The body of Giles, an eccentric monster hunter, is recovered from the sea. He bears injuries oddly suggestive of the legendary creature he's spent years chasing: the Lusca. The ever-rational Mervin Wilson dismisses the idea that there are supernatural elements to this case. But if this mythic beast from local folklore didn't kill Giles – who, or what, did?
Meanwhile, Mervin's life is turned upside down by the presence of his mischievous niece, Eloise. But he has a difficult decision to make about whether to break some unwelcome news to the youngster about the father she clearly loves.
