The Heart of the Lark

The fifth case of Baron von Shpinne: this time he is about to encounter mysticism... or is the criminal still a human?

In the provincial town of Tatayara, there is unusual excitement: the world-renowned seer and illusionist Alessandro Topazo is arriving. His performance at the local theater attracts a full house, and at a dinner hosted by the governor, he astounds the guests with a strange trick — he yanks a "living heart" from the stuffed bird that stood on the mantelpiece.

The next morning, the town is shaken by the news: Topazo has been found dead. The investigation is entrusted to the head of the detective police, von Shpinne.