This novel takes place over a year, a short while after the end of WW2, and begins very light-heartedly and comically with Penelope Stevenson, her brother Dick and her pregnant sister-in-law, Betty worrying about the guests they have coming - Lady Lupin and her husband, Andrew Hastings. Many jokes are had about the guests, with the usual stereotypes clouding their perceptions of them. However, this is soon debunked by the young and vivacious Lady Lupin, who quickly warms to Betty and Dick.
The seemingly idyllic country village, country house and family begin to crumble further as the weird power and role Penelope possess are revealed. For example, Betty may have just given birth, but the congratulations from well-meaning villagers (including from the admiration-struck local vicar Mr Baker) go to Penelope, a woman who slept through the entire event. She is a fascinating character in the novel, whose initial helpful nature and unselfishness start to peel away, with both Lady Lupin and Andrew beginning to see a much darker side to her.
It is therefore not a surprise when Dick and Betty find Penelope shot in the garden. But was it suicide or murder? In life Penelope caused a lot of grief and pain, which the investigations by the police, Lady Lupin and her private detective friend Mr Borden expose, despite being viewed by the general populace as saintly and the epitome of the unselfish woman. But in death Penelope also causes further trouble as guilt-ridden, defensive and unreconciled to one another, Dick and Betty do not present a picture of innocence. Additionally, Penelope's death creates a vacuum, with many individuals acting out of character at her funeral, which also draws several annoying distant relatives that are comic genius on Coggin's part. With a pile of possible motives, multiple people confessing to murdering Penelope, and the suspiciously absent Colonel being nowhere to be found - despite the fact he went for a walk with Penelope on the fatal day - this is a mystery which will keep you guessing until the very end.
