The arrival of a priceless archaeological exhibit at a London museum triggers a series of inexplicable deaths, forcing the staff to navigate a web of professional rivalry and criminal intent. The protagonist must decipher the motives behind the chaos while contending with the bureaucratic absurdity of the museum environment. Fitzgerald employs a sharp, observational narrative voice that highlights the friction between academic pretension and the grim reality of murder. The story unfolds as a tightly constructed mystery, utilizing the confined setting of the museum to heighten the tension among the eccentric cast of characters.

This debut novel is widely regarded as a precursor to the more expansive works that would define Fitzgerald's later career. Critics often point to the book's sharp wit and its ability to find humor within the rigid structures of British institutions. The narrative is frequently praised for its economy of language and its keen, unforgiving eye for human folly. Readers who appreciate character-driven mysteries with a satirical edge will find the work a compelling entry point into the author's bibliography. The book stands as a testament to the author's early mastery of tone and her ability to weave complex social observations into a traditional mystery framework.