Private investigator Lew Archer is hired to locate a missing heir, only to uncover a web of long-buried family secrets that threaten to destroy the present. Archer must navigate the complex social strata of California, where the disappearance of Anthony Galton twenty years prior serves as the catalyst for current violence. He faces resistance from wealthy, guarded families who prefer their pasts to remain undisturbed, forcing him to rely on his keen observation and persistence to connect disparate clues. The narrative unfolds through Archer's first-person perspective, maintaining a methodical pace as he peels back layers of deception to reveal the truth behind the Galton legacy.

This novel is widely regarded as a high point in the Lew Archer series, showcasing the author's ability to elevate the detective genre into a study of human psychology. Critics often highlight the intricate plotting and the sharp, evocative prose that defines the hardboiled style of the era. Readers frequently note the emotional depth Archer brings to his cases, as he acts more as a witness to human frailty than a traditional hero. The work remains a staple for those interested in the evolution of the American crime novel and the classic noir tradition.