When a prominent Cambridge gardener is found dead, Chief Inspector Baxter must determine if the death was a genuine suicide or a calculated homicide. Baxter navigates the social circles of Cambridge, uncovering hidden personal failings and long-buried secrets among the potential suspects. His investigation is complicated by his own daughter, Emma, whose involvement provides an unexpected perspective on the case. The narrative follows a traditional procedural structure, focusing on the methodical collection of evidence and the interrogation of those closest to the deceased.

This work fits firmly within the tradition of the British cozy mystery, emphasizing character-driven investigation over high-octane action. The narrative relies on the interplay between the insular world of Cambridge academia and the personal lives of the investigators. Readers likely appreciate the focus on domestic details and the slow, deliberate accumulation of clues that lead to the final revelation. The inclusion of the inspector's daughter as a plot device adds a layer of personal stakes that distinguishes the story from more clinical police procedurals.