A traveling salesman for a relish company becomes entangled in a baffling murder investigation when two bottles of his product are the only clues. Smethers, a salesman for Numnumo relish, shares a flat with Linley, an amateur detective who often assists Scotland Yard. When a young woman disappears and her lodger is the prime suspect, the investigation hinges on the two bottles of relish left behind. Smethers is tasked with uncovering more information, navigating a world where reality and fantasy blur, and where the macabre and the amusing coexist.

This collection is celebrated for Lord Dunsany's unique ability to blend the mundane with the fantastical, particularly within the detective genre. Reviewers and readers alike note the stimulating nature of the tales, highlighting Dunsany's masterful storytelling that balances macabre elements with a lighter, amusing touch. The inclusion of the Smethers stories, with their peculiar reliance on relish as a clue, is often cited as a distinctive and imaginative approach to mystery. Ellery Queen's endorsement further solidifies its place as a noteworthy contribution to crime fiction, appealing to those who appreciate unexpected twists and the author's signature style.