The first case is about a vengeful murder at Parsley Manor, Arthur Reginald Beanstock, butler of the manor, soon sees the investigation exceeding local police capabilities. Another murder occurs shortly thereafter. Only this time it involves the lordships housekeeping staff. Beanstock puts his investigative skills to the test. And uncovers evidence of a conspiracy that transports him deeply into the past. Back to an era when spies still had a licence to kill. And Cambridge attracted more than merely students.