Snake-lover Phoebe Smith and Susie-homemaker Westen Hughes, the Northeast's most mismatched investigative team, is at it again. During the preliminary unveiling of a local college's Egyptian exhibit, a vase worth $1.75 million disappears in front of seven people. Well, six people and the thief, because sure as shortcake has strawberries, the vase is there one minute; the next, it's gone. Usually clues clog a case but this time secrets are causing more trouble than fifty Dennis the Menaces. Smith disappears for hours on end. Is she tired of Westen 24/7? Or is there a man in her life? Westen can't ask; she has a secret of her own: she's taking shooting lessons. Sergeant "Charlie" Bartowski's secret: without that vase, her promotion will be squashed—again. Somehow, nemesis Kendra Jean Valentine convinces them to take the case. KJ's secret: find the vase, collect the 10%. Nothing new there. Will anyone find the vase? Will any secrets cause irreparable trouble?