The Colonel is busier than ever. The Frog End Players have enlisted his woodwork skills to build a set for their annual Christmas pantomime.

This year, it's Hans Christian Andersen's dark fairytale The Snow Queen. Local busybody Marjorie Cuthbertson is on the hunt for her leading lady — and who better to play the icy queen than beautiful new resident Joan Dryden. But as interested as they are in their new neighbours, the residents of Frog End remain wary of the Dryden family, considering them snooty Londoners.

Then tragedy strikes at the village party. One moment, a guest is enjoying a festive mince pie. The next, they are on the floor, clawing at their throat. A tragic allergic reaction, or bitter revenge?