'A master of seagoing adventure.' Clive Cussler When Richard and Robin Mariner discover a young woman stranded in the middle of a fierce storm, they decide to risk everything to try to save her. Despite their efforts, the body they recover is long dead. They discover to their horror that the woman is naked, beaten and eyeless. Who is this mystery woman and who could have committed such a brutal crime against her? Both the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are at a loss and the distinctive wound - a five-pointed star over her heart - tells a dark and deadly story. The investigation opens up when the Mountie assigned to the case, a French Canadian with Mohawk blood, links the death to another at Point Noir. Richard and Robin vow to help the authorities by tracking a shady Russian freighter which turns out to be smuggling young women past Thunder Bay - and into the seedy red-light districts of Chicago. The Mariner's launch of their new SuperCat fast ferry service across the Great Canadian Lakes will have to wait. They have a murder to solve. Recommended for fans of Alexander Fullerton and Clive Cussler. Peter Tonkin was born in 1950 in Ulster, Northern Ireland and was raised in the UK, Holland, Germany, and the Persian Gulf. The son of an RAF officer, Tonkin spent much of his youth travelling the world from one posting to another. He is the author of the Richard Mariner Thriller Collection, Caesar's Spies and the Tom Musgrave Mysteries. Praise for Peter Tonkin: "The Mariners' many seafaring and investigative skills are seriously tested during this exciting chase. Readers who batten down the hatches and keep the Dramamine handy should enjoy the rough but rewarding ride," Publishers Weekly "The Ides is a testosterone-fuelled battle roar in a world of double-dealing and betrayal, where wits must be sharp and recovery time between violent encounters is brief. Peter Tonkin has infused a familiar narrative with excitement, energy and a delicious twist right at the very end." Mystery People "Riveting tale full of fast action." Publishers Weekly "Edge-of-the-seat terror." Daily Post "Good technical detail, plus an exciting climax, makes this entertaining reading." Publishing News "A welcome aura of old-fashioned expertise." Publishers Weekly