A routine excursion to acquire rare art transforms into a lethal investigation when amateur sleuth Tim Simpson discovers three bodies in the village of Hastings. Accompanied by a curator from the Tate Gallery, Simpson finds his professional interests eclipsed by the necessity of solving a series of murders. The narrative follows his attempts to navigate the insular social dynamics of the village while contending with a killer who remains hidden among the residents. The story utilizes a classic detective framework, focusing on the methodical collection of clues and the interrogation of suspects within a confined, atmospheric setting.

This entry in the Tim Simpson series maintains the established tone of the author's previous works, blending art-world intrigue with traditional village mystery tropes. The narrative relies on the protagonist's specialized knowledge to provide a distinct perspective on the crimes, distinguishing it from standard police procedurals. Readers familiar with the series will recognize the consistent focus on intellectual puzzles and the methodical pace that defines the genre. The book functions as a self-contained mystery that highlights the contrast between the refined world of gallery curation and the grim reality of rural violence.