Roderick Alleyn, the younger son of a Buckinghamshire family and the star of Ngaio Marsh's novels is the perfect English detective. A gentleman, intelligent and not afraid of his emotions. In "Artists in Crime" he was introduced to painter Agatha Troy, and this novel sees their relationship develop. However, this is not a soppy romance set against a detecive background. Set during the London "season", society scandals end in blackmail and murder. As old friends are suffering can Alleyn find the culprits and get justice, avenging the late Robert "Bunchy" Gospel? Plotted to perfection, the murderer is well hidden enough to keep the readers guessing with out being completly unexpected. Marsh really was thye master of her craft.