No scientific sleuthing this, but a blending of clues, coincidences and concentration by mystery-avid groceryman, Smyth, passenger on a plane, flying Alaska, carrying a Senator, Congressman and a Mayor. Forced to stay in a deserted settlement when gas is drained from their machine, murder and approaching winter produce near-panic among the castaways. Another killing and the problem of the mysterious skier, the abandonment of the colony, imminence of Japanese penetration and Nazi fifth column, add to the questions Smyth must solve before the Army takes over. A better than most brain workout.