Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin are drawn into a complex investigation when a man suffering from psychological trauma becomes the primary focus of a bombing case. Kenneth Meer, hospitalized with a debilitating sense of guilt following a deadly explosion, serves as the catalyst for a case that forces Archie Goodwin to navigate a web of seven suspects. As the threat of a serial bomber looms, the duo must decipher whether Meer is a perpetrator, a witness, or merely a victim of circumstance. The narrative unfolds through Archie’s sharp, observant first-person perspective, balancing the physical danger of the bomber with the intellectual rigor required to navigate the social dynamics of the suspects.

This entry in the Nero Wolfe series is regarded as a quintessential example of Rex Stout’s ability to blend psychological tension with traditional detective tropes. The narrative structure relies on the established dynamic between the sedentary, brilliant Wolfe and the active, street-smart Archie to ground the high-stakes plot. Readers often point to the author's precise characterization and the methodical pacing as the primary drivers of the story's effectiveness. The book maintains the series' reputation for clever plotting and sharp social commentary, solidifying its place within the broader canon of mid-century American mystery fiction.