This is the first of the Erast Fandorin books, and one that shows the reader what Erast was like in his youth. The book opens with the suicide of a rich noble, Pyotr Kokorin. At least, it seems like suicide. The young, twenty year old Erast disagrees and decides with the support of his boss to investigate. Using his quick wit to get him out of the situations caused by his naivety and headstrong behaviour, this book shows a side of Erast that is not shown usually in other books, a side that shows innocence and purity along with childishness. Without knowing, Erast is pulled into a worldwide conspiracy with everything needed for a detective mystery.With beautiful, dangerous women, a game of suicide, and a life saved by a corset, what more could you ask for?