A charismatic con artist initiates a high-stakes financial scheme in Harlem, triggering a chaotic pursuit involving law enforcement and local criminals. Detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones navigate the volatile streets of Harlem to recover a missing bale of cotton that holds eighty-seven thousand dollars. They face opposition from Deke O'Hara, a manipulative operator, and various criminal factions vying for the stolen funds. The narrative employs a gritty, fast-paced framework that highlights the social tensions and economic desperation within the neighborhood. The detectives must balance their pursuit of justice with the complex realities of a community under pressure.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the sharp, unflinching prose that defines Himes's contribution to the crime genre. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to blend dark humor with a serious examination of systemic inequality in urban America. The pacing is noted for its relentless energy, keeping the focus on the detectives' pragmatic and often violent methods of maintaining order. Many observers appreciate the authenticity of the setting, which serves as more than just a backdrop for the investigation. The work remains a significant reference point for those interested in the evolution of the hardboiled detective novel.