Ashwyck is a quiet English village in which one might suppose nothing dramatic ever happens. But beneath the smooth surface already lies one unsolved mystery. In attempting to discover the identity of the unknown man who has drowned, or been drowned,Bob Rudgely, reporter, discovers a great deal more about Ashwyck than even he intended. Bob is very much in love with Sadie White, art teacher at the local school. And as the mystery begins to unravel, their relationship deteriorates almost in parallel proportions to the increasing amount of time taken up by his self-appointed task of detective. So it looks as if Sadie will have to turn for consolation to Bill Wells, the young golf pro who is also in love with her.