Having stolen a priceless little-known book by Kipling from the house of a mysterious millionaire, the charming burglar Bernie Rhodenbarr meets, instead of the “client” who ordered the theft, a mysterious lady in a red wig. The lady drugs the burglar with sleeping pills. Having come to his senses, Bernie discovers that his new acquaintance lies dead. Literally - killed! And the hero is drawn into a frantic cycle of chases, secrets and murders, in which an exotic Sikh and a formidable servant of the law, who suspects Bernie of all mortal sins, play an important role...