Mystery solver and thoroughly nice chap Atticus Drake is off on another trip. Having been the subject of an unexpected adventure in Venice, and following a long dark and grey English winter, he could be forgiven for jumping at the chance to spend some time on a yacht in the Canary Islands, courtesy of his old friend, Salty Clarke. He packed a hat and an appropriate book and set off for the sun, the sea, and some R and R. But if he was hoping for a peaceful time, he was about to be more than surprised. The port turns out to harbour more than boats, and Salty is in trouble....