The Honorable Charlie Mortdecai, an amoral art dealer and reluctant assassin, finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of international intrigue involving stolen art and murder. Mortdecai navigates a series of increasingly precarious situations while attempting to maintain his lifestyle of luxury and excess. Accompanied by his formidable manservant, Jock Strapp, he must evade secret police and manage the demands of a wealthy widow while investigating a client's death. The narrative is presented through a first-person perspective, characterized by the protagonist's cynical observations and self-serving motivations. The world is defined by the rigid social hierarchies of the British aristocracy contrasted against the gritty, often violent reality of the criminal underworld.

Readers and critics frequently describe this work as a sharp, witty subversion of the traditional crime thriller genre. Discussion often centers on the unique voice of Charlie Mortdecai, whose blend of cowardice and sophistication provides a distinct comedic anchor for the narrative. Many highlight the effective balance between the dark, violent plot points and the protagonist's detached, often absurd commentary on his surroundings. The pacing is noted for its brisk, irreverent energy that keeps the reader engaged despite the protagonist's lack of moral fiber. Overall, the book is recognized for its stylistic flair and its ability to maintain a consistent tone of cynical amusement throughout the investigation.