Anxious the Jack Russell Terrier has a poorly paw. Burned-out chef and van life convert Max Effort will do anything for his best friend, even if that means a visit to the vets and the inevitable whining. Stopping in Harlech on the Welsh coast means they can get the little guy sorted out and take in the sights, too, even if Anxious is less than keen on visiting the doctor!

With the '67 VW complaining louder than Anxious, they barely make it, and it seems this might be it for the old van. Time for repairs later. Friends before mends. Five minutes into their consultation, the waiting room is filled with gas and there's been a murder. Pet owners are distraught because not only has everyone been clobbered, but someone's stolen half the animals from right under their noses.

After teaming up with the young receptionist, Max slowly begins to unravel his most mysterious case yet, while Anxious hobbles along, refusing to be left out. But they aren't alone, as no way will Min, Max's ex-wife and other best friend, stay away when there's trouble afoot. As rivalries surface, and bodies drop like overcooked scones, Max does what he can to help the community. With little time for one-pot wonders, he still manages to cook up a storm, but will his eye for detail and deep-seated desire to help be enough this time, or is he finally out of his depth?