A private investigator is hired by Louis B. Mayer to solve the murder of a Munchkin actor found dead on the set of The Wizard of Oz. Toby Peters, a Los Angeles-based private eye, navigates the high-stakes environment of 1940s Hollywood to identify a killer targeting the studio's talent. He faces opposition from powerful studio executives and the inherent dangers of a film set filled with volatile personalities. The narrative follows a traditional detective framework, utilizing a third-person perspective to track Peters as he interacts with both fictionalized versions of real-life celebrities and original characters.

Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to blend historical fact with fictional mystery elements in a seamless manner. Discussion often centers on the atmospheric depiction of the Golden Age of Hollywood and the inclusion of iconic stars as supporting characters. Critics note that the pacing remains steady, favoring character interactions and period detail over high-octane action sequences. The balance between the grim nature of the murder and the whimsical setting of the film production provides a distinct tone that keeps the audience engaged throughout the investigation.