Alaric Montfort, the fifth Earl of Brayleigh, is well-known as a collector of beautiful things. He's equally well-known for stopping at nothing to acquire that which he desires, even if it means bringing others to ruin. His latest target is Lady Rowena Arlingby. Rowena, a young woman of means, has a penchant for speaking her mind and seeking adventure. She also happens to be the sister of Alaric's greatest enemy. When Alaric decides that Rowena would make the perfect addition to his collection, he sets in motion a series of events that eventually involve Rowena and him in an old mystery and the search for a cold-blooded killer. Will logical, hard-hearted Alaric succeed in adding the beautiful Rowena, who wishes to marry only for love, to his renowned collection? Can the pair survive the search for a dangerous murderer? Where is the infamous Pearl of Sirsi?