Dave Brandstetter returns home to find an unknown dead man on his doorstep, apparently the latest victim of a serial killer operating in and around Los Angeles who has been killing young gay men who have AIDS. But this victim is different, he was brought to Brandstetter's door and he wants to know why. His manhunt takes into grim byways of sickness, suffering and grief but also into the handsome enclaves of the squash court and country club set of fast money and risky debts. And events are about to take one last weird turn...