The discovery of the President of St. Anthony's College, dead within his locked quarters, initiates a complex investigation into the insular world of academic life. Inspector John Appleby arrives at the college to navigate a closed circle of suspects, as the physical constraints of the locked Orchard Ground limit the pool of potential perpetrators to the college Fellows. The narrative follows a traditional procedural framework, emphasizing the logical deduction required to untangle the web of motives hidden behind the veneer of scholarly decorum. Appleby must contend with the intellectual arrogance and social hierarchies of the faculty to identify the killer before the scandal destroys the institution.

Readers frequently highlight the dense, erudite prose that characterizes this early entry in the Appleby series. Discussion often centers on the intricate puzzle construction, which relies heavily on the specific geography of the college grounds. Critics note that the narrative prioritizes intellectual rigor and atmosphere over rapid-fire action sequences. The balance of character development remains focused on the suspects' academic personas, providing a distinct flavor to the mystery. Many appreciate the author's ability to maintain a sense of tension within the rigid social structures of the university setting.