Well told tale of the investigation of characters, emotions and motives, as an insurance company doctor ferrets out the accidental death of a woman in a visit to a small town, where he keeps his purpose a secret. He makes friends with the bereaved husband, the housekeeper, the guide and others. Many revelations seem to lead him to a confession, which he soon realizes is false, as he marks the case closed. It is a unique marriage and a tainted heredity that form the basis of the story. Good reading.