The U-869, part of the extensive fleet of Nazi U-boats, met its fate off the American eastern coast during a combined hedgehog and depth-charge assault, resulting in the loss of all crew members. The absence of survivors leaves the story of its sinking shrouded in mystery and tragedy, highlighting the perilous nature of submarine warfare during World War II.
The narrative diverges from traditional mystery novels, focusing instead on a research procedural that explores the harsh realities of justice. It emphasizes the often-overlooked victims and the enduring impact of unresolved crimes, highlighting the stark contrast between fictional resolutions and the complexities of real-life cases. The author aims to challenge readers' expectations of closure, revealing the unsettling truth that many perpetrators evade accountability while their victims are left in obscurity.
Doug Martin is sent back to Mars to obtain information about a startling discovery that the colonists have an underground city which is all that remains of an advanced civilization that vanished millions of years ago. As if that discovery were not astonishing enough, he finds that the colonists are harboring a secret which they are reluctant to a secret whose implications are more profound than the preservation of ancient Martian artifacts. Doug's mission is to unlock the mystery of the disappearance of the city's inhabitants. He must learn not only why the Martians left their planet, but where they went - and where they are today.