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.

During the Christmas holidays DCI Barnaby and DS Jones have to solve an explosion as well as a number of murders near a freight company, while trying to cope with the new Acting Chief Superintendent, John Cotton, who has very strong beliefs about teamwork and how things should be done.