It is a mystery novel set in the imaginary New England town of Wrightsville, US.

Ellery Queen investigates a series of murders that seem to be related by an old rhyme: "Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, ...." "The last full-fledged Wrightsville novel is as usual strong on characterizations.

But some of the deductions made from the clues seem more speculative than logical.

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