When the ex-Queen Nicoletta of Hirtenstein, Gregory's redoubtable grandmother, summons him to Rome where she is redecorating the villa of an Italian politician, Greg reluctantly complies. It appears that a Russian icon, belonging to the politician's opera-singer wife, has disappeared--an icon with a frame made from diamonds which have great monetary and sentimental value. Greg is joined in Rome by his long-time companion, Liz Blair, and it's not long before they realize there's more going on than it first seemed. The new Gregory Crowne mystery from this well-loved author. (mystery & detective).