When she is dismissed from her job without explanation, Jordan Bingham, researcher for the reclusive book collector Vera Van Alst, must save her former employer from a mysterious new visitor who has designs on her money, property and Nero Wolfe first editions.

Vera Van Alst doesn't normally receive visitors without appointment, but she agrees to see the imperious Muriel Delgado upon arrival. Shortly thereafter, Jordan Bingham is told that her position researching Vera's rare books is being terminated. Evicted from the Van Alst House, Jordan is determined to find out what hold Muriel has over her erstwhile employer. It seems Muriel has designs on Vera's money and property--not to mention a particular interest in her collection of Nero Wolfe first editions. When Jordan discovers a deadly connection between Muriel and the Van Alst family, it's up to her to put the house in order and stop a killer from going back to press.