In the first century AD, Flavia Albia is ready for a short break from family and returns to Rome. Daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, now retired as private informer, Albia has taken up her father's former profession, and it's time to get back to work. The first order of business, however, is the corpse found in a chest sent as part of a large lot to be sold by the Falco family auction house. As the senior family representative in Rome, it falls upon Albia to solve the crime. At the same time, her potential suitor, Faustus, comes looking for help with his friend Sextus' political campaign. Between the auction business and Roman politics, it's not quite clear which is more underhanded.