The wife of an astrologer and widely-syndicated newspaper columnist is kidnapped in broad daylight.

During a heat wave, Chief Clifford is called away and leaves Sgt. Broadhurst in charge. A football gambling ring that scores with ""inside dope on injuries"" loses a little black book and begins eliminating witnesses in a search for it, leading to an assault on precinct headquarters.

Murder victims are found to be drained of blood, and an elderly star of vampire films is suspected; Chief Clifford is on the hunt for a random sniper.