Three million dollars in share certificates have been stolen from a Dominican priory, and VI Warshawski doesn't want to find out why.

Aust Rosa, the priory's treasurer, wants her on the case, and VI has never forgiven Rosa for something she did a long time ago. But VI changes her mind and the case changes its course when she visits the priory. Suddenly everyone - her aunt, the FBI, and a mysterious phone caller threatening to pour acid on VI's beautiful eyes - tells her to let sleeping dogs lie. Then one of VI's dearest friends is murdered . . .

With her customary skill and with the help of a few stiff drinks, VI plunges into the affair. She needs all her wit, ingenuity and femininity, as well as her gun-handling and karate-chopping skills.