This is the sixth in a series of novels that revolve around JP Parker a 100 year old long time retired New York City private detective from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. It's 1952 and Parker has retired. He and his new bride, Doris, move from Manhattan for part of the year to LA where she's working as a novelist and a scriptwriter. The easy life they'd planned together, however, doesn't last long. A movie star's husband talks Parker out of retirement to find out who has been blackmailing his wife about a dangerous secret from her past. Reluctantly he takes the case and quickly finds himself involved with a score of irrational movie people, a vindictive newpaper columnist, and The House Un American Activities Committee. All this leads to the uncovering of an old secret that has the potential to ruin careers and bring down a major studio.