1940年，日军华北五省特务机关长吉川贞佐就任，加强对占领区军统及地下党情报作战，成为国共双方的重大威胁。党组织指示除奸队长陈宽与军统豫站站长叶子方联手行动,打入日军特务机关总部，近距离刺杀了吉川。
A letter for Miss Marple from a recently deceased friend promises a large reward for investigating a crime - without telling her who was involved, or when it happened! When she accepts, she is given a reservation for a coach tour of historic homes and gardens. She has fifteen fellow-passengers - and one of them knows a murderer's secret and someone is preparing to kill.
