Reverend Jud is transferred to an old church in New York State, presided over by Monsignor Jefferson Weeks. Jud struggles to find common ground with both Weeks and the parishioners. Shortly after finishing a sermon, the Monsignor retires to his chambers, only to be found dead thirty seconds later. The witnesses include the devout Martha Delacroix, Dr. Nat Sharp, attorney Vera Draven, and author Lee Ross. It is up to private detective Benoit Blanc to investigate the murder.