The Pennyfoot hides many secrets, and its downstairs staff keeps a tight lip, even when the Edwardian aristocrats are spotted dallying with damsels in the boudoirs or gambling in the card rooms hidden below the floorboards. Should now and then one of the hotel guests fall prey to a dastardly murderer, however, it is up to Cecily Sinclair to restore order before Scotland Yard steps in and shuts down her infamous seaside hotel.

Cecily Sinclair is looking forward to the May Day festivities that brighten up the opening of the Pennyfoot's summer season. But death puts a damper on the fun when one of the hotel's guests is found strangled with the Maypole ribbon, and it's up to Cecily to hunt the mysterious killer.