Penny Goodwin shoots her husband in cold blood and there appears to be no motive. Why she has killed him is far from clear. When Hardy starts an investigation, he uncovers a most ingenious plot which even Fleming will not believe.

A girl is assaulted in a park and the only witness is her young daughter. The police are certain they know who did it, but the girl cannot identify the man in an identity parade.

Protection: you can refuse to pay, you can go to the police for their protection - or you can stand the risk yourself.

A grocer, Harry Kirby, lies dead - poisoned, electrocuted, and gassed. If suicide can be established, surely this is gilding the lily. Why was a large sum of money found laid out neatly beside the body? And if it wasn't suicide.