A murder at an exclusive girls' school triggers a desperate search for a hidden fortune and a race against a lethal assassin. When a games mistress is found dead in the sports pavilion, the tranquil environment of Meadowbank School is shattered by the realization that a killer is hiding in plain sight. Student Julia Upjohn, possessing dangerous knowledge, seeks out Hercule Poirot to navigate the web of deceit and protect her from becoming the next target. The narrative follows a classic investigative structure, shifting between the claustrophobic setting of the school and the broader international implications of the crime.

This novel is widely recognized as a late-career entry in the Hercule Poirot series that successfully blends the traditional English boarding school mystery with elements of international intrigue. Readers often note the contrast between the mundane setting of Meadowbank and the high-stakes criminal activity occurring behind the scenes. The narrative is frequently praised for its intricate plotting and the clever way Christie integrates a schoolgirl protagonist into a complex web of espionage. While some critics argue the pacing differs from her earlier works, the consensus remains that the book provides a satisfying puzzle that highlights Poirot's deductive prowess.