In Vienna-Ottakring, a disfigured corpse is discovered: Ernestine Papouschek, 82, a retired bookseller and bestselling author of "The Beet Queen." In her book, she candidly recounts her experiences with lovers who responded to her ad "Sprightly retiree seeks partner for mattress sports." Her death leads Commissioner Groschen into the publishing world, behind monastery walls, to Sarajevo, and among former communards. A number of suspects quickly emerge: the hulking neighbor in a leather jacket, the shady publisher, and the ex-con Tode Todic. In this thrilling Austrian crime novel, depths are revealed that provide insight into the swamp of Viennese society.