Trama

DCI Barnaby needs all his wits about him as he investigates a string of deaths at a local New Age commune.

Ian Craigie is the "master" of a New-Age commune. He founded the center with a partner, Bill Carter, to scam the rich, but over time he came to believe in the objectives and the good work they did. When Carter is found dead at the bottom of a staircase, the question is whether he fell or was pushed. Barnaby and Troy encounter an eclectic group of commune residents: Ken and Heather Beavers, whom Barnaby discovers had a very interesting past; Sylvie Gamelin, who has just announced that she is donating the several-million-pound inheritance she received on her 18th birthday; her father Guy who who is absolutely opposed to the donation, and her dipsomaniac mother Felicity; and Christopher Wainwright who could also be hiding something from his past. When another murder is committed, it is left to Barnaby to sift through the backgrounds of the various individuals to find the motive behind the two murders.—garykmcd

Bill Carter, co-founder of the New Age commune "Lodge of the Golden Windhorse", dies after falling down the stairs and breaking his neck. Barnaby and Troy arrive to investigate and meet many of the commune's quirky residents, including latest arrival Christopher Wainwright, and his seasoned lover Sylvie 'Suhami' Gamelin, whose tycoon father is furious that she planned to donate her $3,000,000 inheritance to the lodge, while her lush squander-bug mother Felicity is also visiting. They need to work out whether it was just an unfortunate accident or murder. The ex-con leader of the commune, "master" (guru) Ian Craigie--actually alias for Bill's brother but not the only fake name--is stabbed to death with a carving knife shortly thereafter, during a spiritual ritual attended by all its members and visitors. The detectives must find out who committed both crimes. His immature protege' Tim Riley, who hasn't spoken since arriving at the commune, is a key witness in the case. Ken and Heather Beavers also have a colorful past.—KGF Vissers