This book begins (and ends) with a series of unusual volunteer archaeological expeditions in the aftermath of the Falkland War but quickly becomes a maritime detective story, as Snow Squall's story is pieced together further with information gleaned from shipping lists, newspaper accounts, disaster books, and diaries. Her world turns out to be a fascinating one, from the laying of her keel at the Butler yard in South Portland to her last captain's heroic efforts to repair his badly damaged ship after going aground near Cape Horn in 1864.