Unmasking the atmosphere of political corruption and crime rampant in Gotham City, this novel feeds directly into the first episode of the TV series, culminating in the murder of the Waynes at the hands of an unknown assailant. Also introducing Gotham's crime families and associates including Hugo Strange, gangster Fish Mooney, rival mob bosses Carmine Falcone and Sal Maroni, as well as Mooney's opportunistic lackey, Oswald Cobblepot.