When American archaeologist Brett Lynch is assaulted in her apartment in Venice, hardly anyone takes notice except for Commissioner Brunetti. Two days later, the renowned museum director Dottore Semenzato is found murdered - and all of Venice is horrified. Brunetti sets out to solve both cases with his characteristic persistence. He quickly discovers that both victims were involved in the same matter: a major exhibition of Chinese art. His investigations lead him behind the scenes of the art world.