Nothing ever happens in Wheeling, West Virginia, and that's just how Franny Woodling likes it. She enjoys managing Johnson's Antiques and Refinishing Store and spending time with her friends and coworkers, Davy and Belle. After serving twenty years in the US Navy, all Franny wants now is a simple, quiet life.

Then, a local man is killed on his way back from an antiques auction. Was he killed for the expensive item he had just bought?

That motive seems even more likely after someone steals the keys from Franny's home and breaks into Johnson's. A beautiful Chippendale chest is stolen, much to the anger of the owner's son, Michael Johnson. Franny knows that Michael has a checkered past-and a bitter rivalry with another dealer in the area. Could he have something to do with the recent murder?

When yet another crime occurs, FBI agent Ned Raines comes to investigate, and Franny can't help but admire his integrity-and kindness. That won't stop her from snooping around on her own, however. The attacks are hitting closer and closer to home, and she will do anything to protect her friends and her community from a cunning murderer.