"Man in Harmony," a 3-ton, 11-foot tall sculpture is missing at its gala unveiling. The 5-foot pedestal to which it was attached is all that remains to mark the theft. A ransom demand threatening to turn the large stone into gravel unless $500,000 is paid further complicates the case. Working, and competing, with a Boston Insurance Company colleague, Banacek has only two days to find the statue and collect his fee.

A three-million dollar wedding coach, being sent overseas, disappears shortly after being placed into a shipping container and loaded aboard ship, under the watchful eyes of two Boston Insurance Company employees. Enter Banacek, who must figure out the puzzling theft and find the coach before the ship sails to collect his ten percent.

Thoroughbred-owner Katherine Wells finished an interview at the track, then in confidence tells her horse trainer that she is quitting racing and sold her prized thoroughbred for $5,000,000. That after morning workout, the transfer would be official. Before new owner and camera crew, Oxford Dunn starts his quarter run.. yet a different horse finishes - with no time to switch in the "Horse of a Slightly Different Color." It's another impossible puzzle for Banacek.