Arthur Conan Edwards—Ace—a private investigator in Dallas, Texas, investigates an unusual kidnapping.

Another three A.M. phone call means another bizarre case for the hero of Eastland County. His friend Jake recommends Ace to Chip Jamison, a gentleman rancher in historic Canton, Texas. There's been a kidnapping and he needs the best P.I. he can get.

Joseph is soon recovered but the case is far from over. A brutally murdered body adds to the dilemma when Joseph is the likely suspect. Locals believe he's guilty, and a man-eating female lawyer is bent on suing Chip into poverty.

Ace and his cats, Sweeper and Striker, dodge danger at every turn. He also meets Chip's sister, Wanda, who lends romance to the adventure, while frustrating him with her hair-trigger temper.