Three separate notices in the newspaper for a requiem mass for Robert Raynald: one by his mother, one by his estranged wife, one by his daughter. This odd approach draws the attention of Superintendent Mallett and his friend Doctor Fitzbrown. The inquest had decided that Raynold shot himself whilst temporarily insane. However his daughter is not convinced and manages to find enough evidence to arouse the investigator within Mallett. Raynald’s story is presented in flashbacks, as Mallett and Fitzbrown interview the many different characters to piece together what happened.

Fitt uses first person narratives to excellent effect to expand both the mystery plot and characterizations.