Hercule Poirot is enjoying a well-deserved break on Smugglers' 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 a connection to Arlena. But which of these suspects, including her family, felt strongly enough about Arlena Stuart to kill her?