In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycotes Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavias blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too emptyand not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicars wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor mans body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. Its amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for ones spirits. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core.