After an evening of friendly darts and vintage brandy, a distinguished, although amorous, barrister is in no condition to drive—or walk. The poor fellow's expired, leaving one less lawyer in the world.

Called in to investigate the alleged accident, Inspector Roderick Alleyn wonders about the rules of this friendly bar game. While the barflies swear that the untimely death was caused by a dart that punctured the victim's finger, Alleyn finds the pub full of motives for murder.