Mrs Vernay and her husband live in a flat above the Chambers of Brian Culsworth Q. in the Temple. One day Mrs Vernay receives a visit from a Mr Sampson and she gets the impression that he is a
blackmailer. She immediately seeks advice from Mr Culsworth in his chambers below. Mr Culsworth's client, a Mr Baker, is bringing an action to recover his share on a win on the pools. The story
of these people becomes inextricably linked in a brilliant novel of suspense and humour.