Josie's neighbor, Mrs. Mueller, who has never had a good word to say about Josie in the past, begs her to clear her daughter, Cheryl, who is being held for Mel's murder. Josie feels vindicated since Cheryl has been held up to her for years by her mother, Jane, as perfect. Josie promises to undertake the investigation with the understanding that Mrs. Mueller will guarantee that Josie's mother, Jane, will be made Maplewood Chair of the Flower Guild and the Altar Society, a dream of Jane's. With the help of her good friend, Alyce, who welcomes this as an escape from her life as a suburban wife and mother, Josie uncovers a cult of foot fetish men as well as Cheryl's obsessive gambling. The revelations of these threaten the families of housewives and husbands alike.

This is a light hearted story with a unique theme. The uncovering of the members of the foot fetish brigade is unbelievable. Did you ever hear of such a thing? Josie's devotion to her mother and her determination to gain her mother’s heart's desire is touching. Her feeling of having the tables turned on the Perfect Cheryl is understandable. Josie's relationship with Alyce is amusing with Alyce's relief from tedium. The author gives an excellent treatment of the evils and effects of gambling obsession.

A quick read with enough action and humor to satisfy the reader.