A burlesque performer is found strangled with a G-string, forcing the world of high-stakes striptease into a frantic investigation. Gypsy Rose Lee, acting as both participant and amateur sleuth, attempts to identify the killer before the theater's reputation is permanently tarnished. She is aided by her boyfriend, Biff Brannigan, as they navigate the complex social hierarchies and rivalries of the backstage environment. The narrative employs a witty, first-person perspective that highlights the contrast between the glamour of the stage and the grim reality of the crime scene.

Readers frequently highlight the sharp, observational humor that permeates the narrative, noting that the author’s background in burlesque provides an authentic atmosphere. Discussion often centers on the unique blend of lighthearted banter and the darker elements of the murder mystery genre. Critics often point to the protagonist's voice as the primary driver of the story, which balances the investigation with personal anecdotes about life on the road. The pacing is generally described as brisk, keeping the focus on the mystery while providing a vivid look at a specific era of American entertainment.