As the twentieth century turns, widowed mother of two Minnie Harper's life takes a turn as well, of the romantic variety—yet even on holiday, sleuth-worthy scandals manage to find her . . .

No sooner have Minnie and her former employer, author Stephen Dorian, finally confessed their feelings for one another than he is off on a literary tour of America. With his return date uncertain, Minnie accepts her Aunt Agatha's offer to take her and her sister, Delia, to Cornwall for the opening of a luxury hotel.

Minnie is pleased to see Delia excited about something for the first time since the death of her fiancé. Soon after their arrival, Delia meets a local artist with whom it's clear there's a spark. But at the hotel Minnie is taken aback to find herself face to face with Mrs. Edith Covington—Stephen's ex-wife.

Edith is even lovelier than Minnie imagined, yet her irritable new husband seems interested only in playing cards. Minnie can't help recalling rumors that Edith had accused Stephen of abandonment. She decides not to reveal her connection to him unless absolutely necessary. The surprises continue when Stephen arrives unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the next morning they learn Mr. Covington has been found dead. Apparently, he took a fall during a nighttime stroll near the rocky cliffs. Edith, however, insists he was murdered—and wants Stephen's help to prove it.

Stephen and Minnie begin to investigate. But as she unearths a quagmire of sketchy bickering, betting, and betrayal, everyone's future, not to mention her relationship with Stephen, hangs in the balance . . .