When a survivalist is found murdered in his bombproof shelter, Barnaby unravels a dark conspiracy that reveals just how far people will go to escape the end of the world.

Elaine Bennet has just moved into a housing association for retired police officers. When she is found murdered, Barnaby quickly realizes that the killer must be found among the police pensioners. The clues seem to lead to a 30-year-old robbery.

Tom and Chrissie Larkton are baking superstars. They run a bakery from an old water mill, but rumor has it that they are looking to expand, and that is not popular in the area. Is that why someone is apparently trying to poison Chrissie?

The residents of the village of Elverton-Cum-Latterly gather for the annual domino tournament. This year, the tournament has interim competition from a drag queen event to benefit charity. This creates friction - and soon one of the domino players is found dead. But who was behind it? It's up to Barnaby to find the answer.