Lady Phoebe Renshaw and her lady's maid, Eva Huntford, investigate after a guest is found dead at a posh, but small gathering at the home of her sister, Julia, where the presence of outspoken French fashion designer Coco Chanel and her entourage adds both glamour and tension to the proceedings.

Lady Phoebe and Eva are attending when a small gathering at the home of Phoebe's sister, Julia, who has also invited her favorite French fashion designer, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, and Coco's current beau, the Earl of Chesterhaven. Coco has brought an entourage of her own, including two models, and intends to use the gardens as a photographic setting for her latest creations. Madame Chanel is as outspoken as she is talented, and there is tense competition between the models. When one of the guests is found dead of smoke inhalation, it appears to be a tragic accident. But was a the fireplace flue closed by mistake, or is there a more sinister explanation? There are ugly secrets in the world of Maison Chanel, ones that a killer will risk anything to protect. -- adapted from jacket