The death of an ancient estate's patriarch leads to rivalry and murder when his rebellious son plans to sell it off, outraging his siblings.

Frank Bailey is a pet detective whose methods irk some of the villagers, so when he is found dead in the kennel of a dog he was looking for, Inspector Barnaby has his work cut out for him.

Sleepy Goodman's Land, known as the greenest village in Midsomer, is bought by a Texas oilman; following the sale, a string of grisly murders ensues.