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Mysteries at Sea #1
Mysteries at Sea: Peril on the Atlantic
A twisty and heart-pounding mystery at sea, from award-winning A.M. Howell.
July, 1936. As the Queen Mary sets sail across the Atlantic, Alice can't wait for the summer of adventure that lies ahead. She's excited to explore the huge ship, with its shops, animals and even celebrities on board.
But while Alice's sailor father focuses on winning a prestigious race, she witnesses a shocking attack. Alice and her new friend Sonny start to uncover a dark sabotage plot, and as they investigate gold bars, anonymous notes and lost silk gloves, secrets in their own lives come to the surface.
When fog threatens the boat's journey, and dangerous enemies show themselves, Alice and Sonny are in their own race to solve all the mysteries unfolding. But what they discover might change both their lives forever...
July, 1936. As the Queen Mary sets sail across the Atlantic, Alice can't wait for the summer of adventure that lies ahead. She's excited to explore the huge ship, with its shops, animals and even celebrities on board.
But while Alice's sailor father focuses on winning a prestigious race, she witnesses a shocking attack. Alice and her new friend Sonny start to uncover a dark sabotage plot, and as they investigate gold bars, anonymous notes and lost silk gloves, secrets in their own lives come to the surface.
When fog threatens the boat's journey, and dangerous enemies show themselves, Alice and Sonny are in their own race to solve all the mysteries unfolding. But what they discover might change both their lives forever...
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2023
13 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 19, 2024
True to previous Howell books, this one was yet again a really good and enjoyable read! I was pulled in from the very first page, and I couldn't put this down until the very last. The characters were well-written and the world was super immersive. Definitely a recommend! I cannot wait to read the next book.
October 15, 2023
A fun middle grade mystery set on board the Queen Mary in the 1930s.
Alice is joining her father on board the Queen Mary to travel from England to New York, she has been shut away in a boarding school whilst her father captains the ship and now she in finally getting to travel like she wanted to. Everything isn't as it seems though as she ends up hearing an attack on one of the staff members and starts to investigate. Along the way she meets fellow children who join her investigations.
I liked the adventure story, Alice was a very determined child, probably not always the most sensible, but im sure most children would be the same. The mystery was slightly far fetched, but I didn't care, this was great for fans of the Adventures on Trains series, but with less illustrations.
Alice is joining her father on board the Queen Mary to travel from England to New York, she has been shut away in a boarding school whilst her father captains the ship and now she in finally getting to travel like she wanted to. Everything isn't as it seems though as she ends up hearing an attack on one of the staff members and starts to investigate. Along the way she meets fellow children who join her investigations.
I liked the adventure story, Alice was a very determined child, probably not always the most sensible, but im sure most children would be the same. The mystery was slightly far fetched, but I didn't care, this was great for fans of the Adventures on Trains series, but with less illustrations.
August 17, 2023
OMG! What a book?!? From beginning to end it was just full of adventure and twists. It kept me guessing throughout and gasping at every major moment. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
August 26, 2023
It was very gripping and I couldn’t put it down. I had to keep reading it.
May 11, 2024
4.5 stars, really enjoyed this. It definitely was fun to read (helped because I was reading it while on a cruise) and I enjoyed the characters and all the mysteries within the story.
August 28, 2023
When Alice comes aboard the Queen Mary with her father, the Staff Captain, at Southampton docks for a voyage to New York, she doesn’t anticipate all of the drama and intrigue that awaits her during the journey. She’s supposed to keep to her cabin and out of sight of the paying customers, but when she overhears an attempted murder and uncovers a sabotage plot, she knows she has to investigate in order to find proof and stop the criminals from carrying out their diabolical plans. Alice is assisted by Sonny, a slightly older boy who is travelling with his guardian, and Miriam, a German Jewish girl travelling with her parents to start a new life in America away from the threat of the Nazis. But this is not the only mystery to unravel – Alice’s father is also keeping a life-changing secret from her…
I’ve read a few ship-based mysteries lately and have to confess that I’ve found some of them a little dull, however AM Howell does a fantastic job of sustaining the tension and keeping the plot ticking along at an engaging pace. There were lots of fun historical tidbits that added to the story and effectively created a sense of time and place.
Middle grade mystery books are very popular but I have plenty of requests in the library for mysteries that are not about murder, so I think this type of story fills an important gap. I look forward to the next book in the ‘Mysteries at Sea’ series. ‘Peril on the Atlantic’ is a thrilling, seafaring historical adventure – perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and the ‘Adventures on Trains’ series.
