In the novel, the story revolves around a seemingly simple case of mistaken identity that quickly escalates into a complex and dangerous murder mystery. Arthur Crook gets involved and strives to uncover the truth behind the crime, following the clues with his sharp intellect and unconventional methods. . . with a little help from two underestimated little girls who must prevent another murder. . . Jan van Damm, a pretty 18-year-old Dutch au pair, has been brought to England by a wealthy couple to help care for their two small daughters. When she was stood up by the boyfriend with whom she'd arranged to go away secretly while the family were on holiday, Detective Arthur Crook smuggles his business card into her pocket, unaware of the unpleasant surprises that are in store for her that very evening. She could not have foreseen that she would shortly need the lawyer detective's services when she sneaked back to the house to find it burgled and the housekeeper's lifeless body in the broom cupboard. Crook was needed more than ever when there was a second murder in the village, and as always he steals the show, though this time young Dawn and Coral Banks run him a pretty close second, both for their engaging personalities and for their effectiveness in thwarting crime.