It’s as though “In the Kingdom of Ice” was written after author Hampton Sides invented a formula to craft the perfect historical thriller. Jeez, it’s got everything you’d need. Epic sea race as American ship tries to become the first vessel to reach the North Pole? Check. Ship crashed into impenetrable ice flow — causing crew to abandon ship into brutal winter? Check. Starvation? Polar bears? Madness? Heroism and will power and endurance on par with any military special ops team? Check all of the above.

And ... it’s all true!

Yes, author Hampton Sides has beautifully and terrifyingly captured the real-life 1879 voyage of the USS Jeannette. “In the Kingdom of Ice” ended up on “Best Book of the Year” lists for USA Today, The Washington Post, The Miami Herald, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and many more. The bestseller is now out in paperback, and Sides celebrates with a signing event Friday afternoon in Mystic’s Bank Square Books. This is perfect timing as you compile your summer must-read lists.

— Rick Koster

Hampton Sides, 5-7 p.m. Friday, Bank Square Books, 53 W. Main St., Mystic; free; (860) 536-3795.