Virginia ventures to Palm Springs, California for a quilt show and conference. It's also a reunion and respite for her and her long-time friend, Donna Bolette. A few days of fun, sun, and quilting can't hurt. They visit Virginia's old teacher and friend, Ms. Carol Jean Putman when they arrive in the desert. After a nice friendly visit, Carol is discovered murdered on her ranch. Virginia's shock doubles when she learns that Carol Jean Putman made Virginia the executor of her estate and the new owner of a whole lot of desert. Virginia learns the murder involves a special quilt that partially glows in the dark, a painting from the seventeen hundreds, a legend about old Spanish galleons lost in the desert sands, and a vast treasure hidden centuries ago. Virginia's mastered the art of piecing together blocks to create intricate quilts, but piecing together her friend's murder will prove far more challenging.