Hubert Mallindaine initiates a complex social and financial power struggle by claiming a divine lineage linked to the ancient goddess Diana. Hubert, a charismatic and manipulative figure, asserts his rights to a luxurious villa in Nemi, setting himself against the wealthy and established Maggie Radcliffe. The narrative explores the collision between Hubert’s fabricated spiritual claims and the cold, material reality of high-society ownership. Through a series of calculated maneuvers, the characters engage in a battle of wits and influence that tests the boundaries of truth and deception. The story is presented through a detached, observational lens that highlights the absurdity of the characters' pretensions.

Readers frequently highlight the author's biting wit and the clinical precision with which she dissects the motivations of her characters. Discussion often centers on the interplay between the ancient, mystical setting of Nemi and the mundane, often ruthless, financial concerns of the protagonists. Critics often note the novel's ability to maintain a cool, detached tone while exposing the underlying chaos of the characters' lives. The balance of character development is heavily weighted toward psychological insight rather than traditional action, making it a study in social friction. Many readers appreciate the intellectual rigor of the prose, which demands close attention to the shifting power dynamics throughout the narrative.