Terry Scarborough is a legal scholar and writer who craves publicity. He has written a provocative book on the hidden wording about slavery in the U. S. Constitution, which has set off riots.  He promises to reveal further information in his next book based on the "Jefferson letter".

Terry is savagely slain on a publicity tour. A young waiter, Carl Arnsberg, is held for his murder.  Carl happened on the dead body and circumstantial evidence from the scene incriminates him.

Paul Madriani takes the case as a favor to his old friend, Sam Arnsberg. His investigations into Scarborough's background lead to revelations about the "Jefferson letter," which none but Scarborough and its owner has seen. The letter is now missing from Scarborough's attaché case. Further research leads to a Supreme Court justice, Arthur Ginnis, who seems to be missing and unable to help. With the help of his partner Henry Hinds, Madriani probes further, with suspicions about cover-ups that have Carl as the scapegoat.

Shadow of Power is a provocative novel with many questions raised about the U. S. Constitution.  The background for the framing of the Constitution is well documented. The search for the truth in the case is a suspenseful one with the final solution an unexpected one.