In 1882 the S.S. Asia, a dangerously overloaded passenger ship, went down in gale-force winds in Georgian Bay, Ontario. More than 100 passengers died in the wreck. Robert Sutherland takes this historical fact and creates a gripping story for middle-grade readers. Tommy Smith, a young orphan, barely survives the sinking. He should feel lucky. But months after being nursed back to health, Tommy discovers that he's been framed for murder. It's a good thing everyone believes Tommy drowned in the sinking, allowing him to take on a new identity in Toronto—and a great new job with the circus. But when his past suddenly catches up with him, Tommy must run for his life in a race against time.