What could possibly spoil a cruise around Scandinavia? Darina Lisle is about to find out when the ship's purser disappears over board - and rumours abound that he was murdered... When Darina Lisle was offered a free cruise on the Empress of India it was hard to decide what was the most exciting. The two weeks on a luxury liner? The opportunity to advise the cruise company on their menus? Or the promise of the uninterrupted company of her husband Detective William Pigram? Once on board Darina becomes acquainted with her fellow passengers, including cruise veteran Enid Carter, and lottery winner Shona Mallory and her family. Unfortunately her plans of a relaxing break in such varied company are shattered the moment Purser Phil Burrell disappears - and William is called upon to help. At first it is assumed the Assistant Purser is lying low after an all too public altercation over a woman. But it quickly becomes clear he is not on board. And if he's not on board...did the heartbroken man take his own life by leaping into the sea? Or did someone give him a helping hand...?