It features the character of Superintendent Battle of Scotland Yard as the lead investigator in a complex case of murder, espionage, and political intrigue.The story is set in England, and begins with a house party at the country estate of Chimneys. The guests include a number of intriguing characters, including a glamorous adventuress, a foreign prince, and a mysterious figure known only as "Mr. Fish." When a murder occurs, Superintendent Battle is called in to investigate, and he soon realizes that the case is more complicated than it initially appears.