Following an eventful Christmas Euphemia Martins, like her employer Richenda Muller, is looking forward to a quiet start to 1913. Their hopes are dashed when Richenda's husband Hans announces that they are to visit the home of Sir Richard Stapleford, Richenda's nefarious twin.
Sir Richard is holding a grand party at his Scottish estate, to celebrate the New Year, and Hans is looking to seal a business deal or two. The Muller household, plus Richenda’s brother Bertram, soon discover that Richard has rather a big surprise up his sleeve…
Against her better judgement, Euphemia becomes mixed up with blushing brides and tales of ghosts – and faces from the past serve to complicate things further. When a body is found, Euphemia investigates – and finds herself under suspicion.
Meanwhile, Richenda is decidedly (and calamitously) off cake – and Bertram is overjoyed at the technological progress of the motor car…
The ninth in the Euphemia Martins series of historical murder mysteries by Caroline Dunford.