Nothing is as it seems behind the well-trimmed hedges of the picturesque cottages in the idyllic English county of Midsomer. Beneath the tranquil surface of sleepy village life exist dark secrets, scandals and downright evil. John Nettles stars as the humorous, thoughtful and methodical Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

Preparations are well under way in Midsomer Mallow for the Perfect Village Competition. However, when the body of local rogue Peter Drinkwater is found with a pitchfork protruding from his chest, the village people are determined to keep it quiet. After all he was hardly popular in the village. Angry parents, jealous husbands, victims of crimes believed to have been perpetrated by the deceased and disgruntled lovers - all had reason to want to see the back of Drinkwater.

Meanwhile, as the Perfect Village Competition gets underway, one of the judges is poised in view of the entire village. Barnaby and Troy must unravel the web of lies if they are to solve the murders.