The story starts when Hastings is injured and transported home to England from the First World War. Since he has no family, he accepts the invitation from his old friend John Cavendish to spend his sick leave at their home the lovely Styles Court. Here, Hastings meets Mrs. Inglethorp, John’s stepmother, and Alfred, her new husband and Mary, John’s very charming wife. Hastings starts to realize that things are not what they seem despite the calm surface. When Mrs. Inglethorp is found poisoned, all fingers point to Alfred, the husband.