Isabel Dalhousie is a new mother & a connoisseur of philosophy; she'd rather not be a sleuth. But when a chance conversation at a dinner party draws her into the case of a doctor whose career has been ruined she cannot ignore what may be a miscarriage of justice. Because for Isabel ethics are not theoretical at all but an everyday matter of life & death. As she attempts to unravel the truth behind Dr Thompson's disgrace Isabel's patient intelligence is also required to deal with challenges in her own life. There is her baby son Charlie; Cat's deli to look after not to mention her vulnerable assistant Eddie; & a mysterious & unlikeable composer who has latched on to Jamie making Isabel fear for the future of her new family. Isabel treads a difficult path between trust & gullibility philanthropy & interference while keeping in her sights the small but certain comforts of family philosophy & a fine Saturday morning.