Fans of MacLeod will attest that this novel is the the ultimate in escapism. While Helen Shandy, wife of Peter, an agriculture professor, is roaming the countryside photographing antique weather vanes created by Praxiteles Lumpkin for a pamphlet to be issued by a historical society, she discovers that many of the treasures are being stolen by a gang of thieves. Helen decides to travel to Sasquamahoc, the site of another priceless Praxiteles, before the gang of thieves can reach it. While in Sasquamahoc, Helen and two women friends decide to go whale-watching when the vane snatchers take over the ship. Eventually, Helen and Peter piece together enough clues to uncover the thieves' ringleader and save the Lumpkins.