England, 1952. Step right up!
The circus has come to town and villagers of Pokeingham-Softly-on-the-Wold are looking forward to visiting the Big Top. A night of spectacle and illusion is promised, complete with a Lion Tamer, Tightrope Walker and of course one very sad clown!
Circus Master Charlie Doe calls on his old friend Miss Mapletree, mystery novelist and local celebrity, asking for her help. He suspects there will be a murder and asks her to help prevent it.
Miss Mapletree will need all the help she can get as she steps into the world of the travelling circus!