In noisy and vibrant 1960s Bombay, newly promoted Inspector Ganesh Ghote is thrilled to be posted to the prestigious Crime Branch. He is also delighted to be granted leave until he takes up the post, as it gives him time with his heavily pregnant wife, Protima, and a chance to see the film of Hamlet, her favourite play. Their plans are disrupted, however, when Sir Rustom Engineer, former Commissioner of Police, requests Ghote to investigate the unexplained suicide of a British friend's wife.

Worried about Protima, Ghote nevertheless travels to Mr Dawkins' distant home, where he is unconvinced by what he is told about Iris Dawkins' death. His troubles are increased when he recognises the local officer in charge as a former fellow trainee, notorious for his overwhelming aggressiveness. But, visiting friends of Iris at their jungle home, he learns of Iris's tragic history and determines to investigate further, his thoughts complicated by a new awareness, springing from Hamlet, of how deceptive appearances can be.