The mayor of Toronto collapses and dies while making a speech. The newspaper receives an email -- a fake obituary that claims credit for his murder. The note is signed by a secret society at a prestigious downtown university. Clare Vengel is given her first undercover assignment: to pose as a student, penetrate the secret society, and find out who killed the mayor.

Bilbo finds himself separated from the party of dwarves when they escape from the Goblin Mines. the halfling is alone in the wilderness with night rapidly approaching. There are many dangers and things in the night that would love to snack upon a hobbit so very far from home. How long can Bilbo last without help?