A businessman with a compulsive gambling problem which has led to his wife leaving him, travels to Reno, Nevada for some gambling therapy which takes a turn when he picks up a psychotic serial killer posing as a hitchhiker.
Paul Keller is a minister who has found himself heavily involved in an illicit affair with his son's teacher. Unable to see an end to his deceptive and sinful path, he concocts a scheme to fake his own death. However, his cunning plan goes awry and he is left with no recollection of himself or his former life.
Philadelphia teenager Edna Buxton wins a talent contest during the early rock 'n' roll era, changes her name to Denise Waverly and moves to New York City to make it big. Though she flops as a recording artist, fast-talking record producer Joel Millner recognizes her songwriting talent and teams her with struggling songsmith Howard Caszatt.
In 1930s Texas, pulp fiction master Robert E. Howard is introduced to Novalyne Price, a teacher with aspirations of becoming an author herself, and they begin a unique relationship filled with conversation and imagination. Although the possibility exists for romance, Howard's obsession with his work and dedication to his sick mother leads Price to look elsewhere for love, leaving Howard feeling betrayed and alone.
On the run from a drug deal gone wrong, a beautiful young woman escapes across the border only to find herself trapped in a dangerous web of intrigue and deceit in old Mexico.