An acting governor arrives in one of the Russian regions and faces rejection from the local political elites. Against this background, a multifaceted and dynamic plot of the novel develops, which captivates from the first pages of the story. This work has it all - political intrigue, corrupt journalists, clan struggles, fatal beauties, criminals and businessmen, chance relationships, intrigues and murders, all facets of the political life of the modern Russian province, often remaining out of sight of ordinary residents. Who is behind the scenes of what is happening? What are these people trying to achieve? Who is the puppeteer here and who is the puppet? You will receive answers to these and other questions only after reading the novel to the end.