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 villagers of Badgers End look forward to St. Bartholomew's week with great anticipation, as the celebration of the church's foundation is filled with festivities, culminating in a grand feast for which people travel from afar to enjoy. This year's event, however, threatens to be cancelled when the body of the church's bell ringer is found on the rocks in Devil's Cauldron. Now, it's up to Cecily to solve the murder and save the treasured festival.