Spring,1909,andLadyHardcastle,amateursleuthandall-roundeccentric,isenjoyingawell-deservedrest.Butaweekafteratriptothecattlemarket,SpencerCaradine,alocalfarmer,turnsupdeadinthepub,face-downinhisbeefandmushroompie.Onceagain,itisuptoLadyHardcastleandhermaid,Florence,tosolvethecase.
Armedwithwitandwhimsy,nottomentionFlorence'smeanrighthook,thepairsetouttodiscoverwhatreallyhappenedandwhy.Wasitpoisonorjustillluck?
Astheydelvefurtherintotheirinvestigation,theyencounteratheftwherenothingisstolen,aseancewithatroubledghostandanever-increasingnumberofSpencer'sfamilyandfriendswhomightjusthavemotiveformurder.Onething'sforsure:LadyHardcastlehasamysteryonherhands.