When a local dentist is found murdered in his office, a bored Long Island housewife decides to investigate the crime herself. Judith Singer, feeling trapped by the monotony of her suburban existence, finds a sudden outlet for her intellect when she begins poking into the private life of the deceased Dr. Fleckstein. As she navigates the social hierarchies of her neighborhood, she faces resistance from local law enforcement and the suspicious townspeople who guard their secrets. The narrative, presented through a sharp and observant first-person perspective, tracks her transition from a passive observer to an active investigator who must clear her neighbor's name before the authorities close the case.

Readers frequently highlight the sharp wit and observational humor that defines the protagonist's voice throughout the narrative. Discussion often centers on how the book effectively subverts traditional mystery tropes by grounding the investigation in the mundane realities of suburban life. Critics often note the balance between the lighthearted tone and the underlying tension of the murder investigation. Many readers appreciate the focus on character development over procedural mechanics, finding the protagonist's internal monologue to be the primary draw of the story. The book is widely regarded as a classic example of the suburban mystery subgenre due to its keen social commentary.