An unusual grey fox is hunted into the little Devon valley of Ravenscoombe, bringing with it a series of misfortune which old Tacky Bowden attributes to the traditional bad luck associated with foxes of that colour. The efforts to rid the valley of the animal draw together the fortunes of Tacky, a lonely ex-farmer; Clegg Granger, a newcomer to farming; and Josh Huccaby, the local landowner and Master of the hunt.