Dirk Pitt meets the most intriguing and sinister villain of his adventurous and legendary career in a conflict that is waged above and below the sea for the survival of vast numbers of sea creatures and more than a million human beings. NUMA Special Projects Director Dirk Pitt is investigating the baffling deaths of thousands of Antarctic marine animals when he stumbles on something even more chilling. The passengers and crew of a cruise ship all died simultaneously and instantly, leaving a small party of tourists led by the beautiful Maeve Fletcher stranded on a remote island whaling station. And the carnage is just beginning, as Pitt's investigation leads him to Maeve's estranged father and sisters, owners of the global diamond cartel Dorsett Consolidated Mining. From a chilling escape at a high-security Canadian mine to a tiny boat adrift on lonely, shark-infested seas, the ingenious Pitt is racing to thwart Dorsett's ruthless plans--before an unthinkable disaster claims millions of innocent lives!.