The Hesperides were evening nymphs, the daughters of Nyx (Night). Flavia Albia, daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, has established herself as a professional informer (detective, in modern terms) and can’t help but get involved when her husband-to-be uncovers human remains during the renovation of a rundown bar called the Garden of the Hesperides. It has been rumored for years that the owner once killed a barmaid and buried her in the courtyard. Flavia is grateful for the diversion because she is dreading the impending ostentatious wedding that her family has planned for her.