Derek Franklin is recuperating from a riding accident when his brother Greville dies unexpectedly. He is the sole heir and soon must turn his mind to learning about the semi-precious stone trade, not to mention seeking some diamonds which his brother appears to have hidden. His brother was nineteen years his senior and they knew each other only slightly so he has much to learn about his life. Greville Franklin was one for gadgets and puzzles and Derek is not the only one trying to figure things out. Fortunately, he appears to have more lives than a cat and manages to escape a series of incidents with only new injuries. Derek has also inherited a few horses from his brother, another problem for him, and not just because he's not allowed to own racehorses as a jockey. This was good entertaining reading.