An aged comedian tells the story of his early days and lack of success with women.

Lori Myers has no idea of the terrifying danger she attracts after accepting a gift from her husband Rick to celebrate their marriage. For the beautifully hand-crafted Russian puppet he buys in suburban New York contains a fortune in smuggled jewels from the fabled collection of the last Czar. Unknown to Rick, the Brighton Beach antique store is really a front for the deadly activities of the Russian Mafia. And Uilanov, their sadistic mob leader, wants the priceless treasure back in his possession at all costs. As sinister henchmen track down all recent newlyweds in the area and embark on a bloody killing spree, the couple enter their own private hell when dark secrets erupt from the forgotten mists of Lori's childhood. But fighting her personal demons is just one of the many menacing hazards Lori faces on a perilous journey packed with seat-edged suspense and shocking surprise.

Haunted by childhood memories of his father's murder, Frank Carroll, a private detective/circus clown, sets out on a mission of vengeance. Jingles Carroll, a gentleman in a red nose, was gunned down in cold blood by Max & Fudge, two members of a secret society, as his young son watched in horror. Now, twenty years later, Frank strikes back.

Henry Hackett is the workaholic editor of a New York City tabloid. He loves his job, but the long hours and low pay are leading to discontent. Also, publisher Bernie White faces financial straits, and has hatchet-man Alicia Clark—Henry's nemesis—impose unpopular cutbacks.

Max can't face his yuppie future. Graduation's only weeks away and he's having second thoughts. Inspired by the campus radio station, he decides to get a little crazy.