A detective known more for his lack of success than his prowess is assigned a cold case that could be his last. Dangerous Davies, nicknamed 'Dangerous' for ironic reasons, is the last detective picked for any team, a fact that leaves him with ample time to investigate forgotten cases. When he unearths a twenty-five-year-old missing persons file, it presents an opportunity to keep busy and out of the way of more competent officers. However, this seemingly simple cold case quickly reveals a complex web of danger and deception that threatens to ensnare him.

This novel introduces the endearing character of Dangerous Davies, a detective whose lack of conventional success is a source of both humor and pathos. The narrative blends crime investigation with comedic elements, focusing on Davies's earnest but often bumbling approach to solving cases. Readers are likely to appreciate the character's underdog status and his persistent, if unconventional, pursuit of justice. The book's enduring appeal is evidenced by its subsequent adaptation into television and film.