Known as a "feeler," Morty Martinez is in a unique line of work cleaning out the dwellings of dead people. The "home content removal" business can be profitable, and cutthroat, since the remover becomes the owner of whatever he finds. In addition to removing the contents left behind, Morty has a nose for "tight ones," those tightly rolled stashes of cash the late owners squirreled around their homes in furniture, hollow spaces in walls and floors, drapery valances, or any place they deemed safer than financial institutions. However, Morty's latest job turns out to be more lucrative than he could ever have imagined.

While clearing out a house in his Brooklyn neighborhood, Morty discovers over $800,000 that is now legally his. Though no one else knows the exact amount of his find, word spreads fast to drinking buddies and rival business associates -- as well as a greedy ex-cop. And someone doesn't agree the money rightfully belongs to Morty.

Having just been released after 15 years in prison, the quiet and polite Danny Kessel is looking for the missing $5 million from the armored car heist that put him behind bars. Though a nice young man when he went to Sing Sing, once there Danny perfected the skill of killing with an ice- pick. He puts this expertise to use as he hunts down the missing money -- and the man he thinks possesses it. With so many people after the money, will Morty be able to hold on to it -- as well as his life?

Told from Morty's point of view in the form of a confession- type missive to a priest, his accounting of these events is in turn thrilling, chilling and amusing. Several twists at the end make for an exhilarating and totally satisfying conclusion.