This is the first novel in a lighthearted cozy mystery series set in Georgian era Edinburgh. Ishbel Campbell is used to being alone. She attends university lectures at a time when women are told to think solely of marriage and family. Ewan MacPherson is used to a simple life, focused on balls and other entertainments. When they meet, he feels an instant attraction for her and she finds in him someone who seems to understand her as no one else ever has. Ishbel's fearsome cousin, Harriette, orders the pair to find the missing emerald necklace belonging to her friend, Lady Tinbough. Neither of them has any idea where to start, managing to insult half of Edinburgh's upper classes and make their household staff think they are insane. The case soon grows more sinister when they discover that a young woman, who might have been the thief, is missing. As the danger rises and jealousies and insecurities threaten their partnership, will they be able to solve the mystery in time or will the criminal's deadly attentions turn on them?