There has been a break-in at the county council office. At first it seems that nothing but petty cash was taken, but then it is discovered that an adoption file is missing. When the child of that file is abducted suspicion falls on its biological mother Sandie Eliot. Only the abducted child is not hers! Greengrass reports a murder. One of his homing pigeons has been killed by a peregrine falcon, and when the police will have nothing to do with it he and his fellow members of the local pigeon fanciers association decide to take matters in their own hands.

Feelings are running high in Aidensfield. They want to organize a flower show, but people disagree on whether vegetables should be allowed or not. When they leave the Aidensfield Arms a shot is heard and Joyce Jowett's sister Sally collapses and dies in the arms of Carol Cassidy. Contrary to her sister Sally was sweet and lovable and the police cannot rule out that somebody else was the intended victim, but whom? It promises to be a hot summer and Aunt Peggy has bought an ice cream van. But she is away at her annual Redcoat reunion and has left David in charge of the van. Rosie thinks that the home-made ice cream leaves a lot to be desired though.