It looks as though Inspector Lavardin is having a holiday for once. Look at him taking the waters in Montecatini, Italy. But don't be fooled, the French sleuth is on duty as usual; he even works for Interpol this time. The objective of his investigation is Ruggero Anello, an Italian millionaire who, besides owning a big shoe company, is suspected of being the leader of an arms trafficking network. But what Lavardin had not expected is that Claire Anello, Ruggero's wife and successful crime novelist, would be murdered at the hotel where he is staying...