When Sophie Sapwood discovers a whalebone pendant hidden in a chest of drawers the ghost of Captain Cathcardo awakens from an ancient sleep trapped in the frozen wastes on his ship The Riddle. His cries for help travel through the stratosphere to three different pairs of ears - Sophies famous explorer father Bonniface Sapwood renowned naturalist Corona Wottley and oily villain Rancid Swarthy. All three parties immediately organise trips to the Antarctic--Back cover.