A killer flees the scene of a homicide at a prestigious musicschool and locks himself in a classroom. Within minutes, thepolice have him surrounded. There's a shout from inside, followedby a gunshot. The police break down the door. The room is empty.Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are brought in to help with thehigh-profile investigation of a master illusionist. But the conjurerbaits them with gruesome murders that become more diabolical with each fresh crime.