The Homicidal Detective mirrors the everyday lives of those individuals haunted by undeserved memories. The book investigates the realm of strange perceptions and of misconceptions. Can we discern between our friends and enemies? Are our nightmares justified? We question the whole truth of our existence. These enigmas define the life of Edwin Morgan, a private detective with an affinity for murder. Edwin accidentally kills his client, a well-known Memphis tycoon named Tom Lange. Edwin's love affair with the mogul's wife complicates matters, but the police lack sufficient evidence to charge the young detective. Edwin leaves town, and during his exile manages to solve two other cases. By the end of the novel, Edwin pulls things together and discovers his part in Tom Lange's death. The narrative relates Edwin's intellectual journey from callow youth to perceptive adult.