DCI Barnaby becomes an unwelcome guest at a society wedding after the maid of honour is found skewered to a wardrobe in one of the hotel bedrooms. However, with his own daughter Cully about to get married, will Barnaby be able to solve the grisly murder in time to walk her down the aisle?

DCI Barnaby and DS Jones investigate the death of Charlie Finleyson, who is found dead in the wood after being missing for two weeks. As the investigation progresses, Barnaby discovers connections between Finleyson and Guy Sandys, the publisher of the Midsomer Life magazine known for his scathing reviews of local hotels and restaurants.