Taking a break from the recent murders and intrigues that have plagued Maple Hills, Vermont, Nikki and Detective Hawke take advantage of a generous offer and set sail on the Open Sea Queen. The cruise ship appears ancient and ready to sink, far away from the modern and spacious liner they were promised. Yet with eager hearts the duo, along with their friends, Lidia and her husband, board the aged ship, headed towards Alaskan waters and vistas that will ease their current burdens.
Though the old cruise ship may appear decrepit on the outside, inside it proves itself with Titanic like splendor; Lustrous wooden walls, a picturesque lobby, old fashioned lamps and fireplaces in each room – it is everything they could hope for, and more. Unfortunately, trouble seems to follow Nikki like a dark cloud of misfortune. When the Captain is murdered, it is up to the ready sleuths to get to the bottom of the mystery… before the storm barreling down their tail reaches them, and before the murderer can strike again.