It's not the kind of killer wedding Samantha Washington had in mind for herself, but when murder makes an uninvited appearance, the Michigan bookshop owner and historical mystery writer doesn't hesitate to get involved . . .

Sam knows a thing or two about plot twists. Still, with only two days till her wedding, this surprise takes the five-tier cake. The Avenue Hotel has suffered a plumbing disaster, and Sam and her beloved Frank urgently need a new reception venue. Thankfully, Sam's stepfather finds an alternative that's a decided step up: superyacht Siren of the Seven Seas. The wedding and reception proceed, including a visit from the governor himself, and all is wonderful-at first . . .

Shockingly, a shot rings out on deck, and suddenly Sam, Frank, and her ever-feisty Nana Jo are helping Detective "Stinky" Pitt with a confounding murder case. The Hawaiian honeymoon will have to wait while Sam not only wades through suspects, but questions whether the victim was really the intended target. She alleviates some stress by working on her latest novel in which wartime espionage has infiltrated Wickfield Lodge-but could there be strange parallels to this modern-day crime? And can Sam uncover a killer in time to set sail on her own happily ever after?