The story is about a long-established and highly respected family firm of auctioneers, the House of Caradus, in Chester, England, which is now in serious financial trouble. The series captures the drama of the auction room, the excitement of bid and counter-bid, taking in dealers' rings, forged art treasures and the growing invasion of the antiques scene by London-based auction houses starved of pieces to sell. As the House of Caradus struggles to stay alive, by fair means or foul, its clients cover the whole spectrum of need and greed.

Amateur detective Miss Jane Marple investigates the murder of a young woman whose body is found in the library at Gossington Hall, home of Colonel and Mrs. Arthur Bantry.