"At the height of the Mafia's control over New York City's streets, the death of Don Giraldi of the 6th Mafia Party brings some sordid jobs across P.I. Mike Hammer's desk. It seems both politicians and the hoods share a similar interest in the don's mythical ledger, rumored to hold years of governmental and mob secrets alike. Hammer is no stranger to the NYC underground and so with Velda, his fetching assistant, on his arm, he takes the case"--Dust jacket front flap.