Featuring Charlie Bradshaw, the local cop turned private eye, and his politically incorrect pal Victor Plotz, the action centers on the drama of the horse auctions, replete with julep-drinking gentry, high-money buyers, and fast-talking auctioneers.

Victor Plotz (call-me-Vic) once again holds the reins of narration. This time around - money-making schemes having gone awry - Vic takes on a security job at the Horse Pavilion. A nothing job, you might say, but pretty soon things begin to happen. Someone is tracking Vic in a lime green Volkswagen. Who and why? What about Fleshpot, the high-priced horseflesh with a penchant for nipping backsides? Was there a horse swap when a black colt spooked and created havoc?

And how does Vic himself get to be a murder suspect? Before a number of murders and much mayhem are accounted for by the Bradshaw/Plotz duo, there's a heart-in-your-throat car chase and a hilarious denouement when chaos descends on a small-town parade complete with horses, majorettes, boy scouts, and a squad of performing Irish setters.

On hand also are "The Queen of Softness," Vic's cushiony girlfriend, and the ever-patient Janey Burris, who seems about to persuade Charlie to move in. One question remains: will he?