An elderly woman is found dead in her own cottage and DCI Tom Barnaby is convinced the death is not a simple accident.

After a noted author speaks before a group of local Midsomer writers, the naked body of the event's host is found bludgeoned to death in his bedroom.

Barnaby donates time to the local amateur dramatic society when Joyce is cast in a revival of "Amadeus," but complications arise when the leading man is murdered onstage.

DCI Barnaby needs all his wits about him as he investigates a string of deaths at a local New Age commune.