Nothing is what it seems when the owner of a prestigious Manhattan art gallery hires private detective Joshua Oates in 1921 New York City. A mysterious figure is threatening the owner if he does not agree to display five crude paintings in his art gallery. When the manager is murdered, Oates becomes the prime suspect for a relentless police detective who is convinced he is the killer. While searching for clues, Oates meets a daring ex-art thief now working for Scotland Yard. She enlists his help to stop an international band of art thieves who sell stolent works of art to New York City's gentry. A change in leadership at the 35th police precinct also creates relationship problems for NYPD detective Angie Lang and Joshua Oates. Witrh help from Albert Einstain, and Bat Masterson, Oates must stop a dangerous and clever adversary.