November 1928. Family and friends have gathered at the Shropshire country home of Penrose Llewellyn to celebrate the retired wealthy businessman's 60th birthday. But the morning after what should have been a convivial supper party, their host is found dead in his bed - and the circumstances look decidedly suspicious.

As he questions the victim's nearest and dearest, DI Reardon discovers there are several longstanding secrets lurking amongst the Llewellyn clan - and he is convinced that not everyone is telling him the truth, or at least not the whole truth.

Those who stand to inherit most from Pen Llewellyn's will - if it can be found - are under the strongest suspicion, and among them hides a ruthless killer.