Tea and sympathy have never been so deadly. Schoolteacher Adam Matthews just wants to help select a new headteacher and go home. The governors at Lindenshaw St. Crispin's have already failed miserably at finding the right candidate, so it's make or break this second time round. But when one of the applicants is found strangled in the school, what should have been a straightforward decision turns as tempestuous as a flash flood in their small English village. Inspector Robin Bright isn't thrilled to be back at St. Crispin's. Memories of his days there are foul enough without tossing in a complicated murder case. And that handsome young teacher has him reminding himself not to fraternize with a witness. But it's not long before Robin is relying on Adam for more than just his testimony. As secrets amongst the governors emerge and a second person turns up dead, Robin needs to focus less on Adam and more on his investigation. But there are too many suspects, too many lies, and too many loose ends. Before they know it, Robin and Adam are fighting for their lives and their hearts.