In 1943, World War Two, a Russian convoy fights its violent, wreckage-strewn course across the Arctic Circle towards Murmansk. Many gallant vessels will die in that hazardous endeavour, all crewed by incredibly brave men. Except for one - the coffin ship Charon and her appalling complement of misfits, captained by the buccaneering Edward Trapp: professional scoundrel, international pariah, blackguard without merit.To Trapp, war offers not so much the challenge of selfless service, but a prime commercial opportunity. How else might a treasure seeker convinced of his own immortality manipulate the allies into providing a whole task force of warships to escort him north through U-boat alley and waves of screeching Stukas to the very edge of the Arctic ice barrier...and beyond?The superannuated Charon staggers from one sub-zero crisis to the next in the Captain's bloody-minded pursuit of ignominy, golden cargo, somewhat unlikely legends, and to the enduring embarrassment of the Admirals and Staff of the British and United States Navies.