A parlor game involving a séance at a snowbound house turns into a grim reality when a message predicts a murder that is subsequently discovered. The protagonist, Emily Trefusis, must navigate a web of local suspicion and conflicting testimonies to clear her fiancé's name after he is accused of the crime. She faces the physical isolation of the Devonshire winter and the logical challenge of a locked-room-style mystery where the killer remains hidden among the guests. The narrative utilizes a third-person perspective to shift between the various suspects trapped by the weather, building tension through the contrast between the supernatural parlor game and the cold, hard facts of the investigation.

This novel is widely regarded as one of Agatha Christie's most atmospheric standalone mysteries, praised for its effective use of isolation to heighten the tension among the suspects. Readers often note that the inclusion of occult elements provides a unique flavor that distinguishes it from her more traditional detective stories. The pacing is frequently cited as deliberate, allowing the reader to piece together the clues alongside the characters as the winter storm traps them in the village. It remains a staple for those who enjoy the classic whodunit structure combined with a chilling, claustrophobic setting.