Returning from Prague with suspected tuberculosis, Verity Browne checks into a private clinic on Henley-on-Thames - the perfect place for her new fiancé, Lord Edward Corinth, to keep an eye on her.

While Verity recuperates at the clinic, Edward is called to investigate a series of murders. Edward's dentist, Dr Eric Silver has been found murdered, shortly after sharing with Edward his suspicions about the deaths of three of his elderly patients. Dr Silver thinks the three deaths have an entomological connection: General Lowther had had a heart attack drinking a wine called Clos des Mouches; Hermione Totteridge, a well-known gardener, had been poisoned by the new insecticide with which she had been experimenting; and James Herold had been stung to death by his bees.

Edward's investigation comes to a thrilling climax during what many believe will be the last Henley Royal Regatta before a new European war, and both Edward and Verity are threatened by someone, or something, wicked.

Praise for David Roberts

'A gripping, richly satisfying whodunit with finely observed characters, sparkling with insouciance and stinging menace' Peter James

'A really well-crafted and charming mystery story' Daily Mail

'A perfect example of golden-age mystery traditions with the cobwebs swept away' Guardian