Renowned Egyptologist Dr Elliott Elwood is slightly puzzled when he's invited to Torquay to take part in a bizarre bidding war for a well-known artefact collection. But, of course, he couldn't pass up the chance to view the 'Cleopatra Necklace' - an infamous piece from the collection, rumoured to be cursed. However, Elliott's weekend away with his fellow bidders, including the strangely familiar Maisie Norris - if that is her real name - ends up involving far more than afternoon tea and historical chit-chat. Cunning thievery and clever games abound in the days and weeks that follow, eventually culminating in a glitzy but potentially perilous masked ball on the Côte d'Azur. Will Elliott find an element of truth in the necklace's notorious reputation, or could his growing connection with the mysterious Maisie bring him all the luck he needs?