In this, the second of Troy Gavine's Maestro Erickson Mysteries, symphonic conductor Marcus Erickson investigates the mysterious death of one of his friends and musical associates, oboist Bob Maxwell. Mysterious circumstances surrounding two other double-reed players, another oboist and a bassoonist, suggest connections, but the police seem to be unable to come up with the answers. By sheer accident, by using his musical knowledge and contacts, and his contacts at Point Lobo University, the conductor puts pieces together that others can't.