratic behaviour raises eyebrows. His friend Aiden Voss is puzzled; wife Meg is worried; and his in-laws are alarmed that Sam’s fifteen minutes of fame may trigger the return of the formidable Alice Neubold, the only person who can verify the existence of one of the paintings and their connection to it. 

Aiden and Tamsin combine forces but as their investigation gains traction, it becomes apparent it’s not just Sam with skin in this game. Aiden will need to call on all his skills and resources to protect the ones he loves. 

As the body count climbs, the fallout from ‘The Canvas Killings’ threatens to taint a new generation.