An investigation of a car fire and a bludgeon murder lead Barnaby and Troy to investigate the members of a local reading club which has an agenda that goes beyond books.

Someone is killing off parish church bell ringers in the week before a big bell-ringing competition takes place in the village of Midsomer Mallow.

Barnaby investigates the murder of a boy during a traditional annual race at an exclusive private school but meets with resentment.