Simon Charles, a financial advisor, persuaded those at the Grange to put money into a deal that has gone spectacularly wrong. Fortunately, Simon didn't lose money himself. His advice now is that he can offer a way for his friends to recoup their losses - but, of course, they will need to invest more money first...

Scarlet's virtue (or what's left of it, anyway) may be at stake, as a result of her losses. Green has secretly lost £20,000 which Mrs Peacock gave him for a church restoration project. Mrs White risked her life savings on the first deal and now has nothing left for the second. Plum, meanwhile, discovers that Simon's deal is connected with computer software stolen from him.

Which of these, then, is the motive for Simon's murder?