When the body of Susan Bartlett, wife of local farmer Simon Bartlett, is discovered in Setwale Wood, local villagers readily assume she committed suicide due to depression related to her inability to have a child. When Barnaby discovers the timestamp on her suicide is from seven hours after her death, the search for a suicide motive morphs into the hunt for a killer. Barnaby and Troy quickly find themselves thrust into a whirlwind of witchcraft, ancient potions, infidelity and land feuds that expose a chilling example of the consequences which can result when parents believe they always know best. Guest star: Wendy Craig (Are You Being Served)

The town of Causton's detective chief investigator and his detective sergeant investigate the scandals and deadly deeds that lurk just beneath the well-manicured surface of the county of Midsomer. The series is bolstered by a rotating cast of investigators and many special celebrity appearances.