When a musician dies under suspicious circumstances during a performance, Inspector Roderick Alleyn must untangle a web of professional jealousy and hidden motives. Alleyn navigates the insular world of a jazz band, where the victim's abrasive personality and complex personal history provide a surplus of suspects. The narrative follows the methodical investigation of the crime scene and the subsequent interrogation of the band members, who are bound by both their music and their secrets. Marsh employs a third-person perspective that balances the clinical precision of police procedure with the social dynamics of the suspects, ensuring the reader remains as informed as the detective throughout the inquiry.

Ngaio Marsh is widely regarded as one of the four original Queens of Crime, and this entry in the Roderick Alleyn series exemplifies her signature blend of theatrical flair and logical deduction. The novel is noted for its atmospheric portrayal of the jazz scene, which serves as a vibrant backdrop to the central mystery. Readers typically appreciate the intricate plotting and the sharp character studies that define Marsh's approach to the genre. The work remains a staple for enthusiasts of Golden Age detective fiction who value both intellectual rigor and stylistic elegance in their mysteries.