When a gardener brings Harriet Bailey a beautiful purebred bloodhound he found wandering around-and trampling Miss Jane Birtwhistle's roses-she discovers the dog belongs to Lord Beresford, White Church Bay's own reclusive baron. But when Harriet goes to the manor to return the dog, the noble owner is nowhere to be found. Did he leave of his own free will, or is foul play involved? As Harriet searches for answers, she uncovers long-buried secrets about the baron and his family... secrets that might be better off staying hidden.

Meanwhile, at the encouragement of her aunt Jinny, Harriet steps out of her comfort zone to meet new people. Gemma, a young and ambitious reporter, is clearly interested in getting to know Harriet. But when information Harriet told her new friend in confidence is published in the local paper, Harriet has to wonder: Is Gemma truly seeking her friendship, or is she merely using Harriet to get the latest scoop about the missing man?