London, 1812. When the crew of the 'Solander', a ship carrying rare specimens of plant from the paradise island of Otaheite, are found dead, their faces twisted into hideous expressions, Detective Charles Horton is put in charge of the investigation. It becomes clear that this is a mystery that began near the foot of great Tahiti Nui, in the shadow of a dead volcano, beneath the eyes of unforgiving ancient gods.