Barnaby and Jones set about investigating the garrotting of a couple outside a deserted house. The house is considered to be haunted by the locals and so the murders draw a lot of attention.
Barnaby and Jones are called out to investigate an apparent suicide. A woman's body is found in the river and no one seems surprised that she might have committed suicide, but Barnaby is sceptical.
The death of Sir Freddy Butler brings Barnaby and Jones to the privileged surroundings of Haddington Hall. He seems to have suffered a heart attack but Barnaby feels there has been foul play.
Martin Barrett is shot dead through the window of his home. Barrett is immaculate and cultured - and also has a penchant for blackmail, which Barnaby and Jones discover as they search for his killer.
Local Choir member, Connor Simpson, is found dead in his cottage. A pig's heart and unsavoury message lie as evidence in his kitchen bin. Barnaby and Jones are called to the scene.
Frank Hopkirk is found dead in a deserted timber yard by truanting school children. Frank indulged in some of the local "pursuits" and Barnaby and Jones must discover who stabbed him to death and why.
Annie Woodrow is arrested for the murder of her old school friend. When her case comes to court ten months later, Barnaby is still not convinced that the full story has come out.
At the Skimmington Fayre, misogynistic Reverent Anthony Gant is shot dead, not long after his cousin Mildred has passed away. Barnaby is not convinced that Mildred died from natural causes.