Jane Halifax, forensic psychiatrist, facing a gruelling cross-examination at a murder trial, is contacted by ex-boyfriend, Owen Tozer, ( Andrew McFarlane ), also a psychiatrist. He has been having an affair with a patient, Cori Neal ( Sophie Lee ) and seeks Jane's assistance. Owen's own mental state takes a downward spiral when a pregnant Cori is murdered in a hit-and-run accident. To make matters worse, the car involved belongs to Owen. With the police hunting Owen as their prime suspect, Jane is torn between working within the law and helping her ex.

Rogue cop, Jonah Cole, ( Steve Bisley ), from Sydney comes to town on the hunt for the 'Make-up Killer'. This is a high profile case where the police are under pressure from politicans and the media to get a result. Calling on Jane Halifax to provide a profile of the serial killer, Jane and Jonah initially lock horns in their attempt to catch the culprit. With his acute sense of smell, Jonah recognises a familiar scent that links all the victims. Abrasive and eccentric in his approach, Jonah's obsession to find the killer wins him no friends, but Jane proves to be equally skilled as his work-mate in this deadly and dangerous pursuit.