When Garrett Asplundh of the Ethic Enforcement Unit is found dead from a gun shot in his parked car, Robbie is charged with investigating the death. It is thought to be a suicide, but his superior believes it to be murder. With Garrett's brother, Sam, a federal officer, and his partner, McKenzie, he searches for connections with Jordan Sheehan, the Squeaky Clean Madam, or Abel Sarvanola, head of the Budget Overseas Committee, even with the head of the Unit, John VanFlyke. They probe the background of Garrett's life with his wife, Stella, estranged since the swimming pool drowning death of their three-year-old daughter, Samantha, and with April Holly, a young girl Garrett rescued from a life of prostitution with the Squeaky Clean madam. Robbie obtains discs from Carrie Ann Martier, one of the Squeaky Clean "maids" which show sexual encounters with high city officials and vice squad men. This could be evidence proving murder.

This is an intriguing story about a young man burdened with an unusual affliction which can affect the performance of his job. He must also cope with the desertion of his wife and with political corruption. The plot is an intricate one with well-defined characters. There are moments of humor with the Squeaky Clean call girls driving white VW Cabriolets as advertisement of their availability. The problems of Robbie are explored in depth. The discussion of the ailment synestricia is excellent and informative. The author presents an accurate picture of police procedures in investigating and solving a homicide.