A knife, bearing the initials "CG", is thrust up to the hilt in the victim's chest, and State Counsellor Fandorin is allegedly seen fleeing the crime.
But all is not quite as it seems. Someone is intent on framing Fandorin - he must discover who they are and find out who is really responsible for the murder.
©1999 Boris Akunin; ©2008 Andrew Bromfield; (P)2008 Isis Publishing Ltd
Translation
"All in all, a delicious confection." (Evening Standard)
"Lively characters and a sinuous plot amply explain why Akunin's Fandorin thrillers have sold in their millions." (Financial Times)