Professor of history Tim Strange and his wife Abby while renovating their cabin in Show Low, Arizona make an astounding discovery literally hidden away in an interior wall. Astounded by what appear to be rare Imperial Russian artifacts-a revolver, never circulated gold and paper rubles, a military insignia and a single silver ruble that will turn out to be among the most mysterious and sought after coins in the world, they have only one question: How in the world did they find their way to Show Low and who could have hidden them there...and why? Like the detective he is Tim Strange sets out to solve the mystery using all his intuitive and professional research skills to uncover the truth. His search takes him to St. Petersburg, Russia, at the time the Soviet Union is collapsing and no one can predict how the Cold War will end. It will also take him back in time through the diaries and records of Americans in the Czarist Russia in a Shadow Lands of Memory and intrigue. For there are others searching for these relics who will do anything to possess them for they are symbolic of the new Russia's future as well as of its glorious past. They will even kill for them.Tim's near obsession with the mystery will cause Abby to question everything about their relationship and his priorities, as the full weight of their previous harrowing adventures finally take their toll on her. What she decides will either bring new passion and commitment to their marriage... or end it....