The Pennyfoot hides many secrets, and its downstairs staff keeps a tight lip, even when the Edwardian aristocrats are spotted dallying with damsels in the boudoirs or gambling in the card rooms hidden below the floorboards. Should now and then one of the hotel guests fall prey to a dastardly murderer, however, it is up to Cecily Sinclair to restore order before Scotland Yard steps in and shuts down her infamous seaside hotel.

One of the Pennyfoot's maids is discovered murdered, strangled with a stocking and one shoe missing. Then, two more maids are killed, each losing a shoe, leaving the downstairs staff petrified. Cecily is up against a devious killer—one that could be amongst her aristocratic guests. She will need her wits about her to see justice done and emerge unscathed.