Thanks to Usborne for the ARC.
I’ve read a few ship-based mysteries lately and have to confess that I’ve found some of them a little dull, however AM Howell does a fantastic job of sustaining the tension and keeping the plot ticking along at an engaging pace. There were lots of fun historical tidbits that added to the story and effectively created a sense of time and place.
Middle grade mystery books are very popular but I have plenty of requests in the library for mysteries that are not about murder, so I think this type of story fills an important gap. I look forward to the next book in the ‘Mysteries at Sea’ series. ‘Peril on the Atlantic’ is a thrilling, seafaring historical adventure – perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and the ‘Adventures on Trains’ series.
Thanks to Usborne for the ARC.
September 16, 2023
Earnest and relatively lively adventure for young readers, but peppered with things the more discerning of that audience would raise their eyebrows at. It's a stupid reason that has got Alice on board the Queen Mary, just as she's trying to break the time record to cross the Atlantic and win the Blue Riband. But then her father is very high up the pecking order of crew. Anyway, Alice is pottering about the ship she was ordered not to explore when she ends up an earwitness to a crime – somebody lets someone down and nearly gets murdered as a result. Alice then has to stumble into friendship with several other kids, in unlikely manner, to get to sort out the who and the what and where and how and why – all the time ignoring the fact she might herself be the subject of an even bigger mystery, regarding her long-dead mother…
I found the way the kids' gang expands to be contrived, and every element Alice needs to sort the case just falling into her lap – she is in too rarefied a place, with access to too much, to make this a realistic struggle for them. Some of the exposition about the ship is a bit naive, along the "wow, could you conceive of them having shops on board?!" wavelength. And one character is there to force a bit of Reithian education as regards certain aspects of the 1930s onto the page. Her use of English is OTT for one in her situation.
And I also see – not unique to this book, at least – a way in which the plummy period setting has leaked into the writer's style. It's evident from the off she is a fan of long sentences – one I spotted early on had 32 words, which seems unusual given the target readership (I can get away with it here as it's not nine-to-twelves reading me).
All that said this is a distinctive enough read, and the drive given to proceedings by the speeding ship and her imminent docking is strong. The sense of mild peril is suitable for this age range, leaving this neither too gun-ho nor too cosy. But this remains something well shy of classic, anyone-can-read-this status, as seen again by the cockamamie idea for the first sequel. No, this is on the perfectly acceptable level – one to not dismiss, but never one to launch into hysterics over (nautical pun intended).
I found the way the kids' gang expands to be contrived, and every element Alice needs to sort the case just falling into her lap – she is in too rarefied a place, with access to too much, to make this a realistic struggle for them. Some of the exposition about the ship is a bit naive, along the "wow, could you conceive of them having shops on board?!" wavelength. And one character is there to force a bit of Reithian education as regards certain aspects of the 1930s onto the page. Her use of English is OTT for one in her situation.
And I also see – not unique to this book, at least – a way in which the plummy period setting has leaked into the writer's style. It's evident from the off she is a fan of long sentences – one I spotted early on had 32 words, which seems unusual given the target readership (I can get away with it here as it's not nine-to-twelves reading me).
All that said this is a distinctive enough read, and the drive given to proceedings by the speeding ship and her imminent docking is strong. The sense of mild peril is suitable for this age range, leaving this neither too gun-ho nor too cosy. But this remains something well shy of classic, anyone-can-read-this status, as seen again by the cockamamie idea for the first sequel. No, this is on the perfectly acceptable level – one to not dismiss, but never one to launch into hysterics over (nautical pun intended).
October 1, 2025
A fun historical mystery adventure story with plenty of clues to help young readers pick up what is going on.
The book opens with main character Alice waiting to board the Queen Mary. We see the scale of the ship through her eyes as well as meeting some of the passengers and crew. Alice is quickly shown to be kind-hearted and helpful and someone who does what she thinks is right, rather than following the expected behaviour. She is staying on board with her father, the Chief Steward, for a few weeks as her usual guardian is injured. Alice's father tells her she must stay in a small area of the ship, dashing her dreams of spending the voyage exploring. However, with her father busy trying to ensure the Queen Mary regains the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic, Alice decides that what her father doesn't know won't hurt him.
