Chief Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh investigates the death of Alice Liddell who ran a home for unwed mothers. One of the residents there is Sally Jupp, who was a witness in a drug-smuggling and murder investigation in London. Sally works at the local manor house for the Maxie family, and it is apparent that eldest son Stephen has more than a passing interest in her. When a murder occurs at the Maxie residence, the question is whether it is related to the London investigation or was committed for a completely different reason altogether.