Lord Peter Wimsey

Wimsey and Bunter try to save the Duke of Denver (Lord Peter's elder brother) from the hangman's silk noose when he is accused of murdering Dennis Cathcart, who was engaged to his sister, Lady Mary. Cathcart was shot in the Duke's garden during the night, and the only suspect was found standing by the body - but he declines to discuss the matter. Denver stands by his right to be tried by his peers amid the Gothic splendour of the House of Lords.

When one of the members of the Bellona Club passes away, Lord Wimsey is brought in to determine the time of death for testamentary purposes.

When one of the copy writers of Pym's Advertising Agency meets his death by falling down a spiral staircase, a new "writer" joins the staff to investigate the matter.

Lord Peter is invited to a wedding at the beginning of World War I, starting a chain of events that will lead to murder after the war is over.

Lord Peter and Bunter go for a fishing and painting holiday, but chance across a corpse.