Actor Harry Gould was killed at a flower show. Everything is set up in such a way that suspicion of murder falls on Archie Goodwin, Nero Wolfe's assistant, and the famous florist Lewis Hewitt. For Wolfe, it is a matter of honor to protect his friends and find the real killer. In addition, if successful, he will receive an unprecedented reward offered by Hewitt - unique specimens of black orchids, for which the great detective is ready to sell his soul.