When a routine investigation into golf course cheating escalates into a lethal conspiracy, private investigator Joe Sixsmith finds himself physically threatened and fighting for his life. Joe Sixsmith, a former machinist turned private eye, attempts to navigate a slow summer season by taking on a case for a prominent member of the Royal Hoo Golf Club. His objective to clear the man's name is quickly derailed by violent intimidation and a series of bizarre encounters that force him to confront a much darker criminal enterprise. The narrative employs a lighthearted, witty tone to contrast with the escalating stakes of the investigation, maintaining a focus on Joe's unique perspective as an outsider in his community.

This novel is characterized by the signature wit and narrative dexterity that define Reginald Hill's approach to the crime genre. The work relies on the established charm of Joe Sixsmith, whose perspective provides a grounded, often humorous lens through which to view the absurdity of the central mystery. Readers likely find the contrast between the mundane setting of a golf course and the high-stakes nature of the murder investigation to be a hallmark of the series' appeal. The narrative structure suggests a focus on character development alongside the procedural elements, ensuring that the protagonist's personal growth remains as central as the resolution of the case.