The body of a woman, initially identified as an alcoholic prostitute, is found in a rundown motel. Soon, it's discovered she's a former actress, who's writing a tell-all book; the contents of which could prove damaging to certain people.
Actress, Roberta Rhodes, is found dead in her bedroom. The police think it was probably suicide, but a gossip-monger tells Quincy she died at the hand of a US Congressman, who's an old friend of his.
Cat burglars break into a Mexican museum and steal millions worth of jewels, with the intention of fencing them in the same oceanside town Quincy's at to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.