When Penelope Kite attends the opening of an art exhibition on the arm of the gorgeous Mayor of St Merlot, Laurent Millias, it seems she is finally settling into life in Provence. But beneath the glamor, trouble is lurking. Shockwaves ripple when British expat artist, Roland Doncaster, collapses after choking on an olive. A tragic accident? Or was he poisoned? Penelope is thrust once again into the middle of a murder investigation, but when she casts suspicion on one of the Mayor's friends, she finds herself out in the cold. As winter draws in, Penelope must rely on the friendship of her local music group, including the dashing art dealer, Gilles de Bourdan, the support of the effervescent Frankie, and her own sleuthing instincts to untangle this mystery.