For the indomitable Mrs Jankiewicz, life at the West Lodge nursing home comprises much more than boring routines and twitching curtains, especially when Sheila Malory comes to call. With Sheila she can exchange gossip about the other inhabitants, including their friends Mrs Edith Rossiter - a wealthy widow being pressurised by her scheming daughter to sign over a substantial inheritance. So when Mrs Rossiter vanishes during a shopping trip to Taunton, Sheila Malory immediately suspects the worst. But with no hard evidence of foul play, Sheila's investigations reach a dead end. It is only when Sheila's son makes a chance discovery whilst researching in the library that she uncovers the key to the whole mystery.