Count Averin and his assistant Kuzya return to St. Petersburg and begin serving in the Directorate. They deserve a rest, but instead they receive a new case: the rector of a Moscow witchcraft academy dies under strange circumstances. By all indications, the incident resembles an accident, but the detective notices too many oddities. It also turns out that the rector's death played into the hands of many people.

Soon, Count Averin's friend Vladimir joins the case, and everything becomes much more serious than they could have imagined. One of the most powerful divas is at large, but the evidence and the prime suspect cannot be found. What is the story behind the rector's death? And why is Vladimir involved?

'The Secret of the Dead Rector. Book 1' is a continuation of the gripping series about magical St. Petersburg, full of living heroes, ancient power, and secrets that are best left untouched. Inside are intrigues, strange coincidences, and a choice that hinges on more than it seems. Series author Viktor Dashkevich continues to tell the story of Count Averin and his faithful friend Kuzya.