Lord Emsworth's brother, Galahad Threepwood, is writing his memoirs, to the horror and trepidation of all who knew him in their wild youths. Sinister forces at Blandings Castle scheme to halt the scandalous revelations.

Rupert Baxter has been recalled to Blandings by Lady Constance to steal the incriminating maunscript on her behalf. Emsworth's beloved pig, the Empress, has disappeared.

Hugo and Millicent's secret engagement has been broken off. In an attempt to assuage Ronnie's mistaken anger over a nightclub encounter, Sue is now masquerading as an American heiress.

Detective Percy Pilbeam, also ensconced in the castle, plots to steal Galahad's racy memoirs. Beach the butler is nervous about his part in the stolen pig plot.