Karly Bane, the daughter of a private, holds the key to the treason investigation led by the Marquis Barry. Karly has secrets which could lead not only to her own death, but also to the death of her father's crew. When the governor of Bermuda lifted her father's letter of marque, Karly's life was irrevocably changed.

Her father's death led to her imprisonment and banishment from the only home she had ever known. When her uncle brings her to England and threatens to sell her to Baron Langdon, Karly is forced to steal back something that belongs to her and make her own way in life. What Karly doesn't know is that, Langdon doesn't want her body but rather her skills in piloting ships around Bermuda. Karly knows every inlet and cove and the ways through the reefs that protect them.

Warrick Barry catches Karly as she tries to steal something which she claims is hers. Warrick and his brother are privateers out to capture the pirates who are attacking British ships and killing the crew members. He is stunned by the fragile appearance of the young woman he has captured. While she attracts him in unexpected ways, he can't let his growing feelings interfere with his investigation. He will use her to expose the identity of the traitor.

The story was engrossing and well-plotted but left me somewhat disappointed. Karly is a good character in that she is secure in her abilities as a pilot; a confidence that is inconstant with her inability to defend herself. I found the villains to be just a little too evil. Warrick starts off with a strong sense of moral superiority which is reflected in his determination to use Karly to discover what she knows without remorse. That feeling mellows as he develops feelings for Karly and learns to trust her.