Within an hour or two the dead bodies of two elderly ladies are discovered in the vicinity of Buddington-on-the-Hill; both had been strangled. Each is found lying full-length, clasping in her hand the stem of Madonna lily. The work of a maniac? Two murderers working together? It's up to Carolous Deene to find out.

The dead bodies of two elderly ladies are discovered; both had been strangled. Each is found lying full-length, clasping in her hand the stem of a Madonna lily.