When Midsomer Morchard's very own boxer John Kinsella becomes the light-heavyweight boxing champion of the world in New York, the success stirs up hidden passions among the villagers. Betrayal, infidelity, and blackmail all fester as plans to re-enact a Victorian prize-fight turn nasty and bodies start piling up.

DCI Tom Barnaby reluctantly accompanies Joyce on a spa weekend to upmarket Swavely Manor, a country house offering treatments to soothe the body and spirit. But as he attempts to de-stress, a woman is found dead in the flotation chamber.