The sudden poisoning of the patriarch Judge Quayle at his secluded Pennsylvania estate triggers a series of lethal events that ensnare his dysfunctional family. Jeff Marle, a visitor to the Quayle mansion, finds himself thrust into a volatile environment where deep-seated animosity among household members creates a surplus of suspects. As multiple attempts on lives occur and mysterious figures haunt the corridors, Marle and his associate Rossiter must navigate a web of deception and macabre legends to identify the killer. The narrative unfolds through a traditional investigative framework, emphasizing the logical deconstruction of a closed-circle mystery.

Readers frequently highlight the atmospheric tension created by the isolated mansion setting and the inclusion of eerie, supernatural-leaning motifs. Discussion often centers on the intricate plotting characteristic of the author's early work, specifically the balance between the macabre tone and the mechanical puzzle of the murders. Critics often note the presence of Jeff Marle as a secondary observer, which provides a grounded perspective against the more theatrical elements of the Quayle household. Many enthusiasts of the genre appreciate the way the narrative utilizes classic tropes to build a complex, multi-layered mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the final revelation.