Set in 1928 in Victoria, Australia. The Thornton family made its money in the goldfields during the 1850s and the antiques trade. Their principal home is Thornton Park, a lavish mansion close to Melbourne. They also own a home and a goldmine in Daylesford, where their close friends, the Bassetti family, are part of a thriving Swiss-Italian community.
Alexandra Thornton has married Benedict Archer. On their honeymoon in Daylesford, in the heart of Victoria, the first of a string of events occur that lead her and her family into danger.
At Daylesford, Alexandra's pearls are stolen and within days two murders have occurred.
Back at Thornton Park, Alexandra discovers a secret compartment in a desk. Inside is a gold and diamond necklace and a letter written by her grandfather, James Thornton. It's a love letter, Alexandra assumes written to his wife after her death. He claims the necklace is cursed.