Two connected murders occur shortly after the book begins. The first is that of an old lady who is given an overdose and shortly afterwards smothered with a cushion. Later another murder occurs where the victim is bashed on the head with a blunt instrument. Detective Inspector Thomas Littlejohn of Scotland Yard is brought in to investigate. The scene is the coastal town of Werrymouth where live a large cast of the usual eccentric characters who appear in many of George Bellairs crime novels.
In this one we meet Titus Jackson,the Count Coroner,a man so small he has to be propped up on his chair or his head would not be seen above the bench. Also Mr Arnold Podmore,Deputy Headmaster at the local school.He rules the pupils with a rod of iron,shouting at his class "My word,I'll make you bounce! By gad,I'll dust your trousers!" The Reverend Micah Scewbody is the Pastor of the Burning Bushes Chapel and is another quite wonderful creation.
Before the case is solved,Littlejohn is faced with several difficult decisions and is at one point in very great personal danger. ( )