When local farmer, Stoop Taylor, is found dead, Station Sergeant Barlow has the sinking feeling his comfortable life is about to be turned upside down. While local hoods, the Dunlops, are stealing cattle to order, a traumatised German soldier escapes and roams the countryside. Barlow's personal problems multiply as well. He falls in love with another woman, his schizophrenic wife turns violent, his daughter is growing up too fast and the new Inspector wants him demoted. The Station Sergeant faces a battle to find a killer and save his career.
