Venetian police commissioner Guido Brunetti examined the murder of Giovanni De Cal, a traditional Murano glass blowing entrepreneur, found literally scorched in front of an oven all night after a blow on the head. Possible motives include his modernist daughter's fear to be disinherited, love for her, jealousy and infidelity. Meanwhile the vice questore concentrates on coaxing a key figure for his promotion prospects, helped by the old constable.
—KGF Vissers