When an amusement park clown is strung to pilings under the San Margarita Pier, a deadly message is sent. Then all hell breaks loose for aging surfer dude Razz McNeil, manager of the Surf's Up Saloon, as he becomes entangled in the subsequent murder investigation. But who sent the macabre message? And why? Razz is first accused of murder by his former friend, Police Sergeant Gerard "Sharky" Sampson, and then he's enlisted to help solve the crime. Out of his element, but addicted to the thrill, Razz treads in the wrong places and on the wrong toes. All the while, he tries desperately to convince his wife not to divorce him and to convince himself he still deserves her. But when his sleuthing leads him to penetrate the dubious business dealings of his new boss, alleged drug lord Louis Marcayda, Razz becomes desperate just to stay alive.