At their big prom, Ed Japhet scares the wits out of the attendees with his fantastic and dangerous feats of magic. Then when the young man and his girlfriend leave, they see four figures sitting inside his father's car, one with a chain around his fist. That's only the beginning of this story of a screwed-up justice system and a high-school student who decides to use his magic tricks to stop a tough gang of extortionists from bothering him and his girl.

The New York Times says, "I cannot recall a gripping novel of this type with greater pleasure."

The Library Journal declares, "A shark-like bite that won't be easily forgotten. Fast moving, incisive, angry, fine, and dramatic!"

First published in 1971, this literary thriller shows off the masterful storytelling skills of its legendary author, Sol Stein.