A famous actress has been found strangled in an artist's studio in New York.Francesca Cahill, the city's most unconventional heiress and famous amateur sleuth, is once again on the case-for the murder victim is none other than her brother's mistress. And when the sole witness to the crime is also found strangled and only one clue is left behind-a silk stocking- it becomes evident that a madman is on the loose.

Francesca is determined to find the Killer, but the trail is a twisted one. She'll need the help of Police Commissioner Rick Bragg-even though she must attempt to end their romantic liaison. But now, she also finds herself fending off the advances of his notorious rival, and half brother, Calder Hart. Ruthlessly pursued by Hart, hopelessly enamored with Bragg, Francesca races against the clock before the killer strikes again.