The work begins the series “Detective stories of the early 20th century.” The action takes place in the Volga district town of Volgsk in 1903. Almost simultaneously, the silence and regularity of provincial life are disrupted by two tragic events: a fire in the Venice tavern and the disappearance of a young clerk. The investigation of the young police official Ordyntsev leads to unexpected results. The story “Matabeli in Odessa” will be continued. Ordyntsev is sent to Southern Palmyra to investigate a series of mysterious brutal murders.