Christiania, Norway 1721Brander Hansen is the Baron of Hamar to some people, and Lord Olsen "a discreet gentleman of discovery" to others. Participating in his trade allows him to begin rebuilding his fortune, so when one of Christiania's citizens shoots a man on a crowded street, and then turns the gun on himself, Brander is asked to solve the murder/suicide.Once again Baroness Regin Kildahl Hansen dons a disguise to help her husband with his investigation while he risks his own funds to discover if the deaths are connected to a lucrative financial opportunity. Together they uncover a massive scheme that risks both Brander's financial security, and the financial stability of Norway's noble class.At the height of the investigation the Hansens receive word that Brander's father is dying, a message that revives Brander's resentment at his father's betrayal. He refuses to visit his father until the investigation is finished. And when he and Regin arrive in Arendal, he finds he is less than welcome.