This novel combines a deft comedy of manners with a classic mystery set in London's most refined institution--the museum. When the glittering treasure of the ancient golden child is delivered to the museum, a web of intrigue tightens around its personnel.

Birdie loves autumn, but mostly she can not stop thinking about Halloween and what costume to wear, so when she visits her local museum she is inspired by everything she sees when she sees the pictures of many famous people of history.

"In "a strangely ageless world somewhere between Emily Dickinson and David Lynch" (Blake Butler), a cleaning woman at a museum of art nurtures aspirations to do more than simply dust the paintings around her. She dreams of having the liberty to explore them in writing, and so must find a way to win herself the time and security to use her mind. She escapes her lot by marrying a rich man, but having gained a husband, a house, high society, and a maid,...