Inspector Mario Conde investigates a murder in the rundown Chinatown of Havana. Not his usual beat, but when he's asked to take the case by the beautiful Police Lieutenant Chion, he can't resist. Pedro Cuang is found hanging naked from a beam in the ceiling of his dingy room. Was this a ritual Santeria killing or a just a sordid settling of accounts? The story is soaked in atmosphere: African spells cast by babalao sorcerers, deliciously smoke-filled bars, deep friendships, and beautiful women - Lieutenant Chion among them.