Secret City

When the gutted body of a young man washes up on the lakeshore, political journalist Harriet Dunkley suspects a conspiracy. Whatever the cost, she is determined to unravel the reason behind the grisly murder.

Harriet continues to question people in pursuit of her story, but the consequences are deadly. An interviewed witness is found dead and another is missing. Harriet begins to realise that powerful people may be involved in the conspiracy.

Another murder leaves Harriet shattered and angry. Meanwhile, Australian intelligence is determined to shut down Harriet's story, but a new clue draws her closer to the truth.

A sophisticated cyber attack badly cripples Australia's air traffic control for 13 minutes. Harriet investigates and discovers that the evidence points to China.

Determined to become the hunter and not the prey, Harriet convinces ASIO agent Charles Dancer to pursue her attacker, all the while investigating how a Chinese assassin can work in Australia with impunity.

Harriet's story is released, blackmailing Beijing to return Sabine Hobbs to Canberra, but the connections between the murder and Australian intelligence remains a mystery.