Hollywood, 1951. P.I. Brian Kane is about to deliver a report when he realizes that the wronged wife of Hollywood star Lester Randolph is not the person who hired him. One of her husband's lovers shows up dead. Kane feels responsible and manages to explore the murder, then murders, while working on a case at hand.

In his quest for justice, Kane explores the underbelly of Hollywood back lots and Beverly Hills mansions, running against important and unimportant actors, directors, producers and the LAPD. Along the way, he fears that his "friend", Kitty Chaney, has succumbed to the killer. In the end, his own life is at stake as well.

Kane is Philip Marlowe, without the alcoholism, Mike Hammer without the violence. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood is all around him, but he is just making a living.

There is a subplot that dare not be called "love" by Brian Kane or Kitty Chaney -- but it's something a hell of a lot like it.