Carole Seddon hates Christmas - it all seems rather a waste of time. So when her neighbour and best friend, Jude, drags her along to go shopping at a local store called Gallimaufry - she can feel her inner-Scrooge knocking. But the sales are on and even Carole can't resist a bargain.

Then a few days later - Gallimaufry is burnt down and a body is discovered in the ashes. It seems like a tragic accident but no-one can die of natural causes when a gun is involved. The victim was young, pretty and successful - who could possibly want her dead?

With a host of suspects the lady detectives know they have their work cut out for them. And as they dig deeper they discover a host of half-truths and lies. It seems that someone in Fethering has a deep, dark, deadly secret - and is prepared to kill to keep it.