Janeway becomes intrigued by the young wife, Candice, who is portrayed as a woman with charm and virtue. Further investigation reveals that she is not as proper as people believed. Janeway probes the mysterious death of Candice, who died 30 years ago from a peanut allergy. The Geigers were a dysfunctional family, and the three sons, Damon, Cameron, and Baxter, as well as step-sister Sharon, are in horse racing. Sharon, wealthy in her own right, has a ranch where she rehabilitates wounded and/or abused horses. She has questions about her mother's death, always wondered if her mother had been murdered.

Janeway takes a job as a worker at the California racetrack, working under cover to find information about H. R. Geiger, Candice, and the relations they had that may have led to her death. One brother is murdered, and Janeway falls victim to the murderer, almost being burned to death before he and his love, Erin, find the truth. The identity of the killer remains a mystery to within the last 23 pages... a most unexpected solution. Janeway must make a decision whether he will return to the career he loves - police work - or continue in the book trade.

This is an enjoyable read. It is a book more about horse racing than the book trade. There are a few interesting notes about rare books and bibliophiles (those who love books) and bibliomaniacs (those who hoard books), but the bulk of the book about horse racing. It is full of local color, with descriptions of the daily life on the race track. The characters are complex and colorful. The plot is interesting, but disappointing for those who are looking for the usual Dunning book lore.

It is more a Dick Francis novel than a John Dunning novel. The episode when Janeway is trapped and is almost burned to death is terrifying, graphic and realistic.

This may well be the last Dunning novel. Dunning has suffered a brain aneurism. He has undergone surgery and is presently recuperating. No other details are forthcoming.