The story begins with the shocking murder of a Japanese envoy in the basement of the UN, just days before a crucial General Assembly vote. Sam Windrush, First Deputy in Legal Affairs, is tasked with investigating the crime while navigating a maze of bureaucratic obstacles, political agendas, and personal betrayals. The Secretary-General, desperate to avoid scandal, gives Sam a single week to solve the case before it’s handed over to the NYPD. As Sam digs deeper, he discovers that everyone around him—colleagues, superiors, even his own daughter—could be implicated, and the immunity that shields diplomats may also shelter a killer.

Sutherland’s narrative is a classic whodunit set against the unique backdrop of international diplomacy, blending suspense with insights into the arcane workings of the UN. The plot twists through a cast of suspects from around the world, each with their own motives and secrets. Muller’s acclaimed performance brings every character to life, heightening the tension and emotional stakes as Sam confronts the unthinkable possibility that his own daughter may be involved.