Ventress and Tom investigate a series of accidents at a carpet factory and must determine whether it was the result of negligence or sabotage when a prodigal son returns to claim his inheritance and the vengeful former manager refuses to be dismissed without a fight. Meanwhile, Vernon spots a way to make money by organising a beauty pageant with the local WI, but councillor Joyce Jowett will stop at nothing to halt the event.

With Christmas around the corner, the villagers are in no mood for festivity when a salmonella epidemic grips Aidensfield and a hostage situation occurs involving the manager of a building society and her son, leaving both the police and the local hospital under increasing pressure. To make matters worse, Tricia finds evidence to suggest the epidemic originated at the Aidensfield Arms, setting off alarm bells for Blaketon and Gina. Meanwhile, Vernon expands Bernie's funeral empire by turning an isolated field into a pet cemetery, much to his brother's discomfort, and discovers there's a big demand for his new service.