Koko, Yum Yum, and James Qwilleran embark on their latest mystery when gold prospectors, wildlife photographers, and pirates arrive at the Nutcracker Inn to take part in a game.

As the Highland Games approach, Jim Qwilleran and the citizens of Pickax prepare to celebrate their Scottish heritage. But the revelry is marred when a visiting jewelry dealer is found dead in his hotel room. His assistant is missing, and the winner of the caber-tossing contest disappears as well. Qwill has a lot of mysteries to sort out, including Koko's sudden interest in photos, pennies, and paper towels.

The people of Pickax are in a state of eager anticipation. The Pirate's Chest, the long-awaited new bookstore, is finally set to open, and the Theatre Club is preparing to perform Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. However, the play is brought to an abrupt halt as a cast member is killed in a car accident. But was it really an accident? As suspicions rise, Qwill and his sleuthing Siamese cats have their work cut out for them.

With the assistance of his Siamese cat, Jim Qwilleran is able to piece together the clues left behind by the killer of a local socialite.