AreporterbecomeshisownstorywhenhewakesupnexttoacorpseSamClaywakeswithadrymouth,ahammeringheadache,andonlythefaintestmemoryofwhathedidthenightbefore.Heremembersdancing,jazz,taxirides,andabrandy-fueledrideonarollercoaster,buthehasnoideahowhegothome,andheislostastotheidentityofthestraw-hairedbeautybesidehim.Heisjustabouttointroducehimselfwhenhenoticesthebloodonthesheets,thewoundsonherchest,andtheice-coldpallorofherskin.Hisbedmateisdead.Clayisanewspaperman,andsharpenoughtoknowthatheisbeingframed.Butbywhom?Claywillhavetostaytwostepsaheadofthecopstotrackdownthisstory,whichwillleadhimeithertothescoopofalifetimeortoalongnapinacoldgrave.