Bill Carter, co-founder of the New Age commune 'Lodge of the Golden Windhorse', dies after falling down the stairs and breaking his neck. Barnaby and Troy arrive to investigate and meet many of the commune's quirky residents, including latest arrival Christopher Wainwright, and his seasoned lover Sylvie 'Suhami' Gamelin, whose tycoon father is furious that she planned to donate her $3,000,000 inheritance to the lodge, while her lush squander-bug mother Felicity is also visiting. They need to work out whether it was just an unfortunate accident or murder. The ex-con leader of the commune, 'master' (guru) Ian Craigie, actually alias for Bill's brother but not the only fake name, is stabbed to death shortly afterwards with a carving knife, during a spiritual ritual attended by all its members and visitors, the detectives need to find out who could have possibly committed both crimes. His immature protege Tim Riley, who hasn't spoken since arriving at the commune, is a key witness in the case. Ken and Heather Beavers also have a colorful past.
—KGF Vissers