Victor Karras, a manufacturer of exclusive board games, dies after falling down the stairs. It turns out he was poisoned, and his death is the start of a murder mystery weekend. When another person is found murdered, Barnaby and Winter have to find out if the victims knew something about the murderer, that would have revealed the person's true identity.

The Midsomer Mummers, a company for amateur opera, is in the middle of rehearsals for a charity concert when a dead body is found at the theatre. The aim of the inquiry is to find out which person wants to be at the centre of attention.