5th in the Philo Vance mystery series set during July 13-14, 1930. Vance, an independently wealthy college educated, amateur detective, uses his deductive skills and psychological knowledge to help his New York City District Attorney friend to unravel the murder of the financial backer of an Egyptologist and his work in Egypt. As usual, the action is set in New York City. His methods are unconventional and go against the more rigid police investigative methods and lawyer legal requirements.