Leading the investigation into the death of an Italian noble, Nicolas Le Floch discovers the true identity of "The Claw", the kingdom's most wanted bandit. The Claw robs from the wealthy, but he's no Robin Hood. Le Floch must find a way to foil his plans and stop him once and for all.

Nicolas Le Floch conducts an investigation into a spate of deaths by poison at the house of the influential M. de Montault. Before another poisoning occurs, he has to discover the identity of the mysterious enemy and what the motive could be for targeting de Montault family.