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.

When a booby-trapped cuckoo clock kills a guest at Godley Manor's engagement party and turns the celebration into chaos, Barnaby and Winter must uncover a web of hidden pasts, family feuds, and ticking secrets before the killer strikes again.