The sudden death of a guest at a newly opened country inn forces Susan Gardiner to confront a lethal mystery involving her own cousin. Susan, having inherited the property and transformed it into a gourmet eatery, finds her professional success overshadowed by a suspicious poisoning. As she navigates her growing attraction to her cousin James, the arrival of Chief Inspector Henry Tibbett shifts the narrative into a formal investigation. The story unfolds through a classic mystery framework, balancing the domestic atmosphere of the inn with the methodical scrutiny of a seasoned investigator.

Patricia Moyes is widely recognized for her ability to blend lighthearted social observation with the rigors of a traditional police procedural. This entry in the Henry Tibbett series is noted for its clever use of the country inn setting to heighten the tension between the characters. Readers typically appreciate the author's dry wit and the intricate, puzzle-like nature of the poisoning mystery. The narrative maintains a consistent tone that balances the charm of the locale with the gravity of the investigation, ensuring that the stakes remain high for the protagonist.