When a high-profile theatrical production at the newly restored Dolphin Theatre is marred by a calculated murder, Inspector Roderick Alleyn must navigate the volatile egos of the London stage to identify the killer. The protagonist, Inspector Alleyn, operates within the insular and performative world of the theater, where every suspect is an actor and every motive is obscured by artifice. He faces the challenge of dissecting a crime committed in plain sight during a performance, requiring him to peel back layers of professional rivalry and personal secrets. The narrative follows a traditional investigative framework, utilizing Alleyn's methodical, observational approach to contrast with the dramatic flair of the theatrical environment.

Ngaio Marsh is widely regarded as one of the four queens of crime, and this work is frequently cited as a prime example of her ability to blend theatrical artifice with the rigors of a police procedural. Readers often highlight the authenticity of the backstage setting, noting that Marsh’s own background in theater provides a unique depth to the character dynamics. The novel is praised for its clever construction and the sophisticated, gentlemanly demeanor of Inspector Alleyn, which serves as a steady anchor amidst the dramatic chaos. Critics and fans alike appreciate the way the mystery unfolds, maintaining a balance between the intellectual challenge of the whodunit and the colorful, often eccentric personalities of the theatrical troupe.