This is a contemporary (written @ 1970 or so) romantic-adventure tale with an intelligent protagonist set in a foreign country. Dr. Joyce Lacey is an archaeologist working on the Pompeii site in Italy when she chances upon a young tour-guide/university student who responds irascibly to her wish that he fall in with her plans to recover and uncover the centuries-old mystery surrounding a rare urn. The story unfolds as a humorous romp through Italy and England, in and out of the luxurious, sometimes seedy, always eccentric world of art collectors and thieves... and the reader is both entertained and enlightened by the choice bits of information about art collecting and archaeology at the same time. Reminiscent of Elizabeth Peters at her modern-gothic, humorous best, this is a highly recommended and satisfying read for people who enjoy a dash of erudition with their romance and mystery.