When Will Grafton is transported from England to Van Diemen's Land for forgery, he expects to spend seven years toiling in a chain gang or locked up in a dark cell. But on arrival in Hobart Town, he is offered a deal by the district magistrate. He can become a convict constable in exchange for an early Ticket of Leave. As a convict constable, Will's long days consist of escorting prisoners to and from work sites, breaking up brawls, and arresting drunks. But when a convict maid is wrongly accused of stealing, Will is determined to track down the real thief. In doing so, he discovers an aptitude for detecting, which leads to him working on more cases - including theft, blackmail, armed robbery and murder.