A sudden death occurs at a party in 1936, proving to be a pivotal moment for the group of people who converge at the party and go on to face differing realities over the years to come as the world unfolds into war. Recalling the historical sweep of such popular films as }The Shooting Party{ and }Gosford Park{, this generation-spanning novel marks a triumphant return for the }Caper Court{ series author.