Deputy Mayor Barry Lawrence is not exactly friendly with Mike Hammer. But when his campaign to become District Attorney is tainted by allegations of murder, Hammer looks to solve the case and dig up dirt.

It's Devil's Night in New York, and this year's Halloween festivities prove especially deadly. Before their date, Mike Hammer's love interest is murdered in her own apartment. With his heart broken and his own life on the line, Hammer must track down the heinous murderer. With Hammer's friends being targeted, he discovers a pattern that points to a cultist killer that he had locked up before. Mike must solve the case quickly, or he could be next.

Mike Hammer becomes increasingly involved with the tobacco company and the family that owns it after he takes a job as their poster boy. The head of the company wishes to get to know Mike better and invited him to stay at their mansion. Some of the other family members hope that Mike's new status will prevent him from asking any more questions. But the death of Loolie leads to an investigation that Hammer just can't quit.

Lila B. has earned Mike Hammer's attention for a number of reasons, not least of which is her intoxicating voice. But the beautiful jazz singer also has a dangerous side, keeping company with mobsters. When her beaux arrested, he's forced rat on his partners. The plot thickens when one of Lila's gentlemen called is killed and she becomes a suspect. With both the police and the mob on her heels, Hammer is determined to keep the songstress safe.