Estranged from her obstinate lover, Detective Sergeant William Pigram, culinary expert Darina Lisle seeks distraction in her burgeoning career. Judging the cookery competition at a posh London hotel, she is flattered by the attentions of handsome restaurateur Simon Chapman, and intrigued by Verity Fry, the competition's vivacious winner. During the awards ceremony, Darina learns that Verity's family runs an organic farm in the West Country. When she accepts an invitation to visit Fry's Farm, Darina hopes for an idyllic rural interlude and, perhaps, a flirtation with Simon, whose Somerset restaurant is in the same vicinity. What Darina finds on the farm, however, is a puzzling hostility focused on Simon. Verity's stolid mother, sullen sister, and savvy fiance, all display seething resentments where the appealing young man is concerned. But before the confused visitor can sort out their thorny history, sudden death strikes Fry's Farm. While the family is reeling from its loss, Darina starts asking questions. She does not have time to make sense of one death before another occurs. The second tragedy has her involved with pieces of poisoned pate and a lethal tree. Confused by the clues, Darina can't get a handle on the killer's motive until she receives help from an irresistible source.