Artist Forbis Parmenter has invited Josie Giancola to the opening of his latest exhibit of voodoo-inspired works. He plans to make a show of completing the centerpiece--a button- encrusted statue--when Josie arrives with the final button. But just as the big moment comes, Forbis bolts out of the gallery in panic. Is it another of his publicity stunts, or is something more sinister afoot?

When she is asked to appraise a very rare item - a complete Victorian charm string made out of 1,000 buttons, Josie Giancola, owner of the Button Box shop, discovers that this unique find is cursed when a woman is found strangled with it.

"As chairwoman of an international conference for button collectors, Josie has plenty to worry about. Between greeting collectors, overseeing the dinner cruise, and attending to the many needs of the guest of honor, Thad Wyant, she barely has time to deal with her gorgeous ex-husband...let alone a dead body. But when Thad is found dead in a hotel linen closet, Detective Nevin Riley needs Josie to help him solve the case. Mr. Wyant's historic Geronimo...

The unusual buttons from a young girl's favorite coat provide magical assistance to a giant, a swan, some sailors, a wizard, some rabbits, and an elf.