Journalist Georgia Lee Maxwell is more than happy to take a break from her job in Paris and head south for Provence. Here she is to ghostwrite the memoirs of Vivien Howard, a New York society hostess accused of killing her wealthy husband - but never charged. In Provence, though, Georgia Lee discovers that the widow is surrounded by some distinctly dubious characters: her handsome artist boyfriend; a seemingly terrified young daughter and spoilt son; and, finally, a mysterious assistant. Torn by doubts about her ability to write the book Vivien desires, and frightened by threatening anonymous letters, Georgia Lee finds she must also contend with her cat, who is quietly destroying her friend's apartment back in Paris. And then, of course, there's murder.