Superintendent Alan Markby and his girlfriend Meredith Mitchell settle down for the holidays in the village of Parslow St. John. However, they are unable to rest, because the mysterious death of the elderly, rich Olivia Smeaton from the Rooks estate cannot leave them indifferent. Moreover, Olivia's death is not the only mystery in Parslow St. John. Not far from the old woman's house, the headless corpse of handyman Ernie Berry is found, which gives reason to think whether ritual murders are being committed in the village?