This is the second book in the new "Paladino and Lang" mystery series from the author of the "Deets Shanahan" mysteries. Sweet William, a discreet professional companion to the wealthy, needs help. A famous, but not beloved, novelist is found dead and William is the prime suspect. His only recourse is for the real murderer to be found. He is able to provide a list of suspects - prominent figures connected to San Francisco's legendary North Beach - whose secrets may be revealed in the victim's soon-to-be published tell-all. Private investigator Carly Paladino agrees to take the case. Did she believe the handsome gigolo or fall under his spell? Whatever the case, Carly and her streetwise and sceptical partner, Noah Lang, stir up serious trouble when they try to find the manuscript - and the murderer. Much like North Beach itself, the suspects are trying to preserve the image they want the world to see. And it seems one death is not enough to conceal some very inconvenient truths.