This is a mystery novel that revolves around the murder of Philip Balfour. Balfour is a successful man who is passionate about collecting rare books. Balfour is married to Allie, whom he neglects in favor of his passion. He employs Keith Ramsey to manage his enterprise. When Balfour is informed that John Sewell has a pair of rare Lewis Carroll volumes for his collection, he goes to Sewell's Bookstore with Keith, however, the store is closed. He breaks in with Keith, and they begin searching the bookshelves for Lewis Carroll's volumes. The light goes out, and Philip is murdered. While Keith is chloroformed. Sewell realizes he needs to invite an old friend, Detective Fleming Stone to solve the murder mystery.