Celia Carlton has been mentally and physically abused by her husband, Drew, since the death of their baby some 10 years ago. After a dinner party, Drew goes one step too far and rapes her. Celia starts to fight back and makes plans to escape from the marriage. Raising as much money as she can, and changing her appearance, she obtains false documentation showing her new identity as Chloe Armstrong.
Armed with her new documentation and confidence, Celia books a world cruise, planning to leave the ship at a far off destination and begin a new life. Her plans in place, she drugs her husband then murders him.
Once on board the ship, she becomes friendly with a kindly gentleman, Clive Gunnall, who falls for her and asks her to marry him. Seeing him as a way to consolidate her new identity, she agrees to marry him. However, she is drawn to the wickedly handsome Greek Captain, Andros Faldiki, and has an affair with him whilst planning her future with Clive.
While Celia enjoys herself, living the life of a wealthy widow on board ship, Drew's body is discovered and a major murder hunt, led by DCI Charlie Meadows, is launched. All the evidence points to Celia as the murderer but, unable to locate Celia anywhere, the investigation loses momentum and, as other crimes are committed, the search is scaled down. After weeks at sea, undiscovered, Celia begins to believe she has gotten away with the murder.
Follow Celia as she travels the world, enjoying the attentions of both Clive and the Captain and see if she finally pays the price for her crime.