Main character is Frank Cochrane, a suave, eloquent Petty Officer, who engages in romance and subsequent marriage with Mary Moore, whose father, a gentle, warm human being, is entering his third term as mayor of Searsport.Cochrane, unable to find suitable employment in Searsport, following Navy discharge, befriends Harold Warner, a key figure in local politics, as well as a successful businessman. Warner is vulnerable to Cochranes outgoing attitude and succumbs to his trickery by agreeing to a partnership in the renovation of three semi detached houses on the outskirts of Searsport. The purpose to create a businessmans social club providing all the frills and thrills with imported females acting as hostesses in a club-like atmosphere with liquor and unlimited socializing as the theme, with the adjacent two houses converted to bedrooms for those members seeking companionship for a price.Following a growing success with the majority of the local businessmen and professionals as members, word leaks out and certain town fathers, led by the Mayor, initiate an investigation. Cochrane, desperate, but determined to sustain his power and wealth, leaves his wife in favor of one of the hostesses, and surrounds himself with unsavory characters. His true despicable character surfaces, and blackmail in assorted forms plays many roles as he corrupts the Mayor and other town fathers.The plot thickens and unravels in an exciting suspenseful finale.