Rosie Tiniswood tries to kill herself, but is rescued by Kate Rowan at the last minute. Not that she is grateful though. In fact she blames the world of everything and claims that her husband is in jail for something he did not do. Oddly enough Rowan believes her story and looks into the case much to sergeant Blaketon's displeasure. Rowan especially wonders why his predecessor legendary Rowley Carsons retired after immediately after the case though still in his forties and his file has gone missing. PC Phil Bellamy is getting married, but is seriously assaulted during his bachelor party at the Aidensfield Arms. Luckily Gina and Greengrass got a good look at the assailant.

PC Rowan is stopped by three children, who claim they have seen a witch. And indeed they find an urn with the remains of on of Kate's former patients Amy Dewhurst, which the mysterious woman threw over the church yard fence. The description of the woman matches Nancy Bellow, the housekeeper and companion of the deceased. Now she cooks for Marjorie Salter, the grand niece of her former employer, and her husband, who are renovating her aunt's old house. The following night the Salters are admitted to hospital with symptoms of food poisoning. Inspector Crossley is so convinced that Nancy Bellow has tried to poison her new employers and murdered Amy Dewhurst that he goes to far to get a confession out of her.

Greengrass befriends a spry old gal at the Aidensfield Arms. She is called Enid and writes crime novels. She is there to celebrate her son's birthday, but does not mind betting a bit of the money for his birthday present on the horses providing Greengrass can come up with the right tip. He does, but suddenly he cannot find his shirt with the winning ticket, because David wrapped it around Alfred when he took the dog to the vet. Enid reports the assault of a woman, and a few hours later a woman matching her description is admitted to hospital. The woman is Rachel Osborne and she is living with friends together with her daughter Lucy. Earlier that day Rachel reported that her room was broken into and PC Bradley is sure the two crimes are connected. Sergeant Craddock is not too happy with Enid hanging around the police station all the time - even though she is his mother!