Do suspects make confessions or do confessions make the suspect?

After Rav Adda bar Abba examines an out-of-town visitor seeking certification for market privileges accorded to Torah scholars, he alienates not only this scholar but four other sages—culminating in his own demise. When each rabbi in turn avows responsibility for his death, the Exilarch, assisted by his able nephew Huna, looks for clues as to who is truly responsible. Amidst the unfolding mystery, a suspenseful intrigue involving the Persian king, his war against the Romans, and his conniving advisor builds to a fever pitch before culpability for Rav Adda's death is uncovered. Based on a Talmudic passage, this story gives readers a glimpse of the character traits that block, or facilitate, personal transformation.