A country house gathering turns lethal when a resident is discovered murdered in a drain following a chaotic treasure hunt. Superintendent Roderick Alleyn must navigate the strained social dynamics between two housemates, Percival Pyke Period and Harry Cartell, to identify the killer. The investigation centers on a missing pair of gloves that serves as the primary physical clue in a web of tangled personal relationships. The narrative follows the classic whodunit structure, utilizing a third-person perspective to observe the suspects' reactions and the methodical gathering of evidence.

This work is characteristic of the Golden Age of detective fiction, emphasizing the intellectual puzzle over visceral action. The narrative relies on the established tropes of the genre, including the isolated setting and the eccentric cast of suspects. Readers often note the author's sharp wit and ability to balance social commentary with a tightly constructed mystery. The procedural elements are presented with a focus on the meticulous nature of police work, which remains a hallmark of the series.