In the grand country estate of Lord Loudwater, a murder has occurred. The victim, an unpleasant man with few friends, is found dead in his own home. Among the residents of Loudwater House are his young wife, her lover, his former fiance, and a host of servants, each with their own secrets and motives. Detective Flexen arrives to investigate the crime, but with so many suspects and so little to go on, he finds himself in a labyrinth of intrigue.