The murders start with the body of Robin. He is found with a arrow through the heart, but Vance deduces that the body was placed and not found where he was killed. The note found dealing with the murder was part of a nursery rhyme and signed by 'Bishop'. The only witness may have been Mrs. Drukker and Adolph, but they are not talking. As the murders progress, each one is accompanied by a nursery rhyme. It is up to Philo Vance to unravel the clues and unmask the identity of the murderer 'Bishop'.

A flapper unwittingly falls for the boss' son.

A New York tramp falls in love with the mayor's amnesiac girlfriend after rescuing her from a suicide attempt.

The wife of a doctor in China falls in love with a diplomat.

A married farmer falls under the spell of a slatternly woman from the city, who tries to convince him to drown his wife.