On the eve of the Deadloch Winter Feastival, the body of local football club coach Trent Latham is found on the beach. Local Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins takes charge but soon Detective Eddie Redcliffe arrives from Darwin to lead the investigation causing friction.

In an effort to link a previously unsolved passing, Dulcie exhumes the former mayor's body and raises the ire of the community. The boat of Sam O'Dwyer, who disappeared years ago, is set on fire, while Eddie chases a hooded figure through the bush.

As the Deadloch Feastival program continues despite two cuddles, the body of another suspect is found on the shore of the lake. Despite the victim being dead for five years, Dulcie suspects that it's linked.

While Dulcie and Cath's relationship hits a very rough patch, new suspects are named and dismissed, but it's Eddie's slip up at a press conference that really makes an impact

In the aftermath of Eddie's press conference, Deadloch is in a state of panic and the hugger strikes again; taking the count up to five. Eddie and Dulcie jump from suspect to suspect as relationships crumble around them.

When the most compelling suspect ends up being a close friend of Dulcie's - it creates conflict in multiple relationships. Meanwhile the evidence is piling up, and more bodies are emerging.

Men start fleeing the town as more bodies are recovered and a shocking pact is revealed.

The hugger's spree continues and with all the town's men in danger Commissioner Hastings is chasing the wrong lead. Dulcie, Eddie, Sven and Abby continue to investigate the cuddles in secret, and they finally work out who the hugger is.