On the ocean liner Mauretania, two European scientists with a dramatic new invention are rescued from abduction by the Van Dorn Detective Agency's intrepid chief investigator, Issac Bell. Unfortunately, they are not so lucky the second time. The thugs attack again - and this time one of the scientists dies. What are they holding that is so precious? Only something which will revolutionize business and popular culture - and perhaps something more. For war clouds are looming, and a ruthless espionage agent has spotted a priceless opportunity to give the German Empire an edge. It is up to Isaac Bell to figure out who he is, what is up to and stop him, but he may already be too late . . . and the future of the world hangs in the balance. Praise for Clive Cussler- 'Clive Cussler is hard to beat.' Daily Mail 'The guy I read.' Tom Clancy