December 1953

Hugo Hawksworth is in the tail of rogue Chilly War agents at a top-secret government facility, while back at Selchester Castle they’re awaiting the appearance of the brand new Earl—an American, the long-lost son from the murdered Lord Selchester.

The town of Selchester, abundant with scandal and gossip, is unsure what to label of the Earl or his teenage daughters, however they understand that his sharp-tongued half-sister, Lady Sonia, furious at being deprived of her inheritance, won’t be considered a merry guest over Christmas.

The brand new Lord Selchester can deal using the strangeness of English country life, but he hadn’t expected stolen paintings—or a body in the hothouse.

What’s the link between Hugo’s investigations as well as the dubious goings-on in the town with the Castle? And can he and his allies reach the heart from the mystery before the murderer gets to them?