Lady Amelia Watersfield, leader of the Ladies' Amateur Sleuth Society, revels in solving mysteries she reads from crime stories. When a thief steals her father's priceless Egyptian artifact from their home, Amelia decides to assist the detective her father hires. Finally, she can participate in an authentic investigation. Amelia knows society has deemed her unmarriageable due to her plain looks and nutty father. She accepts her childless future, but refuses to engage in a spinster's boring life. Her love of puzzles and Sherlock Holmes books tempts her with the fact that the investigative experience will aid her as she writes her own mystery novel.

Inspector Colin Brindley needs funds for his research into developing scientific evidence for police, instead of them relying on intuition and intimidation to solve their crimes. From experience dealing with his mother's disastrous passionate nature, Colin keeps his emotions in check and prefers working only with facts. He suppresses his physical needs knowing only pain comes from losing control. Needing funds to continue his research, Colin undertakes the Watersfield case with reservations. Lady Amelia unnerves him with her cheery and warm nature.

Amelia's presence and spirit scatter Colin's focus until he can think of nothing but her. He refuses to acknowledge his feelings, which causes Amelia to wage a battle for his heart.

Robyn DeHart pens the first in a series featuring the unconventional women of the Ladies' Amateur Sleuth Society. With ease, she merges humor, mystery and romance in an enchanting mix, and she provides added fun with quotes from Sherlock Holmes' novels beginning each chapter.