'The British Colonies of Australia 1812AD, rebellious convicts seize His Majesty's Ship 'The Guildford', and set sail for England, disappearing without trace! In the present day a sea captain is murdered in the city of Sydney! His lifeless body discovered floating in the waters of Central Harbour. In one hand, held in a death grip is a solid silver compass and etched upon its casing, the name of an old British ship 'HMS Guildford'! Federal Agent Kate Lawson and the hapless Detective Hamilton are assigned to investigate. And soon both must confront the undeniable truth! That after nearly two centuries... The Convicts are Back!'
Source: Publisher's blurb.