As the Highland Games approach, Jim Qwilleran and the citizens of Pickax prepare to celebrate their Scottish heritage with such events as bagpipe skirling and tossing the caber. But the traditional revelry is marred by troublesome rumors when a visiting jewelry dealer, renowned for his romantic streak (and his mysterious cash-only policy), is found dead in his hotel room. His assistant is missingand soon, the winner of the caber-tossing contest disappears...

The development of a major resort complex at the southern end of Breakfast Island is causing a ruckus. Local residents, summer people and mainland fisherman are all hopping mad that the peace of their island retreat is being shattered. Then a cabin cruiser explodes in the marina causing general alarm. But when a series of deadly accidents follows on the heels of the mysterious explosion, Qwilleran begins to wonder if sabotage is involved.

Jim Qwilleran and his two cats move into a possibly-haunted farmhouse to investigate the death of its owner Mrs. Cobb.