A bird-watching expedition with Phyllis turns into a murder hunt for Robin Scott. Robin encounters a gang that specializes in a particular brand of fraud--the bodies of unknown transients are substituted for members of the gang who are insured.

Pepe Montillo, one of Spain's most famous matadors, has abruptly stopped fighting. Robin investigates the theft of a jewel laden image of The Virgin of Macarena in order to protect the insurance company and restore the bullfighter’s courage.