J.G. Reeder, an investigator at the Public Prosecutor's office in London, is called in to investigate the murder of Rex Lander, who was found stabbed in the back with a new pin next to his body. The prime suspect is Lander's shady business partner John Lexman, who was the last to see Lander alive when they met at their club.
As Reeder sifts through the cryptic clues, including a torn theatre program, a collection of moths, and a new pin that doesn't match Lexman's club pins, he begins to discover evidence of financial fraud at Lander's firm. Could Lexman have been framed?
The book exemplifies Wallace's classic mystery style, with an ingenious detective piecing together obscure clues and unveiling surprising suspects.