Steve Polson is the beleaguered owner/manager of a construction company in the town of Tumanako in the central North Island of New Zealand. His company, the major employer in the district, is battling a saboteur who is endangering the health of the community. Bethany Callendar, the town's mayor, has declared war against a scourge of illegal drugs which has enveloped her son Rob. Felicity Spratt, reporter, is probing the district's drugs scene. Simon Hurley is the dedicated leader of an environmental group which is striving to raise awareness of climate change amidst hostility and apathy. 'The town that couldn't trust' explores the issue of destructive forces within the individual, within society, and within the world. There are secrets that threaten to tear relationships apart. A series of disturbing events proceed to crises when people must examine their lives to move forward.

Despite the serious topical issues, the novel is shot through with humour and is not heavy reading. The natural world is celebrated and the reader comes away with a deeper appreciation for the environment.