After a series of death threats, the lord of Marchenoire manor decides to receive a mysterious stranger, who murders him and then vanishes. A thorough search proves he is not on the premises, yet surveillance proves he could not have left. None of the witnesses inside or outside can explain what happened before their very eyes. Regarded as a masterpiece of French impossible crime, the novel features a fascinating investigation and trial which highlights the difference between the French and British/American judicial systems