Canon Daniel Clement, introverted Rector of the picturesque English village of Champton, has his life turned upside-down when his infuriating mother Audrey arrives unannounced, dragging up memories Daniel would rather not confront. But a more serious challenge awaits Daniel when he stumbles upon the body of his parishioner, Anthony Bowness, cousin of Lord de Floures. Daniel must delve under the veneer of village life to piece together clues and uncover long-buried secrets, navigating the press and public eye and the ire of his superior, the bishop. Daniel is forced to question who he can trust, and whether he himself was the intended murder victim.