A stolen heirloom painting...a shipboard  murder...Can Simon and the O'Keefe clan unravel the  mystery?



Thirteen-year-old Simon Renier  has no idea when he boards the M.S. Orion with his  cousin Forsyth Phair that the journey will take  him not only to Venezuela, but into his past as  well. His original plan--to return a family heirloom, a  portrait of Simon Bolivar, to its rightful  place--is sidetracked when cousin Forsyth is found  murdered. Then, when the portrait is stolen, all  passengers and crew become  suspect.



Simon's newfound friends, Poly and Charles O'Keefe,  and their scientist father help Simon to confront  the danger that threaten him. But Simon alone must  face up to his fears. What has happened to the  treasured portrait? And who among them is responsible  for the theft--and the murder?