Hamish, a Scottish ex-detective, and his Chilean wife Katie join a disparate group of cousins for a mini-cruise along the Chilean coast. A daring gold heist in Lima, sending ripples as far away as Patagonia, political intrigue centres on the Peruvian Culture Minister. Everyone from a drowned Chilean fisherman, drug-runners and beautiful South American heiresses (who are not what they seem) is involved. Unfolding against sensational scenery, the drama heightens when an English passenger - accused of knifing the fisherman - is carried off to jail on the mainland after appealing to Hamish for help. A shipboard poker game turns nasty when the loser cannot meet his drug-pushing creditor; in the fracas someone, allegedly the dealer, drowns. Hamish is wrongfully arrested by officious Chilean security and is only saved by his quick-thinking wife. Meantime he is joined by a former Glasgow colleague now working for Interpol. Following up clues, their own lives are endangered. Eventually Chilean values prevail, but not without cost. Most villains get their come-uppance, most artefacts (some fake) are restored to their rightful owners, some erotica remaining unclaimed, ministerial involvement proved and - Hamish's predominating concern - cartel bosses are nailed.