Hans Stichler comes from humble beginnings. He receives a scholarship to the University of Cambridge on the condition that he solves a crime there. He becomes a member of the elite Pitt Club, the club with the butterfly seal, and falls in love with Charlotte, who introduces him to the customs of the snobs. Soon he realizes that behind the old walls of the British upper class lie secrets that no one talks about. What is Hans willing to give to belong? Must he do the wrong thing to achieve the right outcome?.