One of the most unusual novels by the author of the legendary “A Purely English Murder.” The Second World War. Francis Pettigrew is called to serve in the coastal village of Marsette Bay, where one of the many London offices has been evacuated. In order to somehow brighten up the dull existence, the employees begin to write a script for the perfect murder. But soon the game turns into a nightmare - the quiet and slightly eccentric Miss Danville is found murdered. Almost everyone had the opportunity to commit a crime, but no one has a motive, and the killer left no traces... Not only the provincial police, but also an experienced inspector are at a dead end Scotland Yard, urgently called for help. But suddenly Pettigrew, conducting his own investigation, is struck by a hunch...