George Stroud is an editor for Crimeways, a magazine owned by the powerful and dictatorial Earl Janoth. Stroud is overworked and eager for a vacation with his wife, but his plans are disrupted when Janoth demands he stay for an important assignment. Frustrated, Stroud takes advantage of his last night before the grueling job to let loose, unexpectedly crossing paths with Janoth's mistress, Pauline York. Stroud and York spend the evening together, visiting various places around the city. The next day, Stroud returns to work only to discover that Pauline has been murdered and Janoth wants to cover up his own involvement by framing someone else.

Stroud is assigned to orchestrate the investigation, unaware at first that he himself is the prime suspect. Utilizing his intimate knowledge of investigative techniques and the resources of the magazine, Stroud must navigate through clues and misleading evidence while staying ahead of Janoth’s manipulations. He struggles to maintain his innocence as Janoth tightens the net around him, leading to mounting tension and perilous close calls. Stroud's quest for truth and determination to protect himself becomes a frantic race against time and power, culminating in an intense final showdown where allegiances, intelligence, and cunning play critical roles.