I didn’t realise this was part of an 8 book series until I’d already started. Doubt it’s made any difference because on looking it up, the series always has the same two main characters, just a different narrative. Okay - it’s 1907 and ocean liners are in their heyday! There’s a prize for the fastest sea crossing from Liverpool to America and the captain of The Mauretania wants it. Will a violent storm and a special cargo of 12 tons of gold slow them down? There also seems to be a thief onboard with a spate of precious items going missing from first and second class cabins. Then the person suspected for these crimes goes missing. How can someone totally disappear on a ship? I found this such an easy escapist read and I need one of those every now and again. I even partially guessed the denouement and I rarely do! Ha, that says much for an uncomplicated plot. However, there was quite enough to hold my interest, titbits of history about the workings and life aboard a luxury liner and descriptive details about the distinction between all three levels of accomodation. 1907 was a time of new adventure for those lucky enough to travel first and second class and for the emigrants travelling steerage, it was a chance at a new beginning ( )

This series has a great premise: historical crime on the high seas. However, it displays some tiresome recurring features, namely the fact that EVERY SINGLE PERSON feels compelled to tell Genevieve that she is beautiful and that every man wants to be with her and every woman wants to be her. Also, the way some of the men compliment her is totally creepy. The creepiness may not have been perceived as such at the time the story was set, but a modern reader may find it jarring, especially when the narration calls it a "polite compliment". Urgh. I abandoned this one before anyone was murdered. ( )

#2 in this series featuring George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield, who are both undercover detectives working for the Cunard line.

It is 1907, and the Mauretania is making its maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York. Aside from the three levels of passengers in 1st class, 2nd class and steerage, there is a cargo of gold bullion being sent to the US to help out the ailing US government and its cash flow problem.

Pretty much as soon as the voyage is underway, itmes begin disappearing from some of the 2nd class passengers, and it's not long until the first class passengers start losing items as well. While Dillman and Masefield are investigating, others are at work planning the heist of the century. And when one of the passengers turns up missing, things begin to heat up for the detective duo.

To be frank, a LOT could have been left out of this story to tighten it up a bit and make the mystery a bit more entertaining. I didn't guess the who in the whodunit, though, so it wasn't so bad. I think people who enjoy mysteries in general will like this; if you like mysteries set in an historical setting, you'll also like this one. Do read book 1 first, though (Murder on the Lusitania), because you may be a little lost regarding the principal characters otherwise.

Overall, an okay read; on to #3. ( )