Pendergast's great uncle discovered a means to extend his life by "harvesting" the spinal columns from human victims while they are still alive. He disappeared, but when evidence shows up 100 years later, Pendergast (an FBI agent) requests the aid of Nora, who works at the museum. They discover that the uncle is dead, but another man is copying his crimes in an attempt to gain immortality. He is only twarted when he accidentally poisons himself with the uncles poisons.

Rather goofy, but fairly entertaining.