On the ocean liner Mauretania, two European scientists with a dramatic new invention are rescued from abduction by the Van Dorn Detective Agency's intrepid chief investigator, Isaac Bell. The thugs attack again and one of the scientists dies. what are they holding that is so precious? Something that will revolutionize business and popular culture and perhaps something more. For war clouds are looming, and a ruthless espionage agent has spotted a priceless opportunity to give the German Empire an edge. It is up to Isaac Bell to figure out who he is, what he is up to, and stop him. But Bell may already be too late.