This is based off of the first arc of the New 52's Batman run, of the same name. However, that's where the similarities end, since this has it's own story that takes place after the events of the comics. The villains are already established.
What you will need to know about the kind of villains that Batman is facing off against (in the event you are not familiar with this particular arc) is that they are an age old organization called the Court of Owls. They are an organization made up of aristocrats, known as the parliament, who's plan is to have control and power from the shadows. They were once considered to be a myth. A grim nursery rhyme in fact. That was until they made themselves know to Bruce Wayne and by extent Batman and the Robins (current and former), Batgirl, and some associates/friends of them. The Court of Owls has a group of assassins under their control, known as Talons, who are essentially immortal (with s and are the ones that do the Parliament's bidding. which includes "silencing" people who they no longer have use for or wish to dispose of. It's also worth noting that one of these Talons is the great-grandfather of Dick Grayson ,the original Robin and the original (and current) Nightwing, and it was intended that he would be come one as well. Had his parents not been murdered and Dick being placed in Bruce's care that is.
This book starts off with the brutal murder of a college professor and the theft of some files on his students. As Batman begins to investigate, he finds that one student, Joanna Lee, has apparently gone missing. Bruce knew her since he was a sponsor her for college after saving her one night that ended in the death of her parents. And on top of that, the same Talon behind the murder of the professor attempted to abduct her roommate Claire Nesko in order to get some information. As Batman continues to investigate Joanna's disappearance, and why the Court of Owls is so interested in her, as well as what caused the victim's to spontaneously combust, he does decided to do some investigating on Percy Wright (who Joanna was doing her project on) and how he ties into it. We also get a few chapters that give a glimpse into the Percy's past and how his work relates to the present day (in the book).
The Court of Owls arc was one of my favorite arcs set during DC's New 52 run, mostly for the characters, the history of this organization, and how it affected the Caped Crusader and his extended family. But even if it wasn't, I would still think this is a good book. It had a well written story and the mystery mixed with the included history/flashbacks I found really interesting. It also had good action in it and the characters were well written.
This is a book meant for a more Adult audiences given it's content, but could also be read by older teens.
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