When Max Easterbrook returns to London to find his best friend George Lambert accused of murdering his wife, he must navigate a web of suspicion to prove George's innocence. Max is convinced that George lacks the temperament for such a crime, despite the police's confidence in a motive involving a romantic triangle. He faces the challenge of investigating the victim, Hilda, whose own behavior and personality suggest she may have been a catalyst for her own demise. The narrative unfolds as a classic investigation, focusing on Max's efforts to uncover the truth behind the domestic tragedy.

This work is regarded as a quintessential example of mid-century British detective fiction, noted for its focus on character dynamics rather than mere procedural mechanics. The premise suggests a narrative that prioritizes the psychological profile of the victim and the accused over complex forensic science. Readers often appreciate the author's ability to construct a plausible defense for a seemingly guilty party, maintaining suspense through careful observation. The genre conventions point to a tightly plotted mystery that relies on the protagonist's intuition to dismantle the prosecution's case.