Shenanigans at the beach seem a fine idea to Catherine and friends at the height of an Australian summer, however the discovery of a body in the water kicks sand in their plans.

With the town of Ocean Grove in the grips of a by-election, and the police investigation lagging - at least in Detective Britt Houden's eyes - the scene is set for a coastal rollick as Catherine and company overturn various rocks to uncover a killer.

Add in a troupe of seahorse poachers, a ranting eccentric, and some hardened criminals and you have a holiday cocktail of chaos and chips.

There's plenty of time for fun though. After all a woman's entitled to a holiday.