When Jenny Starling, the travelling cook with a penchant for trouble, accepts an assignment to cook for a wealthy businessman on his luxurious river-boat, the fabulous Stillwater Sam, she sees nothing but plain sailing ahead. The River Thames is especially lovely in summer, the limited number of guests a doddle to cook for, and even her employer's parrot has taken a fancy to her. All looks set for a peaceful and happy few days. So when someone is murdered, Jenny finds herself once again in the thick of things. And since anyone aboard could be the murderer, she'd better keep her wits about her - and her sharp knives handy!