It's Christmastime, and after being ejected from Miss Bodycote's Female Academy in Toronto, Flavia is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted with unfortunate news: Her father is ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. Eager to run an errand for the vicar's wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man's body, which begins a new investigation.