After a series of death threats by a group of rival mudlarkers, Barnaby and Winter are drawn into a complex murder investigation. A jar containing human remains points to a heated treasure hunt dispute that turned deadly.

Barnaby and Winter investigate when Wilf, a groundsman and referee for Midsomer Deverell's lawn bowling club, is found murdered after a close contest. The detectives uncover deadly rivalries, forbidden romances, and daring village secrets.

After a strict headteacher is brutally murdered during a PTA meeting, Barnaby and Winter dig into the case. To catch the killer, the detectives must sift through school scandals and witnesses with deadly secrets.