When Henry receives an anonymous crossword puzzle containing the names of murder victims, he realizes he has been drawn into a lethal game that predicts future crimes. Henry and his wife, Emmy, must navigate the insular world of a writers' organization to uncover the identity of the sender before the final clue manifests as a real-world tragedy. The narrative follows a traditional investigative framework, utilizing the couple's established dynamic to probe the motives of a group obsessed with the mechanics of homicide. As the puzzle pieces align, the stakes escalate, forcing the protagonists to confront a killer who treats death as a literary exercise.

This novel reflects the classic British mystery tradition, emphasizing intellectual puzzle-solving over visceral action. The narrative relies on the established rapport between Henry and Emmy to ground the investigation in a familiar, domestic stability. Readers often appreciate the clever integration of the crossword motif, which serves as both a plot device and a thematic anchor for the story. The pacing suggests a methodical, character-focused approach that aligns with the conventions of mid-century detective fiction, prioritizing the unraveling of secrets within a closed social circle.