The Home Secretary, Sir Derek O'Callaghan, dies shortly after surgery. Inspector Alleyn comes to the conclusion: a murder has been committed. But who benefits from the death of a politician? A surgeon who has his own scores to settle with Sir Derek? The nurse who assisted in the operation? Or a rival party? Alleyn begins an investigation... The body of millionaire Florence Rubrick is discovered in a bale of sheep's wool. Inspector Alleyn understands that all the inhabitants of the Mount Moon estate have a motive. But who is the killer? A nephew working on a secret project? Is Florence a secretary in love with her husband? Or the estate manager's son, recently accused of theft? To expose the criminal, Alleyn conceives a risky combination...