The discovery of a corpse in a muddy drain following a high-society treasure hunt forces Superintendent Roderick Alleyn to untangle a web of resentment among the residents of a shared country estate. The investigation centers on the strained relationship between Percival Pyke Period and Harry Cartell, two men whose domestic friction reaches a lethal conclusion. Alleyn must navigate the social nuances of the English countryside while identifying which suspect utilized a missing pair of gloves to conceal their identity during the crime. The narrative follows a traditional procedural structure, focusing on the meticulous collection of clues and the interrogation of a closed circle of suspects.

This novel represents a quintessential example of the classic British detective story, showcasing the author's ability to blend social comedy with a rigorous puzzle. The work is noted for its sharp character observations and the methodical, intellectual approach of Superintendent Alleyn. Readers often appreciate the atmospheric depiction of the English country house, which serves as both a setting and a catalyst for the central conflict. The narrative pacing remains steady, prioritizing the logical deconstruction of the crime over high-octane action sequences.