Once Dr. Emil Ganz was a preeminent astrophysicist with a world-renowned reputation. But then he vanished without any warning to his family or colleagues. Fifteen years later, he reappeared as "Father Jupiter," the founder and charismatic leader of the scientific cult, The Order of the Rings. And now he's dead - a vial of sleeping pills and an empty bottle of vodka standing near his lifeless body. Was Ganz's death an accident? Suicide? Or did someone hasten Jupiter prematurely out of this world? These are questions LAPD Lieutenant Peter Decker and his Homicide team are determined to answer as they enter the cult's fortresslike compound.