A successful theatrical director, Simon Fletcher, arrives in the village of Badgers Drift, his head filled with disturbing childhood memories. Soon after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, a property developer in the village is savagely murdered with an Indian sword belonging to a vicar. Barnaby and Detective Sergeant Troy investigate the crime, trying to discover if it was motivated by ill-feeling in the village about his plans for property development or some longer buried secrets. Guest starring Judy Parfitt (Call the Midwife).