When a local cleaning lady is accused of murdering her husband in a quiet Swiss village, a widowed sculptress finds herself at the center of a criminal investigation that threatens to unravel the community's facade. Jane, seeking solace in Switzerland after her husband's death, becomes entangled in the legal proceedings when her own observations become critical evidence for the prosecution. Distressed by the accusation against her employee, she turns to her long-time friends, Henry and Emmy Tibbett, to help uncover the truth. The narrative follows the Tibbetts as they navigate the social strata of the village, from local shopkeepers to affluent celebrities, to identify the real culprit behind the crime.

This novel is regarded as a quintessential example of the mid-century British mystery, noted for its focus on character dynamics and setting. The narrative relies on the established rapport between the Tibbetts and the reader, providing a sense of familiarity within the unfolding investigation. The alpine backdrop serves as more than a mere location, influencing the isolation and social pressures that define the suspects. Readers often appreciate the balance between the procedural elements of the crime and the personal stakes for the protagonist, Jane. The work reflects the author's ability to craft intricate puzzles within contained, atmospheric environments.