When a talentless artist and chronic alcoholic, Jerry Newman, is found dead in his own apartment, few doubt that it was suicide. Especially since the cause of death is crystal clear—an excessive dose of sleeping pills. But experienced detective Steve Carella is in no hurry to close the case. As you know, suicides usually leave suicide notes and don’t stay down on the floor to turn off the air conditioner—especially when it’s been unbearable heat outside for a full week.