The nation's favourite dodgy antiques dealer is in prison - again. So when Lovejoy is offered a way out by visitor Ellen Jaynor, he jumps at it, paying little heed to the possible repercussions. But it soon becomes clear there is a big catch to the mad-cap scheme, involving speed-dating, marriage and the perfect robbery. Just what has the loveable rogue let himself in for this time? Forced to earn his freedom, Lovejoy must apply his vast knowledge of antiques to the treasure trove held by representatives of the Forgotten White Tribes - or Faces in the Pool, as they call themselves. Remnants of emigrant peoples from around the globe, left behind by the receding tides of time as the rest of their race moved away, the Faces in the Pool wish to have their antiques verified, before selling them and gaining enough wealth to buy themselves back into mainstream society. But events soon spiral out of Lovejoy's control and underhand dealings leave him trapped inside a burning mansion, fighting for his life.