Mary Ann Cotton, married to two living men at the same time, is still pursuing a third that would yield a chance at a better life. But when her stepson dies, a suspicious shopkeeper calls the police. Will they be able to prove their case? After moving a few towns away to escape her latest misdemeanours, passions are reignited with old flame Joe, but financial struggles and a taste of middle class life soon make Joe surplus to Mary Ann's requirements. How many more innocent people will fall victim to the contents of Mary Ann's dreaded teapot?