A lighthearted parlor game turns into a genuine homicide when a guest at a weekend house party is found dead with a real dagger in his back. Chief Detective-Inspector Roderick Alleyn is summoned to investigate the murder, navigating a house full of guests who are all adept at crafting deceptive alibis. The narrative follows a classic closed-circle structure, where the killer is trapped among the attendees of Sir Hubert Handesley's estate. Alleyn must rely on his keen observation and logical deduction to peel back the layers of social performance and identify the culprit before they strike again.

This novel is widely recognized as the foundational entry in Ngaio Marsh's long-running Inspector Alleyn series. Critics often highlight the work for its sharp wit and the introduction of a protagonist who balances intellectual rigor with a refined social sensibility. The narrative is frequently cited for its adherence to the conventions of the Golden Age of detective fiction while establishing the specific stylistic voice that would define Marsh's career. Readers typically appreciate the clever integration of the parlor game premise, which serves to heighten the tension within the confined setting of the house party.