Buck Naked

Dutch O'Brien is one tough cookie.  You have to be if you're a private detective working the not-so-angelic streets of Los Angeles. But after a broken love affair nearly leads to a nervous breakdown, Dutch realizes that even she needs to take a break--so she finds what she thinks is a slow-paced, stress-free job as a technical consultant for the popular TV series, STONE, PRIVATE EYE. But while the TV show is a guaranteed cure for insomnia, life on the set is far from sedate--thanks to arrogant, amorous star Buck Stevens. Amy Westin, the young, ambitious actress who plays Buck's daughter on screen, halts their off-screen affair ("If you dusted Amy for prints, you'd find Buck's in all the wrong places"). Buck flies into a rage but remains clearheaded enough to make a play for Dutch. That night, in her apartment, Dutch receives a package from an unknown a flowered hatbox scented with roses. Inside, wrapped in pink tissue, is Amy Westin's severed head. And a "You're next." From the Hardcover edition.