Wall Street banker-cum-sleuth extraordinaire John Putnam Thatcher finds himself caught in an international investment scandal, this time involving a quasi-government commission to modernize the Kiel Canal. When he heads off to Poland for a firsthand look at the potential investment, this seemingly straightforward mission turns into risky business. Murder strikes in the heart of the fog-ridden canal and Thatcher must struggle to keep his head above water. With their unique blend of puzzle solving, political sparring, and international intrigue, it's no mystery, why Lathen's novels continue to hit the mark with today's readers.