When a pub landlady is killed whilst assisting illusionist Gideon Latimer at a charity show in Midsomer Oaks, DCI Barnaby and DS Nelson uncover conflict between the village church and ancient pagan traditions.

The fizz goes out of a sparkling wine launch when the glasses are laced with slug poison. Who is targeting the Midsomer Vinae Winery and what does the attack have to do with the death of a child in a hit-and-run accident?