Detective Murdoch investigates the death of Peter Farrelly who had a loud altercation with someone the night before his body was found. Dr. Grace determines he was beaten to death. She also found chloral hydrate in his system - a bottle of which they found in the victim's luggage. They believe both the victim and his killer are from Newfoundland and so Murdoch and Crabtree head off to St. John's in the hopes of finding the suspected killer Ezekiel Farrelly. Crabtree was actually raised in St. John's by several aunts who, it turns out, have an interesting occupation. The solution to murder lies with finding an old pirate treasure map.

Murdoch's investigation of a constable's murder is hampered by interference from Brackenreid's over-zealous replacement.