In The Burning Court, the tension begins to mount at a seemingly ordinary dinner party hosted by Mr. Depard. The atmosphere is comfortable, with guests enjoying drinks and conversation, but the arrival of Gordain Cross, a writer, introduces an unsettling element. Cross claims that one of the attendees is a murderer, having poisoned Mr. Depard's uncle just a week prior. As he shares his insights from his recently completed book on historical poisoners, the guests become increasingly anxious. The revelation that one guest, Ted Stevens, bears an uncanny resemblance to a notorious poisoner from the past, Marie Dobre, adds a layer of intrigue and suspicion to the gathering.