The sudden death of Sir George Simney at his family estate, Hazlewood Hall, triggers a complex investigation into a history of family secrets. Nicolette Simney, the widow of the deceased, and Harold, a novice CID officer, serve as the primary narrators for this investigation. They must navigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding Sir George’s death, including his habit of sleeping with a shotgun, while contending with the social pressures and hidden motives of the Simney family. The narrative framework utilizes a dual-perspective approach to reconstruct the events leading up to the discovery of the body in the library.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to balance the atmospheric setting of a traditional country house with the procedural elements of a police investigation. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the dual-narrative structure, which provides contrasting viewpoints on the Simney family's dubious history. Critics often note the author's precise prose style and his focus on the intellectual puzzle presented by the crime. The pacing is generally described as deliberate, allowing for character development to unfold alongside the mystery. Many readers appreciate the way the narrative avoids sensationalism in favor of a methodical examination of the suspects and their motives.