Screenwriter Mitchell Draper has written a movie about the kidnapping of a famous actress. But, just before the shooting starts, the lead actress is kidnapped in real life ” in exactly the same manner as described in Mitchell's script. The only witness, Mitchell is determined to find her. Confusion grows as clues in the kidnapping appear to echo famous kidnapping cases and celebrity disappearances ” from the Lindbergh baby, Agatha Christie, and Patty Hearst, to Frank Sinatra Junior, Russell Crowe, and Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham. Among the fans and enemies left behind at the film production, the rumours fly, predominant among them that the actress faked her own kidnapping as a clever publicity stunt ” a rumour that Mitchell has difficulties in disbelieving. The Scene Stealer is a smart, fun, fast-paced look at success, wealth, and fame ” and what people will do to attain them.