Inspector Rebus is back in Edinburgh, investigating the theft of antique books and the case of a drowned woman. Ordinary police everyday life. During an on-duty raid on a well-secret brothel, the police “catch” Gregor Jack, a young, promising and in all respects exemplary member of parliament, and even married to a beauty from high society. The most unpleasant thing is that the reporters were already right there, as if they knew... But why would anyone frame Gregor Jack? And where did his wife go so inopportunely? It was as if she sank into the water. Scandal, scandal. Apparently, someone really needs to deprive Jack of everything he has been striving for for years, one by one, to beat all his cards. But maybe the popular parliamentarian is really not who he seems? Inspector Rebus must quickly sort out this delicate matter. He will figure it out, and at the same time find the stolen books.