Book Review: The Titanic Murders

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Titanic Murders     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Max Allan Collins
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Historicals # 1
Berkley Prime Crime, Apr 1999, $5.99, 272 pp.

The anonymous caller clearly states that he has recently been inside the Titanic. However, it was the man's insistence that he saw two murdered corpses inside the deep freezer of the ship that had to happen before the Titanic grazed that fatal iceberg. Though doubting the account, Max, the author of historical mysteries, starts thinking about the possibilities. Especially intriguing is that the great mystery writer, Jacques "The Thinking Machine" Futrelle was a passenger. Max follows up his pondering by talking with Virginia Futrelle Raymond, the ninety-three years old daughter of Jacques.

Virginia corroborates the phone call by saying her mother, a survivor of the tragedy, swore two murders occurred and that her father, though originally only a passenger, was investigating them. Virginia's story fits comfortably with what historians agree as the facts. So begins the tale of two murders on board the Titanic before destiny ended its run.

Talk about Titanic nerve and guts. Only a historical mystery writer with the talent of Max Allan Collins would dare write a who-done-it, starring real persona (except perhaps Cameron and that couple) and events from the real Titanic. THE TITANIC MURDERS brilliantly works. The story line unfolds into a wonderful mystery being investigated by Mr. Futrelle, a superstar mystery writer of the period, who was one of many to die during the tragedy. The characters seem so genuine, especially their awe over the elegant surroundings. Historical detail makes this novel a winner as it's the research that makes the period come alive. The author of the renowned Heller series and the Ms. Tree comic book, Mr. Collins may have written his best novel to date.

Harriet Klausner

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

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