The novel is part of the series of Inspector Alan Grant,that leads the case and stars in the story. The inspector investigates the murder of a famous woman, but when one of the suspects is ruled out, everything becomes entangled. Possible killers and details emerge that alter the police's approach. Everyone's eyes are on the investigation, especially the tabloids, and because a medium had foretold the woman's death. The action takes place before World War II, and some customs of the time are described, as well as others that are still current, such as curiosity and the need for distraction of many people. The novel is well outlined in terms of the presentation of the characters and the plots, from the formal point of view the narration is correct, captures the attention, is interesting and entertaining.
The Scottish author Elizabeth Mackintosh (1896-1952) signed her works with the name Josephine Tey, by which she is known. She wrote during the so-called golden age of British novels of intrigue. She achieved her first success in 1929. In addition to the Alan Grant series, she has written Miss Pym disposes and The Franchise Affair, among others.