Called to the village of Midsomer Market to investigate the car fire, Barnaby and Troy soon find themselves investigating the murder of Marjorie Empson, who was found bludgeoned to death in her home. The investigation quickly focuses on the Reading Club, a group of five women who meet regularly to discuss books but are also involved in managing a financial investment fund they have established. Two of the club members were hoping to cash out their investments, but were prevented from doing so by the others. There are several other suspects, all connected to the financial and investment world, but when a second member of the book club is killed, the police realize they may need to look for an altogether different motive.
