Gretel (yes, that Gretel) has grown up and become a private detective in order to support herself and her lazy, food-loving brother Hans (who no longer goes by Hansel). Gretel is hired by the captain of a cruise ship to discover what happened to several crewmen who disappeared during a voyage, after the sailors heard a mermaid sing. Gretel boards the Arabella which is cramped, dingy, and light on luxury but does feature excellent food--until the cook “Frenchy” disappears, immediately following the ethereal song of a mermaid. Gretel must sort through smugglers, charming captains, murderers, an arrogant duchess, an ornithologist, her brother's former fiancée, and a full array of crazy characters to solve the mystery. Ferdinand, Gretel's love interest from previous books, is conveniently aboard the rival cruise ship.
The setting is a mix of fairy-tale magic, nineteenth-century costume, and modern sensibilities. The mermaid is real, as is a water sprite who provides Gretel with clues in the form of rhyming puzzles. Gretel is a fun, out-spoken, fashionably dressed and coiffed detective, and the mystery can be pieced together by a careful reader. Fans of the Detective Gretel mystery series will be pleased with this installment. ( )

This was so much fun!

Gretel- yes, THAT Gretel, of Hansel and Gretel fame- has grown up to become Bavaria's premier private investigator in 1776, much sought-after when one has a sticky problem. Hans, who has his virtues, comes along for the ride.

But- Gretel aspires to more. Although not a sylph, she pursues being a fashionista, even when all events conspire against her. And her crush- who seems to be crushing back- generally only encounters her at her least glamorous moments...

In this volume, Gretel is hired to take a cruise, and solve the problem(s) that are plaguing it. She prepares for much elegance, but sadly, that is not the sort of cruise this is. Also, Hans meets a figure from his past that has him roundly intimidated. Add a mischievous sea sprite, a mermaid with an agenda, and nefarious other plots...

I love the way Gretel is written- so very savvy in so many ways, and yet so oblivious about some things! And I love the theme of the disastrous fates of her beloved wigs.

The plot is nicely complex, with lots of twists.

If you re keen on historical accuracy, this may not be the series for you. I enjoy the intentional play of history and anachronisms.

Very recommended, especially if you enjoy a somewhat unreliable narrator!

I received this book in exchange for writing an honest review. ( )