When Simeon Simcox, the ultraliberal minister in the village of Rapstone Fanner, dies, he leaves his entire fortune to the greedy, social-climbing conservative politician, Leslie Titmuss.

As the minister's two sons, their wives and mistresses, the gentry, and the local gossips endeavor to uncover the mystery behind the shocking bequest, John Mortimer unfolds an extremely entertaining, wickedly funny portrait of English life.