Barnaby and DS Scott investigate the murder of Patrick Pennyman, an undertaker in Fletcher's Cross. The man's wife believes he committed suicide, but the pathologist determines he was killed. The man died shortly after attending a service at a local Spiritualist church, which had caused controversy in the village.
As the investigation progresses, Barnaby learns that Pennyman was generally disliked by former employees, business partners, and others. Barnaby believes the head of the Spiritualist church to be a charlatan, and while there is a link to the increasing number of murder victims, the solution to the crimes may be found in an illicit love affair.
