Set against the background of Victoria's Royal Commission into child abuse, Priests, Prostitutes & Pirates drops the reader into intrigue, searching for answers.
Voss finding himself branded a paedophile through his association with Father John is bad enough, but being warned off by the Favaloro bothers and unsure of why Father John is calling himself Gunter has every little detective fibre in him twitching, asking questions. However, it's his old mentor shunning him that is making him cranky and then the Favaloro brothers warning him off at knifepoint has Voss wanting answers. Port Fairy is not co-operating. Suspecting the local copper of being vague, on the take, or lazy, Voss calls on the young officer's boss easily warming to him, but the familiarity doesn't last. His suspicions grow when an off-handed comment from one of the Favaloro brothers hints the policeman may not be all he professes to be.
However, it's his old mentor Gunter's attitude Voss is finding difficult to understand. Father John's fear of drowning had always been stuff of legend when they were kids, and being turned away by the only man who ever treated him with understanding hurt. Out of character.
Ignoring warnings from the Favaloros who Voss is convinced are behind his being run down in the street, just adds to making him hell bent on discovering if Father John is a paedophile as accused. If not they have much to fear as he goes about helping his old mentor restore his dignity.
Uncovering lie upon lie, he learns about the sinking of rock lobster vessel, "Lucks Lady," and the drowning of deckhand Doug Symes.
