The peace of mind of newly-married Lisle Jerningham was shattered when she overheard some malicious gossip about her husband Dale. Could it be that the death of his first wife Lydia had been no accident, but murder? Was it possible that Dale had only married Lisle herself for her money? And that he would try to bring about her death now that she had changed her will in his favour?

One fact was clear: Dale was obsessively concerned about Tanfield Court, the Jerningham family home. He had spent all Lydia's money on the house and now he needed Lisle's fortune to keep it going. However it is when mysterious accidents start happening to Lisle that she realises with horror that someone is trying to kill her. And then the murders start ... and it's time to call in Miss Silver.