Cambridge, 1892. Four years have passed since Vanessa Duncan's memorable introduction to detective work, and her success at proving the innocence of the wrongly accused has not gone unnoticed. With the arrival of the formidable Mrs Bryce-Fortescue, Vanessa is once again called on to help solve a perplexing mystery.

Mr George Burton Granger has been found shot dead at the edge of his manor estate. His wife Sylvia, daughter to Mrs Bryce-Fortescue, appears to be the police's main suspect. But could the fragile Sylvia really be capable of such an act? And who is the mysterious young man sighted on the day of the killing? Vanessa must delve into the innermost secrets of the suspects if she is to find the hidden solution.