Hercule Poirot is enjoying a well-deserved break on Smuggler's Island and, through habit, paying close attention to his fellow holidaymakers. When glamorous actress Arlena Stuart is found strangled on the beach of a small out-of-the-way cove Poirot becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. With his clever and methodical questioning he discovers that nearly all the guests have connections to Arlena. But which of these suspects, including her family, felt strongly enough about Arlena Stuart to kill her?