When a close friend dies in a suspicious automobile accident, antique dealer Romano Grey is forced to clear his name after the victim is posthumously implicated in a gruesome murder. Grey must navigate the insular world of his own community and the broader criminal underworld to uncover the truth behind the dismembered body found at the crash site. His investigation is hampered by external prejudice and the complex, often hidden, social codes of the gypsy population. The narrative unfolds through a focused, investigative lens that prioritizes the protagonist's specialized knowledge of antiques and cultural heritage as tools for solving the crime.

This novel serves as the introduction to Romano Grey, a character who provides a distinct perspective within the traditional mystery genre. The narrative structure suggests a focus on the intersection of cultural heritage and criminal investigation, a hallmark of the author's early work. Readers likely find the protagonist's expertise in antiques to be a compelling mechanism for uncovering clues that others might overlook. The book establishes a foundation for the subsequent installment, highlighting the author's ability to weave social nuance into a standard detective framework.