Caroline Avon had been bequeathed a house in the Scottish Highlands, and at Christmas time she travelled north to take possession. The house was enormous and in a state of sorry neglect, and Caro's income certainly would not run to new heating or a staff of servants. Why then did she refuse to sell when she got two attractive offers? What was it that made a decaying mansion such a desirable property? Had there really been a dead body in the bathroom at the hotel, or had her eyes deceived her?