San Francisco Police Detective Nick Curran is tasked with solving a brutal murder case involving a wealthy former rock star. The prime suspect is the enigmatic Catherine Tramell, a brilliant and manipulative novelist whose relationship with the victim and penchant for writing about similar crimes casts a shadow of suspicion over her. As Curran delves deeper into the investigation, he becomes entangled in a seductive game of cat and mouse with Tramell. Her ability to use her sexuality and psychological insight draws Curran into a world of danger and temptation, challenging his professional integrity and his grip on reality.

The more Curran gets involved, the more complex the web of intrigue becomes. He is confronted with conflicting evidence, and his suspicions are continuously manipulated, leading him to question not only Tramell's involvement in the crime but also the motives of those around him. The investigation brings to light Tramell's troubled past and her disturbing fascination with death and deception, further blurring the lines between truth and manipulation. Curran must navigate through a labyrinth of seduction, betrayal, and murder to uncover the truth, all the while struggling against the dangerous allure that threatens to consume him.