It is slowly and insidiously that evil comes to the cathedral city of Storminster. Old scandals are awakened: there are hints of corruption and worse; the vicar is warned lest he meddle. But meddle he does, for the Reverend Selwyn Sneddicombe, unassuming though he may be, is not one to be deterred by threats while a poison pen wreaks havoc amongst his parishioners; still less so when the poison increases in virulence and an unfortunate victim takes her own life.

And this is only the beginning-murder follows suicide, the police are called in, and a citizen, well liked and respected finds himself on trial for his life. What is the truth behind these tragic happenings? Who among the citizens of this once quiet old town, could be the author of these outrages? It is Selwyn Sneddicombe who, in his own original way, finds the answer to these questions and in doing so keeps the reader fascinated to the end.