This episode opens with a prologue set five years ago; we see villages surrounding a man, Toby Wagner. They are furious that he was acquitted of a murder and are threatening to set dogs on him. In the present it becomes clear that he was merely run out of the area... now he is back though. He has recently had heart surgery and has been signed up to join the titular Stitcher Society... a club for survivors of heart surgery. The owner of the club believes there is proof of Wagner's innocence; others are furious. Soon afterwards the club owner is killed with a shinai, bamboo Kendo sword, modified to include a real blade. Villages point Barnaby and Winter towards Wagner but the investigation soon uncovers other suspects with varied motives. Before the case is solved there will be further murders.
I really enjoyed this episode; it contained the expected Midsomer clichés which fans of the series enjoy: numerous suspects and motives; varied methods of murder and a group with something in common. Of course it is farfetched... would a small village have so many people who had undergone heart surgery?! That however is the fun of the series; murder is more fun when it doesn't feel real. There are plenty of humorous moments; most obviously the estate agent who keeps flirting with Barnaby. The cast, both regulars and guests, do a solid job bringing their characters to life. Overall I'd say fans of the series should really enjoy this instalment.