Antiques appraiser Josie Prescott is approached by Veronica Sutton, who introduces herself as an old friend of Josie’s late father. She hands Josie a brown paper-wrapped package and leaves. Josie gasps when she sees what’s inside: a notecard bearing her name --- in her father’s handwriting --- and a green leather box. Inside the box are two letters in transparent plastic sleeves. The first bears the salutation, “My dear Cassandra”; the latter, “Dearest Fanny.” Both are signed “Jane Austen.” Could her father have really accidentally found two previously unknown letters by one of the world’s most beloved authors? Josie sets off on the quest of a lifetime to learn what Veronica knows about her father and to discover if the Jane Austen letters are real.

Josie Prescott, the owner of Prescott’s Antiques & Auctions, and her new husband, Ty, have finally found their dream home, a Victorian beauty known as the “Gingerbread House.” It was recently vacated by Maudie Wilson, whose concerned nieces have moved her into a nearby assisted living facility. They report that their aunt may have left behind an old trunk that she’s desperate to get back. Sure enough, Josie finds the trunk inside a hidden compartment, and within it a jewel-encrusted box holding a sculpture of a cat. But when Josie goes to return the box to Maudie, the woman has vanished. And on the floor of her empty apartment lies a corpse, a woman bludgeoned to death. Sick with worry for Maudie’s safety, Josie begins to piece together the clues to the murder.

Ana Yartsin is on the verge of becoming a celebrity chef.  As she prepares to be filmed for a reality TV show about the launch of her bakery in Rocky Point, New Hampshire, Ana hires antiques expert Josie Prescott to appraise the precious egg and snow globe. The show's pilot will show Ana planning the desserts for the upcoming wedding of her friend Heather to investment guru, Jason. When Josie arrives at Ana's home, however, she finds Jason murdered and the priceless snow globe smashed beyond repair.

Josie Prescott shows a doll collection to Alice Michaels of the local investment community. Moments later, Josie watches in horror as Alice is shot and killed. Josie discovers that the dolls hold secrets that will uncover the truth behind Alice’s murder.