Lucas Edgerton, arbitrary and capricious eccentric, has a fabulous art collection. He began collecting when Cézannes were a dime a dozen. To sell some paintings for tax purposes, he has imported Ellis Blaise, young New York art dealer. Thefts from the collection, the sensational forgery of a priceless Renoir, and the puzzling murder of Simon Edgerton-Lucas' son-force Blaise into a perilous investigation involving:
Miriam Wayne, curator of Edgerton's collection-shrewd, handsome, with shadowy connections to the murdered man and others.
Cass Edgerton, Lucas' niece-for whose sake Blaise comes on.
Paul Weldon, young painter-with more money than he can account for.
Molly Dann, lusty model-Simon Edgerton's ex-mistress.
Victor Grandi-mysterious technician of the collection.
Dr. Wesley Corum-critic and adviser to rich collectors.
Jonas Astorg-an important art dealer.
Hugh Norden-fly-by-night peddler of inconsequential art and occasional erotica.
