It is late summer in Hampshire and former headmistress Harriet Quigley is enjoying life. Her cousin Sam is moving next door and the only cloud on the horizon is the continual village gossip. But suddenly, it's all going pear-shaped - and sensible, practical Harriet has only herself to blame. Sam has warned her not to play Miss Marple, but Harriet is suspicious about several newcomers and she can't help herself from asking discreet questions. With a sudden death in Winchester Cathedral, a hunt for ancient treasure attracting unwelcome attention, and history that looms uncomfortably close, Harriet finds herself trapped somewhere very nasty...