When a desperate addict hires private investigator Lew Archer to look into the suspicious deaths of his wealthy parents, the detective finds himself entangled in the dark secrets of a powerful political dynasty. Archer must navigate the suffocating atmosphere of the town of Purissima, where the Hallman family's influence extends from their orange groves into the local police force and political machinery. As he peels back layers of deception, he faces resistance from a family whose history is defined by intimidation and moral decay. The narrative, delivered in Archer's sharp, observant first-person voice, tracks his attempt to prevent further tragedy as the family's past actions begin to manifest in violent, present-day consequences.

This work is widely regarded as a quintessential entry in the Lew Archer series, showcasing the author's ability to weave intricate psychological depth into the classic detective framework. Critics often point to the novel's bleak, atmospheric portrayal of California as a defining feature of the genre. The narrative is noted for its focus on the corrosive nature of wealth and the long-reaching shadows cast by past family sins. Readers typically appreciate the sharp, cynical prose that anchors the investigation in a grounded, albeit grim, reality. The book remains a standard reference point for those examining the evolution of the hardboiled detective novel during the mid-twentieth century.