Horn Fisher is an aristocratic detective who takes on criminal cases involving members of high society. However, he is an unusual, unconventional, cold, and not at all likable detective. This is because he happens to know a lot. Not only about the human soul but also about society and politics. Knowing the people and things of the dark side of wealth and power, he harbors no illusions about dispensing justice (unlike his naive journalist assistant) and is solely dedicated to uncovering the truth.

Chesterton, this "Dark Prince of Paradox," presents us with a cynical yet realistic mural of crime in the high circles of the ruling class, where entanglement and corruption are the norm.