That’s what Eddie Valiant wants to know. Eddie’s the toughest private eye in Los Angeles. He’ll handle any case for any client — if you’re human. If you’re a Toon, not so much. Eddie hates Toons. He hates the way they constantly goof around, never take anything seriously. He especially hates the way they talk using word-balloons because they think that’s funny.

One day, when Eddie’s bank balance dwindles down to zilch, Eddie reluctantly agrees to help Roger Rabbit, a Toon who plays straight man (or should that be straight rabbit) in the Baby Herman cartoon series. Roger wants Eddie to find out who’s been trying to buy the funny bunny’s contract from the DeGreasy Brothers cartoon syndicate.

When somebody murders Rocco DeGreasy, Roger becomes the prime suspect! Then, oh oh, somebody kills Roger too! Who censored Roger Rabbit? Who shot Rocco DeGreasy? Was it Roger? Or maybe Roger’s hot-cha-cha wifey-poo, Jessica Rabbit? Why had Jessica — a pretty steamy number for a Toon — ever married this dopey bunny in the first place? Why does Roger keep popping up in Eddie’s case even after the rabbit’s dead?

As Eddie combs L. A. from the DeGreasy Brothers executive suites to Sid Sleaze’s porno comic studio, he uncovers art thefts, blackmail plots… and the cagiest killer he’s ever faced.