A seemingly harmless prank involving an excess of alarm clocks spirals into a lethal conspiracy that forces a group of young socialites to uncover the truth behind a secret society. When a young man dies under suspicious circumstances after a weekend party, his friends begin to investigate the events leading to his demise. They find themselves entangled in a web of international intrigue, facing dangerous adversaries who operate from the shadows. The narrative utilizes a third-person perspective, blending lighthearted social banter with the high-stakes tension of a classic espionage thriller.

This novel is widely recognized as a quintessential example of Agatha Christie's early work, showcasing her ability to blend traditional whodunit tropes with the burgeoning genre of the spy thriller. Readers often note the shift in tone from the playful, youthful energy of the protagonists to the darker, more calculated nature of the criminal conspiracy. The presence of Superintendent Battle provides a grounded, methodical counterpoint to the more impulsive actions of the younger characters. The work is frequently cited for its brisk pacing and the clever construction of its central puzzle, which remains a staple of the author's extensive bibliography.