Riddlesdale Lodge is a Wimsey family retreat filled with country pleasures and the thrill of the hunt - until the game turns up human. Found lying in the dark, in slippers and his dinner jacket, is the body of Captain Denis Cathcart - the fiance of Lord Peter's sister Lady Mary. The inquest returns a verdict of wilful murder against Gerald, Duke of Denver - Peter and Mary's own brother. As Gerald's trial looms, Peter is determined to find out the truth. But why does his brother refuse to co-operate with his investigation? Is he attempting to cover up his own guilt... or someone else's?
