The Eastwold marshland is under threat from greedy property developers and local MP, Dr Dinah Fortesque, is discovered to have taken a bribe to push the plans through the planning committee.

Then she drops dead from poisoning at a cake judging competition. The second slice she scoffed was intended for Reverend Alina Merrycott. Has greed got the better of this disreputable politician or was someone else the killer's target?