Book Review: Murder on the Mauretania

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Murder on the Mauretania     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Conrad Allen
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Dillman / Masefield # 2
St. Martin’s, Dec 2000, $23.75, 256 pp.

In late 1907 Liverpool, the maiden voyage of the world’s largest ocean liner, the Mauretania begins. Among the passengers is detective George Porter Dillman sailing in second class and his new assistant Genevieve Masefield staying in first class. George and Genevieve met on the Lusitania (see MURDER ON THE LUSITANIA). They are working undercover for the Cunard Line to prevent robberies of the wealthy patrons from thieves that are plowing their trades and to protect a 2.75 million-pound gold shipment.

As the ship sails, George stops minor pilfering from happening, but an unknown phantom continues to steal in spite of the detective’s efforts. The weather for the most part is nasty, but the powerful Mauretania keeps a steady pace. However, the calm changes when a first class passenger falls overboard in what appears to be a tragic accident. However, Sam soon sees a connection with that incident and the clever stealing of some of the gold. Even with Genevieve’s access to the wealthy first class patrons, Sam struggles to identify a master felon.

MURDER ON THE MAURETANIA, the second Dillman-Masefield historical mystery set on the ocean cruise liners, is a wonderful tale that brings readers along for the ride sans seasickness. The story line is entertaining as readers obtain a glimpse at the ship, its passengers, and its crew mostly through the eyes of the undercover sleuth and his assistant. The enjoyable who-done-it adds to the fun of an exciting sea voyage. Sub-genre fans will book passage on Conrad Allen’s next ocean adventure.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner