"A co-ed is found murdered on campus. Coincidentally (or not), a college custodian is also found dead. A third crime scene is revealed: a professor, formerly a spy, has been shot dead in his home. A mysterious note is found that warned him to run. Each victim is connected to the Dowbiggin School of International Relations, yet none seems connected to the other. Coming up against campus secrets, Émile Cinq-Mars must uncover the links between disparate groups quickly before the next victim is selected for an elaborate initiation into murder."