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.

The whole village of Badger's End is mourning the death of their beloved doctor, so imagine their shock and horror at the funeral when the open casket reveals a stranger's murdered body. Who is the victim, who killed him—and most important of all, where is the doctor's body?

When it's discovered that the victim had connections to the Pennyfoot Hotel, Cecily must find all the answers.