A bizarre inheritance dispute involving a tontine and a misdirected corpse sets off a frantic race across Victorian England. Two brothers, Masterman and Michael Finsbury, are the final survivors of a tontine, a financial scheme where the last living member inherits a massive fortune. When a train accident leads to a case of mistaken identity involving a crate, the surviving family members must navigate a series of absurd logistical hurdles to secure the inheritance. The narrative employs a third-person perspective to track the chaotic movements of the various heirs as they attempt to conceal or reveal the truth of the situation.

Readers and critics often describe this work as a lighthearted departure from the more somber tones found in other Victorian literature. Discussion frequently centers on the intricate, almost mechanical nature of the plot, which relies heavily on coincidence and slapstick situations. Many highlight the collaborative dynamic between Stevenson and Osbourne, noting how the prose maintains a consistent, dry wit throughout the escalating chaos. The book is frequently cited for its ability to balance dark subject matter with a comedic lens, making it a distinct entry in the authors' respective bibliographies.