Beloved church organist Greta Hartmann has fallen to her death in a shallow creek, and while investigations conclude it to be an accident, some aren't convinced. After learning that Greta was the widow of a prominent anti-Nazi German preacher, former chief inspector Angus Sinclair resolves to dig deeper into the story. His investigations lead him to the manor of Julia Lesage, an electrifying spirit adored by many. Among them is a gentleman with dubious business dealings who is also staying at the house. A blizzard hits, keeping Sinclair, and later Madden, on the grounds with little to do but analyse the case of Greta's death.