A retired professor's suspicious death draws a sharp-witted lawyer and pool shark into a dangerous investigation that spans continents and pits him against a ruthless crime family. Algy Temple, a man of many talents including law and high-stakes billiards, finds himself investigating the demise of a former academic. This inquiry quickly escalates, pulling him from Providence into the heart of Italy, where he must confront the formidable 'Ndrangheta. The narrative weaves together elements of a Ponzi scheme, cultural conflict, and personal stakes, all set against the backdrop of a major pool tournament where the stakes are literally life and death.

The premise suggests a complex thriller that combines legal intrigue with the gritty world of competitive pool. The narrative appears to balance a fast-paced investigation with personal subplots, including a wedding and community conflicts. The international scope, moving from Providence to Italy, indicates a broad canvas for the unfolding conspiracy. The blend of crime family confrontation and the high-stakes environment of pool suggests a story where intellect and nerve are equally tested.