When a notoriously difficult mezzo-soprano is murdered within a struggling Manchester opera company, the local police find themselves overwhelmed by a surplus of suspects who all possessed clear motives for the crime. The investigation centers on the volatile dynamics of the troupe, where professional jealousy and personal animosity create a dense web of potential culprits. The narrative, delivered with a sharp, observant tone, follows the detectives as they navigate the eccentricities of the performers to uncover the truth. The story relies on a classic whodunit framework, utilizing the insular world of the theater to heighten the tension and obscure the identity of the killer.

Robert Barnard is widely recognized for his ability to blend traditional mystery structures with biting social satire and dry wit. The premise suggests a narrative that prioritizes character study and atmospheric tension over mere procedural mechanics. Readers likely find the opera setting provides a fertile ground for the author to explore themes of ambition and petty rivalry. The inclusion of unexpected plot developments ensures that the resolution remains elusive until the final pages of the text.