A missing man's suspicious inheritance collection and subsequent disappearance raises questions of murder. Dr. Lancelot Priestley, a crime-solving professor known for his sharp intellect, investigates the death of Ernest Venner's uncle, initially ruled natural causes. However, the uncle's death and Venner's immediate vanishing act after collecting his inheritance prompt Priestley to suspect foul play. The investigation into Venner's disappearance will draw Priestley into perilous territory as he navigates the complexities of this Golden Age mystery.

This Golden Age mystery, featuring the astute Dr. Lancelot Priestley, is characterized by its intricate plotting and scientific approach to detection. The premise sets up a classic whodunit structure, where a seemingly straightforward death masks a more sinister truth, leading the protagonist on a perilous path. The narrative likely emphasizes logical deduction and the unraveling of clues, typical of the genre's appeal. Readers familiar with John Rhode's work can expect a well-constructed puzzle with a satisfying resolution.