Fifty years ago, Clement Ford first appeared on Clare Island, a remote community off the west coast of Ireland. Now, well into his old age, he still retains the physical stature and quiet authority that earned him the nickname "Sea Wolf." Ford has always lived a simple life, but rumors abound that he is fabulously wealthy, and the anonymous source of the "Clare Island Trust," the philanthropic fund that has done so much to improve the lot of the islanders. One night a schooner pulls into harbor carrying a figure from Clement Ford's past, and the tranquil life of the island is shattered. By morning, three people are dead, Clement Ford is missing, and Chief Superintendent Peter McGarr is on the case. Accompanying him in his investigations are his young cerebral wife, Noreen, and his trusted lieutenants from the Murder Squad - the gregarious Bernie McKeon, the ladies' man Hughie Ward, and the formidable Ruth Bresnahan. When McGarr starts to piece together what happened that night, he is left only with questions. Who is Clement Ford? What does he have that is worth killing so many people for? And who is doing the killing? Before the Chief Inspector has any answers, Ford and his dangerous visitor surface, and it is all McGarr can do to stay alive in the violent climax of a drama that began half a century ago.