Jo Allison paints a picture using a goblet she found in her apartment. Why are collectors and antique dealer interested in the painting and in the goblet?
Setting: Riverton, IL, a town of 100.000, located along the Illinois River. Why do a sleazy antique dealer and a wealthy collector suddenly become interested in an unknown artist named Jo Allison? Is it the mysterious goblet she used in three still life paintings?
Jo's apartment is burglarized and she is threatened. When she attempts to determine the provenance of the goblet, she discovers that it might be a priceless antique.
Thieves follow her to the home of a blind woman in Riverside, IL, who also owns one of the goblets.
The exciting climax takes place on the steps of the Art Institute of Chicago between the roaring lions.
Excerpt
The old artisan's hands grew numb and cold.The delicate nature of his trade required exacting concentration. The room was austere with no source of heat and only small openings for illumination. A few candles provided added light and little warmth. Finally, after years of work, he had finished the sixth goblet.
Following several murders, means, motive, and opportunity all point to out-of-work actresses Bootsie Kittredge and Babs Harrison. Their claims of righteousness and lack of guilt seem fabricated, thanks to a cheerfull announcement made to the patrons
