The discovery of a corpse on the quiet island of Nantucket forces a retired detective to confront a web of local secrets and past romantic entanglements. Homer Kelly, a former lieutenant-detective, finds himself at the center of a homicide investigation when he encounters a poet kneeling beside the body of a prominent woman. He must navigate the insular social dynamics of the island while untangling the history between the victim, her husband, and the primary witness. The narrative employs a traditional investigative framework, focusing on the logical deduction of motives within a confined geographic setting.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to blend intellectual prose with the conventions of a classic mystery. Discussion often centers on the atmospheric quality of the Nantucket setting, which serves as more than just a backdrop for the crime. Critics note the balance between Homer Kelly's analytical approach and the complex interpersonal relationships of the suspects. The pacing is generally described as deliberate, favoring character development and local color over rapid-fire action sequences. Many readers appreciate the literary allusions woven throughout the narrative, which distinguish this entry from more formulaic entries in the genre.