Harry Vos, a retired man and part-time private investigator who lives near Antwerp, is torn between the pleasures of retirement and the attractions of involvement in challenging investigations. A big family man, he nevertheless finds it difficult to turn down opportunities to test his investigative skills. When an old friend phones and tells him about the possibility of becoming an heir hunter, he jumps at the chance.

Kurt Baumer, from St Vith, in the German speaking area of Belgium, died with no known heirs.

Progress on finding an heir is slow, but assisted by his daughter Josina, Harry gradually allows himself to get drawn into a wider investigation, which uncovers Kurt's questionable dealings in African artefacts. When the deceased is found to have been in possession of some diamonds, alarm bells really start to ring.

Further enquiries take Harry into the world of art smuggling. And as an old adversary from the Redline case resurfaces in search of revenge, the stakes for Harry are higher than ever.