Sir John Appleby must navigate a web of familial deceit and past criminal associations after the sudden murder of a wealthy patriarch at his estate. Upon arriving at Elvedon House, Appleby and Colonel Pride encounter a crime scene that immediately implicates the victim's inner circle. The narrative follows Appleby as he interrogates a cast of suspects, including a young widow, a suspicious art dealer, and a returning prodigal son. The investigation unfolds through a traditional detective framework, emphasizing logical deduction and the examination of past events to solve the current homicide.

Readers frequently highlight the author's sophisticated prose and his ability to construct intricate puzzles that require careful attention to detail. Discussion often centers on the interplay between the detective's sharp intellect and the eccentric personalities of the suspects involved. Critics often note the balance between the formal investigation and the social commentary embedded within the country house setting. The pacing is generally described as methodical, favoring character observation and verbal sparring over physical action sequences.