An intimate member of the Esposito family becomes the victim of murder by heroin overdose. Suspicion is cast on the gangster kingpin from Sweetie Bogan's Sorrow, Frank Vinson, but Mickey Barksdale, Boston's equivalent in the criminal world, might bear some responsibility, too. Mickey is running a money laundry through the local culinary institute, but his lieutenant there is up to his own crooked tricks. On the personal side, Burton mourns the loss of his relationship with Marina Antonelli, while Elder Darrow and Susan Voisine come together again, then part, maybe for good this time.

Financial fraud, drug distribution schemes, and a couple of grisly murders set the stage for another Boston adventure with Dan Burton and Elder Darrow. The Esposito is back, jazz and all.