In London's fashionable Chelsea, the sons and daughters of the rich and powerful are indulging in a Halloween bash. Society princess Emmeline Wardle, daughter of a frozen food baron, screams blue murder when two university schoolmates are found dead-golden boy Trevor Parsons and pasty computer nerd Clive French. Given the social connections of all involved, New Scotland Yard sends a real baron to investigate: Chief Superintendent Anthony Hetheridge, also known as Lord Hetheridge, ninth baron of Wellegrave.

Just as Hetheridge and his team, DS Kate Wakefield and DS Deepal "Paul" Bhar, believe they have the suspects nailed down, they discover an acquitted killer living next door to the murder house. Five years ago, Sir Duncan Godington was accused of doing in his family, but the jury fell in love with him, and the Crown failed to convict him. After his acquittal, he kept a low profile, throwing lavish galas and restoring his place among the rich and titled. Did he commit the double murder? Has he come out of retirement at last?

Blue Murder mixes a compelling mystery with marvelous characters, witty dialogue, and a deepening romance between steely Lord Hetheridge and his tempestuous younger colleague, Kate.