Anthony Gant is shot and killed whilst taking part in the traditional ride, and another murder follows, it seems likely that there are deeper secrets to uncover. Little Crosby are hosting its folk festival and event organiser Toby Winning is shortly found dead, having drowned in a bowl of eggs and live eels. At the family home of actor Larry Smith in the village of Upper Warden, a crowd has gathered to watch the promotion for the sequel to his hit film, 'The House of Satan', when Larry walks into a summer house on the grounds that suddenly explodes. It is the end of the tourist season for the Little Worthy model village, owned by the elderly Compton sisters.

Master beekeeper Ambrose Deddington attributes his survival from a life-threatening cancer to a combination of Apley Gold and bee venom. At the Midsomer Regatta, the beautiful day is interrupted when the dead chairman of the local rowing club of Guy Sweetman is found in the water. Winter finds it suspicious when the man who found the body, Jack Morris, keeps showing up before him and Barnaby as they investigate. When Elspeth Inkpen's daughter Fliss is found murdered in the garden, Barnaby and Troy believe that someone may be determined to stop its destruction.In the village of Fletcher's Cross, undertaker Patrick Pennyman is found dead in his own chapel of rest by his wife.

Its presence coincides with the arrival of a well-known criminal, George Ince, who is spotted lurking around the Manor. Strickland was the landlord of Wyvern House, an upmarket and picturesque country house restaurant run by a passionate celebrity chef, Ruth Cameron.The launch of the latest sparkling wine, which is produced by the Carnarvon Estate Winery in Midsomer Vinae, loses all its fizz when wine critic Nadia Simons gives it a very harsh review. John Ransom gets thrown out of the village pub in Midsomer Mere for fighting with his brother-in-law, and a short while later he is found dead on the green. DCI Barnaby, DS Nelson, and new forensic pathologist Kam Karimore enter a very macabre world of body-snatching. There is a fierce rivalry between traditional and digital photographers in the village of Luxton Deeping. As Barnaby and Jones delve into the complicated nature of this Midsomer village, they realise the key to solving the case lies under a well-concealed pact between several of the villagers.