Set in the turbulent late 1960s and early '70s, Joan Rosen Klein defies mobsters and corrupt politicians to avenge loved ones. Her quest impacts history and intertwines three men's lives, each paying a price to pursue the "Red Goddess."

Set during the troubled times of the late 1960s and early '70s, the novel tells the story of Joan Rosen Klein who, against all odds, triumphs against her mobbed-up and politically connected foes to avenge her lost loved ones. In the process, she alters the course of history as well as the lives of the three men who follow her. Their lives collide in pursuit of the "Red Goddess" Joan - and each of them pay a price to live history.—Anonymous

Set in the aftermath of the assassinations of MLK & RFK and on the eave of the 1968 Presidential election, ultra right-wing elements of American intelligence plus rogue right-wing elements of big-business,and political and law and order communities attempt to further undermine the ground gained by the political left by engaging in an organised and co-ordinated campaign to discredit the anti-Vietnam war and pro civil rights/black militant movement. Against a backdrop of an increasingly legitimate "peace, love and understanding" shift in the general political landscape, they coerce a reluctant and cynical Joan Klein, a long-term fellow traveller, to use her kudos to help them achieve their goals from within the "enemies" midst. Writer, Ellroy (again) cleverly creates fictionalised versions of the eras power elite whilst creating a slew of characters whose motivations are as unclear and as troubled by their concious. Again, Ellroy makes us sit up and think about the price of "freedom" from within the underbelly of one of America's most troubled times by ignoring the black and white and immersing us in the grey.