The plot concerns drug smuggling in the Channel Islands, and features Alleyn's son, Ricky, in a central role.

Julia sees the trouble and calls Ricky over to look, sending the rest of her party to return the horses to their barn.

Ricky, along with others, examines the place of the jump after Dulcie’s body is removed, noticing many details of the scene, including a fence running through the hedge and pieces of wire.

The local superintendent suffers a burst appendix, prompting him to ask for assistance from Scotland Yard, which sends out Ricky’s father.

Alleyn has been investigating illegal drug traffic, specifically heroin, across Europe, part of why he is chosen to work with the local police in the islands.

Ricky’s father and his partner Fox check in to a local hotel to begin work with Sergeant Plank.

Ricky takes a walk one evening, making sure to pass the place where Syd Jones stays after a few unpleasant encounters with him.

Jones and Gilbert Ferrant are inside repacking illegal drugs, ready for transport, and notice Ricky.

Alleyn and a larger group of police officers get a warrant to search Jones’ place, unaware that Ricky has been kidnapped until just before they approach the house.

A more recent review by the late mystery game writer Noah Stewart is strongly negative, summed up as “This book is not worth your time.” This criticism is detailed by the weaknesses of both plot and characters.

The plot in 1977 fails to match the reality of the international illegal drug trade in the 1970s, and the main characters are weak.