When private investigator Tess Monaghan literally runs into the crew of the fledgling TV series Mann of Steel while sculling, she expects sharp words, not an assignment. But the company has been plagued by a series of disturbing incidents—bad press, union threats, and small, costly on-set ‘accidents’—since it’s arrival on location in Baltimore. Mann’s creator, Flip Tumulty, the son of a Hollywood legend, is now worried for the safety of his young female lead, Selene Waites, and asks Tess to serve as her bodyguard. Tumulty’s concern may be well founded. Recently, a Baltimore man was discovered dead in his home, surrounded by photos of the beautiful—if difficult—aspiring star.

Keeping a spoiled movie princess under wraps may be more than Tess can handle since Selene isn’t as naive as everyone believes, but is rather devious. Once Tess gets a taste of this world of make-believe, she’s just about ready to throw in the towel.