A seemingly innocuous game of darts in a quiet English pub turns fatal when a player collapses, revealing a calculated murder hidden behind the facade of an accident. Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn arrives to investigate the death, quickly determining that the victim was poisoned with prussic acid rather than felled by the game itself. Alleyn must navigate the insular social dynamics of the village and the suspicious behavior of the pub's patrons to identify the killer. The narrative follows the classic procedural framework of the Golden Age, focusing on the meticulous gathering of clues and the interrogation of a closed circle of suspects.

Ngaio Marsh is widely regarded as one of the four original Queens of Crime, and this entry is frequently cited for its clever integration of forensic science into the traditional village mystery. Readers often note the sharp, witty dialogue and the atmospheric rendering of the pub setting, which serves as a claustrophobic stage for the crime. The procedural elements are balanced by Marsh's keen observation of character, ensuring that the suspects feel like distinct individuals rather than mere plot devices. The novel maintains a steady, deliberate pace that rewards careful attention to the clues Alleyn uncovers throughout his investigation. It remains a staple for those who appreciate the intellectual rigor of mid-century detective fiction.