Baron Randolf Bukeligh has been found by the butler in the library with a hook in his mouth and hands tied with fishing line. The baron, struggling to keep the estate going, had held a house-party in order to try and get things back on track. Being murdered hadn't been part of the plan!
Inspector Baker, new to Whitby CID, is called in to work with local Sergeant Davies in order to discover who the culprit is. They are aided by a group of students who have just completed their degrees and had been hoping for a quiet holiday exploring the Yorkshire countryside.