The death of a music lover at a house party sparks a complex investigation for Detective Constable Sukey Reynolds and her colleagues
Lance Rainbird isn't one for social chit-chat, so when he fails to turn up for the evening programme of music after dinner at Justin Freeman's annual musical weekend at Dallington Manor Hotel, it invites remark but no real concern. It's a lovely evening; perhaps he stepped out for some air. But the truth of the matter is rather more serious: Lance is found in the lake, drowned.

Constable Sukey Reynolds and her colleague Detective Sergeant Vicky Armstrong are part of the police investigation, and at first all signs point to it being a terrible accident. But the doctor reveals Lance was hit on the head before he died. Could it be murder after all? Then there is another accident, and Sukey finds herself caught up in a complex investigation that grows more complicated – and deadly – with each passing day . . .