Morsefindshimselfthesubjectofamurderinvestigationwhenhisfriend,BerylNewsome,ismurderedatarehearsaloftheMagicFluteandhefoolishlytouchesthemurderweapon.MorseissuspendedandDCIBottomley,withDSLewisassistinghim,isputinchargeofthecase.Morsefeelsthathewasset-upandlookstohispasttoseewho,amongthemanycriminalshearrested,mightnowbesettingaboutseekingrevenge.Whensomeonescratchesmasonicsymbolsalloverhiscarandheisreportedforerraticdriving,MorsewondersifMasonsmaysomehowbeinvolved.WhenalargenumberofhispersonalitemsarefoundinBeryl'sapartment,Morseisplacedunderarresddd
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