Steve Quain, a high-priced American publicist, works for Victor Danemore, a wealthy but secretive industrialist living in a luxurious European estate. When Danemore suddenly dies from a heart attack, Quain uncovers that his employer had been paying substantial sums of money to various people around the continent. Curious and compelled by an unknown force, Quain embarks on a journey to unravel the mystery behind these payments, which leads him through a maze of post-war European intrigue. He encounters several enigmatic figures, including a captivating widow named Dominique and a mysterious woman named Brita, who seem to know more about Danemore’s past than they initially let on.

As Quain delves deeper, he discovers that Danemore was involved in activities far more shadowy than he initially suspected. His search for the truth takes him from France to Sweden, uncovering buried secrets and unmasking hidden alliances. The stakes grow higher, with Quain facing danger at every turn. As he pieces together the jigsaw of Danemore's life, he realizes that trust is scarce and betrayal lurks around every corner. The labyrinthine plot keeps him guessing until the very end, revealing a conspiracy that shakes the foundations of his understanding of the world he thought he knew.