After a public reading brings him rousing applause, Falco receives an offer to have his work published. However Chrysippus, esteemed banker, patron of the arts, and scroll merchant, but requires payment. When Chrysippus turns up murdered in the library, Falco is appointed the official investigator. As he assembles all the suspects, he's soon up to his neck in outraged writers and shifty bankers. -- Adapted from back cover