The corpse of an acerbic theatre critic is discovered in the canal, but on further examination, it turns out that he was first drowned in a bathtub. Inspector Witherspoon investigates at the theatre, but Mrs Jeffries concentrates on the critic's murky past - uncovering secrets that are more dramatic than any play.

This charming series of Victorian murder mysteries features mild-mannered Inspector Witherspoon of Scotland Yard and, more importantly, Mrs Jeffries, his housekeeper. A policeman's widow herself, her quick wits allow her to nudge the Inspector in the right direction to solve the crime.