Retired headmaster Malcolm Chance and his wife, Frances, have settled down in the quiet village of Ravenswood, where the greatest excitement revolves around the newest production of the local dramatic society. Until, that is, the Chances' next-door neighbour is murdered.

When another murder takes place and the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that there are many secrets in this small village - infidelity, blackmail, unrequited love, even sexual perversion - and many reasons to kill.