The story takes place in the early 20th century and tells the story of a young man named Erast Fandorin who becomes involved in a series of mysterious events that lead him to uncover a conspiracy involving a powerful organization known as the "Brotherhood of the Red Star". The plot of the book revolves around the main character, Erast Fandorin, a young man from a noble family who has been trained in martial arts and detective work. He is hired by a wealthy businessman to investigate the murder of his daughter, who was found dead in a locked room with no signs of struggle or forced entry. As Fandorin delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the victim had been involved in a secret society known as the "Brotherhood of the Red Star", which is rumored to be involved in occult practices and human sacrifices. As Fandorin investigates further, he realizes that the Brotherhood is not just a simple cult but a highly organized and well-funded group with connections to the highest echelons of society. He also discovers that the victim had been working on a machine that could control the weather, and that the Brotherhood is willing to do whatever it takes to keep this technology for themselves. The story follows Fandorin's journey as he navigates through the complex web of intrigue and deception to uncover the truth behind the murder and the true purpose of the Brotherhood.

''