A fanatic millionaire, a lawless politician, and a gangland boss all wanted Nero Wolfe to do things their way. Money was no object -- neither was life or death...

"Get out and stay out of my affairs.. or else!"

These were Mr. X's orders to Nero Wolfe. Mr X's affairs included extortion, mayhem, killing for hire, traffic in women, weapons and drugs.

Murder was obviously the least of Mr. X's crimes.

Nero Wolfe discovers just how dangerous being the world's greatest detective can be when he commits himself to destroying the most deadly adversary he has ever faced...