Burridge by Sea had a troubling day before the murder, there was a burglary from Miss Johnson's grand house on the seafront relieving her of a clock worth £40,000 and a homeless man had been beaten up by the Seafront Defence Trust, the thuggish security group set up by the local Yacht Club to protect their Festival of the Sea. The community is riven with tensions as many are wondering what sort of town they are going to be left with if the Council and the Yacht club have their way. When John Sikorski's battered body is found in his house behind the promenade Chief Inspector Barclay and Sgt Penrose are called in to investigate. There is speculation as to whether the incidents are linked. Pressure is brought to bear to get a quick result. Barclay is frustrated by obstruction from members of Sikorski's family and indifference from the local hipster/arty community some of whom knew the victim. The first book in a new series. A traditional British mystery. Although with a contemporary theme. There is also some humour and social satire involved.