A distinguished professor of English must unmask a killer amidst the chaos of a prestigious school's Speech Day preparations. Professor Gervase Fen is invited to present prizes at Castrevenford school, but the eve of the event is shattered by two staff deaths. The Headmaster implies Fen to solve the murders, forcing him to navigate a complex web of student romances, a kidnapping, and a missing Shakespearean manuscript, all while confronting the killer lurking within the school's hallowed halls.

The book is lauded for its inventive plotting, drawing comparisons to Agatha Christie's complexity and P.G. Wodehouse's humor. It is recognized as a quirky and delightful example of the crime fiction genre. The narrative is described as a blend of chilling suspense and outright hilarity, characteristic of classic detective stories. This work is celebrated for its unique approach to the mystery genre, offering both intellectual puzzles and comedic relief.