In 1920, the heroes of the story Rebecca and Doug McKenzie, leave Shanghai aboard their uncle's ship Expedient, intent on discovering the whereabouts of their missing parents who have disappeared while on a secret mission to the deserts of Western China.

[1] A reviewer for the South China Morning Post expanded on this sentiment, writing, “Mowll's genius [...] is in his clever mixing of old and new storytelling devices, and a clear and intelligent voice that should appeal to both girls and boys”.

[2] Publishers Weekly referred to the novel as "intriguing" and highlighted the novel's various inclusions, such as "Becca's diary entries and sidebars" and "drawings from Doug's sketchbook", which provide useful background information".

[3] Kirkus Reviews also highlighted such inclusions, stating that the "excerpts from Rebecca’s diary, four beautifully produced gatefolds detailing ships, weapons, and submersible crafts, wonderful pencil sketches, photographs (and more) add dimension and authenticity to the high-seas hijinks.

"[4] Booklist's Francisca Goldsmith added that the "highly detailed" and "suitably authentic" reproductions "will have great appeal for readers who thrive on schematics and puzzles.