Archaeologist Martin Day has always hated the illegal trade in Greek antiquities, and now he has a chance to make a difference. By working for Chief Inspector Andreas Nomikos on a case of suspected trafficking, he will not only be well paid to give lectures at the beautiful Villa Myrsini; he will also be distracted from the problems in his personal life. He allows himself to become involved with a privileged set of people, one of whom is financing the new Naxos Festival of Cycladic Wine, and any one of whom might be concealing a lucrative sideline in illegal antiquities. When people begin to die, Day's comfortable existence takes a distinct turn for the worse.

As the light grew dim again with the onset of the second night, Day admitted to himself that he was afraid.