A commemorative dinner party turns into a crime scene when the ghost of a past murder haunts the present, leading to a calculated investigation of six suspects. The protagonist, Colonel Race, must navigate a web of social pretenses and hidden motives to uncover who among the dinner guests possesses the lethal intent to replicate a tragedy. The narrative operates as a classic whodunit, utilizing a multi-perspective framework that examines the psychological state of each guest. The constraints of the setting—a high-society restaurant—force the characters to maintain a veneer of civility while their internal secrets are systematically dismantled by the investigation.

This work is widely regarded as a quintessential example of the mid-century British mystery novel, praised for its intricate plotting and psychological depth. Readers often highlight the clever use of the anniversary dinner as a catalyst for revealing long-buried secrets among the ensemble cast. The narrative structure is frequently noted for its ability to sustain tension despite the static nature of the primary setting. Critics and fans alike appreciate how the story balances the mechanics of a police procedural with the nuanced character development characteristic of the author's later period.