'Lifers' and reprobates of various kinds are sent to a remote Pacific penal colony when they have embarrassed their government too many times by escaping other prisons etc. No death penalty existing. The island is made up of two halves; little or nothing is known about the other half, and as there is very little supervision in what is basically an open prison, meaning many prisoners simply depart at will for the unknown; the female Governor turns a blind eye to this: aware they won't return.
When June discovers her sister with her fiance, her sister chooses to run away from home. Later on, June receives a message that her sister is in trouble. Will she be able to find her and save her?
Anna Marie and her husband are on to secrets that have stumped historieans for years. The only thing between them and the truth is their guide, who is reluctant to tell. Anna is coerced by her husband to feret out the secrets; with her body, if need be.