The discovery of a hanged man who died from other causes triggers a complex investigation into the secrets hidden within a secluded research facility. When Dr. Charles Gair is found dead in his home, the initial assumption of suicide is quickly dismantled by the presence of a second, mummified corpse. The protagonist must navigate a web of professional rivalries and personal deceptions to identify the killer before the culprit strikes again. The narrative employs a traditional third-person perspective, focusing on the methodical unraveling of a locked-room style puzzle within a confined social circle.

Elizabeth Ferrars is frequently noted for her adherence to the structural rigor and intellectual puzzle-solving characteristic of the Golden Age of detective fiction. The work is often compared to the style of Agatha Christie, emphasizing logical deduction and the careful observation of human behavior within a confined milieu. Readers typically appreciate the author's ability to maintain suspense through the precise layering of clues rather than relying on overt action. The narrative is regarded as a quintessential example of the British mystery tradition, appealing to those who favor cerebral challenges and well-constructed, methodical investigations.