A small town has its share of unpleasant residents. When a developer with an unhappy wife, a bullish attitude toward women, and a much-frowned-upon plan is murdered, not many tears are shed. The case naturally falls to Victoria Trumbull, the ninety-two-year-old, sharp-witted sheriff's deputy. Served by her in-depth knowledge of the island of Martha's Vineyard and her indomitable drive, Victoria is on the trail again: bunions, lilac-bough cane, and all.