Cyprian Druse, eminent critic and terror of the London literati is found dead. The police rule an accidental death but Simon Crane, Druse's nephew, suspects other wise. Druse's vituperative pen had destryed many reputations. Plus no less than five women had fallen victim to his egocentric ruthlessness. The Literary Lion was in truth a viper and Crane sets out to discover- with the help of fellow sleuth Professor Mandrake--the real story behind Druse's demise.