Felicity Law approaches Anthony Prideaux to sell a painting she has found in her attic. Recognising its worth as a painting by esteemed Midsomer artist Henry Hogson, Anthony tries to con her into selling it for a trifling amount. However Felicity is not one to be conned and eventually the painting is offered for sale by auction. Despite Patricia Blackshaw’s best efforts on behalf of the Hogson Society, she is outbid by an American collector and she cannot hide her disappointment. When Felicity is found strangled and tortured, Barnaby and Jones investigate and learn about a lot more than art.