Charlotte Ladram is horrified to find out that one of her favorite relatives, Beatrix, has been murdered. Although they weren't related by blood, she and Beatrix had been close. The police seemed to think it's a cut-and-dried burglary gone awry, and an arrest is made quickly.

But Charlotte and her half-brother, Maurice, aren't sure the answer is that simple. Somehow, the current trouble seems tied in with Beatrix's brother, Tristram Abberley, who died in the late 30s. Tristram had been a poet whose posthumous success was enough to take care of his family financially.

As the various characters follow slender threads, weaving a picture of Tristram and what that could possibly have to do with Beatrix's death all these years later, you'll find yourself entranced with Goddard's smooth writing style. Written in a British style, the myriad plots and sub-plots sometimes make it a little difficult to follow the story. But follow it you will. It becomes essential to know how it all ties together -- and Goddard is an expert at snapping every knot tight! An enjoyable read.