1775. On a diplomatic trip to Vienna, Commissioner Nicolas Le Floch only just survives an attempt on his life as he investigates the breakdown of French secret intelligence in the city. He returns to a France in turmoil: people are rioting in protest at the soaring price of grain and Nicolas is assigned to investigate the unexplained death of a baker. Could it be that the events in the French capital are somehow connected to his experiences in Vienna...?...

Paris, 1774. Commissioner Le Floch's stormy love affair with socialite Julie de Lasterieux has run its course. But before Nicolas can formally end the relationship, Julie is found murdered in her bed, a victim of poisoning. For now, he retains the confidence of even the King, who sends him on a secret intelligence mission. But a plot is afoot to implicate Nicolas in Julie's death, and he is soon fighting to uncover the perpetrators and clear his name....