After a disappointing year in New York City, Emma Cross has returned to Newport, Rhode Island, determined to report on hard news. For now she's covering the social event of the season at Ochre Court, a coming-out ball designed to showcase Cleo Cooper-Smith, who will be on display as Cleopatra in an elaborate tableau vivant. As Cleo ascends to her throne the recently installed modern electricity goes out, plunging into room into darkness. When the lights come back on, Cleo is dead-- electrocuted. The array of eligible suspects could fill another ballroom, and Emma puts her own life at risk to shine a light on a merciless murder.