Cynthia Power is found dead in her garage. The cops declare it a clear case of suicide over the objection of her psychiatrist, who asks PI Bertrand McAbee to investigate. As he does, he becomes aware of a high school group called the Demosthenes Club that was formed in 1967. Cynthia was a member, along with seven other students. They were extremely gifted and went on to great success with the exception of one who drowned just before graduation in 1968.

McAbee discovers the eight students had strained relations with each other. Cynthia became aware of information that unsettled her as she was putting together a book about the club, so much so that it becomes apparent to McAbee that her work and speculations would make her dangerous.

In the course of his investigation, he is inexorably drawn to Cynthia's time in Sarajevo and the murder of her lover, Toma. Eventually, he sees the need to visit Sarajevo and Belgrade to finally get a hold on this extraordinary case.

Through the process of his work, he will utilize his associates who have figured heavily through all of his cases. Augusta Satin, his best friend and purported lover; Pat Trump, his can-do secretary; Jack Scholz, his dangerous right-hand man; and the troubled Barry Fisk, his computer wizard. As the investigation proceeds, McAbee will deal with the five remaining members of the club. Now in their late 60s, all of them are tough, battle-hardened, and compulsively protective of the reputations and legacies. And yet, at least one of them is probably a murderer with ruthless instincts.