Agnes is getting very bored with life with her new companion, Amy, and decides to treat herself to a break on the Isle of Wight. Many years ago she had lived there and feels she would like to look around her old haunts again. And indeed, the magic of the island soon restores Agnes to a livelier frame of mind. Enjoying her stay in a rather luxurious hotel, Agnes also makes a new friend while out walking with Polly, her Jack Russell terrier. But the friendship takes a dramatic turn when she meets the woman's tearaway daughter who is living a life entirely unknown to her mother. Drugs, a delinquent boyfriend, and sneaking out of the house to go to clubs even though she's under age are the least of the matter - one terrible night her behaviour involves Agnes in a murder, when she is forced to stab a man who was attempting to rape the girl. Very soon, Agnes finds herself facing the threat of blackmail, and the cruel kidnapping of her beloved Polly. Will Agnes have to commit another crime to ensure the safe return of her characterful little dog? It will certainly not be before another death takes place that justice will be done in this new and perilous adventure for Anthea Cohen's much-admired sleuth.