Old Monty Bickerstaffe lives alone in the dilapidated family home, using only one sitting room and the kitchen. The family wealth, founded on the money made from Bickerstaffe's Boiled Fruitcake, a Victorian delicacy, has long been spent. What is left Monty is spending on his supply of whisky. Other people worry about him, but Monty is quite happy. Until, that is, he comes home to find a dead man sprawled on his sofa. The police seem to think he ought to know who the man is, but Monty hasn't a clue. Fortunately, Jess Campbell and Ian Carter are on hand to sort things out. But that will mean delving into the history of the Bickerstaffes and that holds plenty of secrets that have been well-hidden until now. Other people, too, have secrets they wish to keep from police enquiries.