Daniel Jacobus is a blind, reclusive, vulgar violin teacher living in self-imposed exile in rural New England. He spends his time chain smoking, listening to old LPs, and berating students in the hope that they will flee. Jacobus, however, is drawn back into the world he left behind when he decides to attend the Grimsley Competition at Carnegie Hall. The winner of this competition is granted the honor of playing the 'Piccolino' Stradivarius,' a uniquely dazzling violin that has brought misfortune to all who possessed it over the centuries. Nine year old Kamryn Vander wins the competition, but before she can get an opportunity to play the price less violin, it is stolen. Then Vander's teacher and Jacobus' nemesis Victoria Jablonski is brutally murdered. Jacobus becomes the primary suspect in both crimes, and sets out to prove his innocence against all odds.