As Venice experiences a debilitating heatwave Commissario Brunetti escapes the city to spend time with his family For Ispettore Vianello however the weather is the last thing on his mind It appears his aunt has become obsessed with horoscopes & has been withdrawing large amounts of money from the family business Not knowing what to do he consults Brunetti & asks permission to trail her Meanwhile Brunetti receives a visit from a friend who works at the Commune It seems that discrepancies have been occurring at the Courthouse involving a judge & an usher with a flawless track record Intrigued Brunetti asks Signorina Elettra to find out what she can while he's away When news reaches Brunetti that the usher from the Courthouse has been viciously murdered he returns to investigate But why would someone want a good man dead & what might his death have to do with the Courthouse discrepancies?