A charity piano recital in a quiet village turns into a crime scene when a fatal gunshot rings out during a performance. Inspector Roderick Alleyn arrives to navigate a web of local secrets and spiteful gossip surrounding the victim, Idris Campanula. As he investigates the cast of the parish play, he discovers that the motive may be more complex than simple malice, suggesting the killer intended to strike elsewhere. Alleyn must employ his methodical deductive reasoning to identify the culprit before the murderer strikes again in this high-stakes investigation.

Ngaio Marsh is widely regarded as one of the four original Queens of Crime, and this entry in the Alleyn series is frequently cited for its clever integration of theatrical artifice and murder. Readers often highlight the sharp characterizations of the village residents, noting how Marsh uses the parish setting to heighten the sense of claustrophobia and suspicion. The narrative is praised for its intricate plotting and the sophisticated, gentlemanly demeanor of Inspector Alleyn, which contrasts effectively with the sordid nature of the crime. The book remains a staple for enthusiasts of the traditional British mystery, appreciated for its wit and the meticulous construction of its puzzle.