The passengers on the tour boat are a motley assortment of characters (would I date myself if I was reminded of Katherine Anne Porter's Ship of Fools?) They are by turns sad, irritating, and hilarious, each with their own quirks and personalities, and their own reasons for being on the tour. Dotty Desmond, the tour manager, and Nick are under great stress trying to keep them all on schedule and getting along with each other. Nevertheless, Nick and Dotty manage to find time for themselves, and fall into a passionate relationship.

The ship is up for grabs between rivals from a Russian mafia gang, and a Greek shipping magnate, and the conflict shifts into high-gear, complicating Nick's search for his mother and endangering his and Dotty's lives. The turmoil created by this turn of events is terrifying to the crew and passengers of the ship, and the police investigation may not be what it seems. They too, may have a more sinister agenda.

McDougall is the author of ten previous books, including seven novels under the pen name William Fennerton. This novel is a complicated, inspired mix of suspense, romance, and family secrets, set on the Volga river. McDougall's extensive research brings the Russian history and politics to life and adds realism to the plot. I didn't see the shocker of an ending coming.