A struggling actor accepts a high-stakes impersonation scheme that forces him into a secluded, alcohol-free monastery to secure a massive inheritance. George Gadberry, an out-of-work performer, finds himself entangled in a deceptive plot orchestrated by the wealthy Nicholas Comberford. The narrative follows Gadberry as he navigates the rigid, pious environment of a Cistercian monastery while maintaining his false identity. The story relies on the tension between Gadberry's performative nature and the austere, watchful eyes of the monastic community, creating a framework of social satire and suspense.

Readers frequently highlight the sharp, dry wit that characterizes Innes's prose throughout this narrative. Discussion often centers on the cleverness of the central premise and how effectively the author balances comedic elements with the underlying mystery. Critics often note the author's ability to construct intricate scenarios that test the protagonist's resolve in unusual environments. The pacing is generally described as deliberate, favoring character-driven humor over rapid-fire action sequences. Many readers appreciate the stylistic nuances that define this work as a quintessential example of mid-century British crime fiction.