The story follows the intertwined lives of various characters within the city's criminal underworld, including:
* Harry "Dace" Collins: A corrupt LAPD detective
* L.A. "Pete" Cluff: A former mobster
* Lauren "Lou" St. John: A seductive woman with a past
* Paul "P.J." Phillips: A talented but conflicted young lawyer
The novel uses a gritty and realistic portrayal of Los Angeles during this era, exploring themes of corruption, greed, violence, and the dark underbelly of society.