The writer in question is Phil Blackwood (played by Tom Selleck), a struggling author of detective novels who has hit a major creative roadblock. One day, while strolling through a local art gallery, he encounters a stunning Romanian immigrant named Nina (played by Paulina Porizkova) who is being accused of murdering her husband. Charmed by her beauty and charisma, Phil offers to be her alibi and provide her with a cover story to help prove her innocence.
As Phil starts investigating the case and following up on leads, he begins to realize that Nina is not quite who she seems. She has a number of suspicious talents and skills, including knife throwing, lock picking, and martial arts. Phil starts to suspect that she may have actually been involved in the murder and is covering up her tracks by charming him and providing him with false leads.
Despite his growing doubts and suspicions, Phil becomes more and more enamored with Nina and is determined to help her prove her innocence, even if it means putting himself in danger. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including a bumbling private investigator (played by William Daniels) and a conniving art dealer (played by James Farentino).
As the plot thickens and the stakes get higher, Phil must use all of his investigative skills to unravel the truth and clear Nina's name. Along the way, he also starts to find inspiration for his next novel, which he hopes will be the breakthrough he needs to revive his failing career.