Trama

After a noted author speaks before a group of local Midsomer writers, the naked body of the event's host is found bludgeoned to death in his bedroom.

The Midsomer Worthy Writers Circle invites well-known author Max Jennings to one of their monthly meetings. The group's secretary, Gerald Hadleigh is opposed to to the invitation, but is outvoted. It becomes apparent that Jennings and Hadleigh knew one another at one time. When Hadleigh is found dead the next day, Barnaby and Troy begin looking into the backgrounds of the various Circle members and try to locate Jennings. When they do find him he is, as they say, incapable of assisting them with their inquiries. A second murder adds to the puzzle but in the end, the solution rests on learning of long ago events and a hidden family secret. At home, the Barnaby's agree to care for daughter Cully's Russian Blue cat Killmouskie, with interesting results for Tom.—garykmcd

Shortly after Midsomer Worthy Writers Circle secretary Gerald Hadleigh opposes in vain the choice as guest speaker of reputed author Max Jennings, he is found naked and bludgeoned to death at home shortly after a visit from Max, whom he knew privately and who is missing. Midsommer County's detective chief inspector Tom Barnaby and his his academy-fresh sergeant Gavin Troy investigate the club's literary amateurs, including grim aristocrat Honoria Lyddiard, who is obsessed with her family history and putting her widowed sister in law Amy in her place, but a share of the unexpected huge inheritance gives her independence. Max Jennings is found murdered in a beach hotel, where he had a secret affair with a secretary. The detectives find many secrets, including Gerald's cross-dressing gay nightlife and an Irish art motive convoluted in abuse and exploitation, with a third murder following suit.—KGF Vissers

The Midsomer book club invites well-known author Max Jennings to talk at one of their monthly meetings. This is much to the dismay of club chairman Gerald Hadleigh, who knows Jennings and seems afraid of him. The morning after the meeting Hadleigh is found bludgeoned to death and suspicion falls on Jennings.—grantss