Inspector John Appleby faces a series of bizarre, seemingly supernatural occurrences that threaten to destabilize his rational approach to criminal investigation. Tasked with navigating a landscape of eccentric disappearances—ranging from a schoolgirl to an entire house—Appleby must decipher a web of clues that defy conventional logic. He encounters a high-spirited conspiracy that spans from the jungles of South America to the streets of London. The narrative follows Appleby as he attempts to apply his analytical rigor to a case that appears to be orchestrated by an adversary with an affinity for the absurd and the occult. The prose maintains a detached, intellectual tone characteristic of the golden age of detective fiction.

Readers often note that this work exemplifies the author's penchant for literary wit and complex, puzzle-like plotting. Discussion frequently centers on the balance between the surreal nature of the crimes and the grounded, methodical presence of Inspector Appleby. Critics highlight the author's ability to maintain a sophisticated atmosphere while incorporating elements of farce and high-concept mystery. Many readers appreciate the intellectual challenge presented by the narrative, though some find the rapid shifts in location and tone to be demanding. The book is widely regarded as a distinct entry in the series that tests the limits of the traditional detective framework.