The case falls under the jurisdiction of the local Carabinieri, but Trotti decides to make his own inquiries. This tautly written novel brings us to the depths of a corrupt, scheming Italian society in which bank officials, clergymen, masons, lawyers, and, of course, politicians are all suspect of resorting to criminal activity for personal gain. 

 

Only the police are presumed trustworthy, and even they are sorely divided by departmental rivalries and jealousies.