A series of murders in a quiet English village forces an eccentric academic to navigate a complex web of local suspects and chaotic interference. Professor Gervase Fen finds himself entangled in a sequence of gruesome crimes that disrupt the tranquility of a rural community. While he eventually assumes the role of the primary investigator, he initially operates as an accessory to the events, complicating the efforts of the local police. The narrative follows a traditional mystery structure, utilizing a third-person perspective to track the movements of various villagers, including a rector and a major, who attempt to solve the case themselves. The world is defined by its rigid social hierarchies and the absurdity of the escalating, high-stakes pursuit that concludes the investigation.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to balance a traditional whodunit structure with a distinct sense of absurdity and humor. Discussion often centers on the chaotic, high-energy climax, which many find to be a signature element of the series. Critics note that the prose remains sharp and intellectually demanding, requiring close attention to detail to keep pace with the plot. The characterization of Gervase Fen is often praised for its consistency and wit, providing a stable anchor amidst the surrounding narrative mayhem. Fans of the genre appreciate the book for its clever construction and its refusal to take the conventions of the detective story too seriously.