When his friend Charles Pitt-Heron vanishes mysteriously Sir Edward Leithen is at first only mildly concerned. But a series of strange events that follow Pitt-Herons disappearance convince Leithen that he is dealing with a sinister secret society. Their codename is The Power-House. The authorities are unable to act without evidence. As he gets deeper involved with the underworld Leithen finds himself facing the enemy alone & in terrible danger.