The death of wealthy Elizabeth Doyle, a pillar of the local community, shakes the village of West Deering.  Who could hold a fatal grudge against such a woman - and act upon it in such quiet, sleepy surroundings? She went missing, along with her car, whilst distributing food for the Meals on Wheels service. The prime suspects are two London youths, in a clear-cut case of an outsider attack. However, it appears that the evidence is misleading. The killer is much closer to home - someone from the centre of this quiet community.