A seemingly accidental death during a pub game of darts triggers a murder investigation when Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn discovers the victim was poisoned. Alleyn must navigate the insular social dynamics of a small English village to identify the killer among the locals. The narrative follows the methodical, observational style characteristic of the Golden Age of detective fiction. As the investigation proceeds, Alleyn faces the challenge of uncovering hidden motives buried beneath the surface of polite rural life.

This work is widely regarded as a quintessential example of the Golden Age detective novel, showcasing the author's skill in blending intricate puzzles with sharp social observation. Readers often highlight the atmospheric depiction of the village setting and the refined, intellectual approach of Inspector Alleyn. The narrative is frequently praised for its clever construction and the way it utilizes the constraints of the classic mystery format to build tension. It remains a staple for those who appreciate the methodical, character-driven investigations that defined the mid-twentieth-century British crime genre.