In this captivating story, we are drawn into the dynamic cultural scene of San Francisco, where poet laureate Charlie MacKenzie channels his emotions into poetry. His best friend, Tony, a promising officer on the police force, is certain that Charlie's reluctance to commit is the root cause of his consistent heartbreaks.
During a routine errand for his parents, [Stuart] and [May], Charlie encounters the mesmerizing Harriet at her butcher shop. Their instant connection ignites a whirlwind romance as they begin to navigate new feelings together. As their bond strengthens, Charlie shares his heartaches with May, who entertains him with the chilling tales of "Mrs. X," a shadowy bride known for axing her husbands to death during their honeymoons.
Intrigued by this eerie legend, Charlie returns to Harriet's shop, eager to help. Their shared interests and values quickly cement a solid relationship. However, meeting Harriet's peculiar sister, [Rose], serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that come with intimacy.
As Charlie digs into Harriet's enigmatic background, he learns that she previously had a connection to Atlantic City and once dated a Russian martial arts trainer. Her nighttime cries for someone named "Ralph" unsettle him. To ease his growing anxiety, Charlie sets up a dinner with Harriet and his parents, who quickly take a liking to her, dubbing her their favorite partner of his.
Amidst the unfolding mystery of Mrs. X, which claims another victim—this time a martial arts instructor and an individual named Ralph—Charlie seeks advice from Tony. He soon discovers that the supposed murderer has already confessed, providing Charlie with a false sense of relief. To apologize to Harriet for his earlier doubts, Charlie recites one of his heartfelt beat poems on her rooftop, and they rekindle their passionate affair. She then opens up about her past, clarifying that Ralph is simply a friend.
As Charlie's parents celebrate their anniversary, he makes a daring move and proposes to Harriet, who accepts, albeit with some apprehension. The couple sets off on a tranquil getaway to a remote mountain retreat, momentarily escaping the din of everyday life. Meanwhile, Tony's detective instincts kick in, leading him to uncover a startling revelation: the self-declared killer is a master of trickery.
Capitalizing on the situation, Tony sends Harriet's photo to the families of the missing husbands. They identify her as the wife of their dear friend. As a storm disrupts telephone communications, Tony jumps into action, chartering a plane to warn Charlie about Harriet's deception as Mrs. X. However, a power outage at the hotel leaves Charlie in the dark about the impending danger.
As night descends, Charlie's discomfort escalates, and he struggles to maintain distance from Harriet without raising her suspicions. Oblivious to the brewing storm, the hotel staff insists he stay the first night of their honeymoon in the suite with Harriet. In a moment of desperation, he locks her in the closet, discovering a letter supposedly penned by him that explains his abrupt departure.
Just as the tangled plot begins to unravel, [Rose] emerges, brandishing an axe, unveiling her true identity as the infamous Mrs. X killer. Driven by jealousy, she believes that Harriet's husbands are usurping her sister, compelling her to eliminate them on their honeymoon nights while leaving behind deceptive letters. This web of destruction has led Harriet to think each husband simply disappeared.
Charlie, now consumed with fear, makes a run for it, only to be pursued by Rose. This intense chase brings [Tony] and the police to the hotel. As they take Harriet into custody under the mistaken belief that she is the murderer, Charlie's escape leads him to the roof, where a breathless confrontation ensues. Ultimately, he outsmarts Rose, allowing Tony to apprehend her and end her reign of terror once and for all.
In the aftermath of this chaotic encounter, Charlie and Harriet find themselves free to embrace their future together, their love fortified by the trials they have overcome.
