When the eccentric and impoverished Lamprey family finds their patriarch, Uncle Gabriel, dead under suspicious circumstances, Chief Detective Inspector Roderick Alleyn must navigate their elaborate social charades to uncover the truth. The Lampreys are a clan defined by their lack of funds and their abundance of theatrical personality, often using complex games to entertain their guests. Alleyn enters this chaotic household to strip away the artifice and identify which family member had the motive and means to commit murder. The narrative follows the classic procedural framework, utilizing Alleyn’s keen observation to contrast the family's performative nature with the cold reality of a crime scene.

This work is widely regarded as a quintessential example of the Golden Age detective novel, celebrated for its sharp wit and intricate plotting. Readers often highlight the Lamprey family as one of the most memorable and eccentric ensembles in the genre, providing a vibrant backdrop for Alleyn's investigation. The narrative style reflects the author's background in theater, with the family's games serving as a clever metaphor for the deception inherent in the mystery. Critics frequently point to the balance between the lighthearted domestic atmosphere and the gravity of the central crime as a hallmark of the series. The book remains a staple for those who appreciate the intersection of character-driven comedy and traditional puzzle-solving.