The Simper Augustus, most famous tulip in history may or may not have actually existed, but to the industry in Holland it is legend worth exploring and to Professor Jacob Dirksen it is worth recreating.

Once he has the correct hybrid, he takes the information to the largest tulip growing area outside Holland to sell it. When he is found dead in a tulip field, several agencies from the Dutch and US government get involved.

Max Maxwell is given the mission of tracking the professor from the day he arrived until his death. He finds the good professor may have more than tulips on his mind when he came to Seattle, WA.