As spring returns to the Cotswolds, so too does Thea Solocombe to house-sitting. She has agreed to look after Lucy Sinclair's new home in Northleach while Lucy is away. Thea soon meets several of the locals and the neighbours who seem to irritate Lucy so much, and comes to the conclusion that Lucy is far from popular herself. When a body is found in Northleach, Thea needs all her wits about her. The man's death is not as straightforward as it seems, and at the heart of the mystery are secrets betrayed and exacted revenge. Thea is once again caught up in the underhand dealings played out in the idyllic countryside.