Miss Marple senses clanger when she visits a friend living in Stoneygates, a rehabilitation centre for delinquents. Her fears are confirmed when someone shoots at the administrator. Though he is not injured, a mysterious visitor is less fortunate - shot dead simultaneously in another part of the building.

Pure coincidence? Miss Marple thinks not, and must use all her cunning to solve the riddle of the stranger's visit... and his murder.