She sets off to explore the ship and the descriptions of amenities from shops to a swimming pool will surely encourage plenty of readers to find out more. Unfortunately, it isn't long before Alice overhears a brutal assault. When the crew don't listen to her, Alice determines that she must bring the culprit to justice. She is up against a deadline as this must happen before the ship docks in New York.
Along the way she befriends two young passengers and a member of the crew. They quickly work together to identify some suspects and set out to investigate. At the same time, Alice is unravelling a mystery about her dead mother. Alice's father supposedly couldn't bear to look at his wife's belongings and gave them all away. But a crew member lets something slip that suggests that may not be the case.
There is a good amount of action in this book and the time constraint of needing to solve the mystery before the end of the voyage adds impetus to events. The clues are a bit obvious and repeated, especially for the mystery about Alice's mother. That might be good for younger readers but not so appealing for older or more intuitive readers. I also felt there were a few too many contrivances, it all seemed a little too easy for them to access what they needed.
All in all, there was a likeable read. An interesting setting with plenty of historical detail and references to intrigue readers. Coupled with a time-sensitive mystery and young characters outsmarting grown-ups it makes a good middle grade read.
The book opens with main character Alice waiting to board the Queen Mary. We see the scale of the ship through her eyes as well as meeting some of the passengers and crew. Alice is quickly shown to be kind-hearted and helpful and someone who does what she thinks is right, rather than following the expected behaviour. She is staying on board with her father, the Chief Steward, for a few weeks as her usual guardian is injured. Alice's father tells her she must stay in a small area of the ship, dashing her dreams of spending the voyage exploring. However, with her father busy trying to ensure the Queen Mary regains the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic, Alice decides that what her father doesn't know won't hurt him.
She sets off to explore the ship and the descriptions of amenities from shops to a swimming pool will surely encourage plenty of readers to find out more. Unfortunately, it isn't long before Alice overhears a brutal assault. When the crew don't listen to her, Alice determines that she must bring the culprit to justice. She is up against a deadline as this must happen before the ship docks in New York.
Along the way she befriends two young passengers and a member of the crew. They quickly work together to identify some suspects and set out to investigate. At the same time, Alice is unravelling a mystery about her dead mother. Alice's father supposedly couldn't bear to look at his wife's belongings and gave them all away. But a crew member lets something slip that suggests that may not be the case.
There is a good amount of action in this book and the time constraint of needing to solve the mystery before the end of the voyage adds impetus to events. The clues are a bit obvious and repeated, especially for the mystery about Alice's mother. That might be good for younger readers but not so appealing for older or more intuitive readers. I also felt there were a few too many contrivances, it all seemed a little too easy for them to access what they needed.
All in all, there was a likeable read. An interesting setting with plenty of historical detail and references to intrigue readers. Coupled with a time-sensitive mystery and young characters outsmarting grown-ups it makes a good middle grade read.
November 30, 2023
Fast-moving adventure/mystery at sea, start of a great series.
This started well and just got better. Imagine if a young Rose had got on the Titanic and solved mysteries with a young Jack and others while at sea. Without the icebergs. But with some adversaries and defying social convention and the wishes of family members.
That might look something like this, set aboard a 1930s real ship, the Queen Mary, also making its passenger voyage across the Atlantic. With Alice on board, her sailor father intent on breaking a crossing record and keeping her out of sight while all she wants is to spend time with him and explore.
Also aboard are clearly nefarious people, as Alice (when sneaking around) witnesses a staff member being seriously injured by an unseen assailant. Determining she must find the perpetrator and stop them in their misdeeds, Alice gathers around herself a small crew of brave young people all wanting to help her do the right thing and bring about justice.
Life aboard the glamorous vessel is well-documented here, the period well-constructed, and more than one mystery wrapped inside another is evident, though the solutions to all come with the unravelling of the story. Alice and her friends are given some personality, and I very much enjoyed the solutions to the puzzles, as well as the Atlantic crossing with them all.
Easy chapter read for an Upper KS2 student, lots of history and adventure to get their teeth into. For ages 9-13.
With thanks to the publisher for the sample reading copy.
This started well and just got better. Imagine if a young Rose had got on the Titanic and solved mysteries with a young Jack and others while at sea. Without the icebergs. But with some adversaries and defying social convention and the wishes of family members.
That might look something like this, set aboard a 1930s real ship, the Queen Mary, also making its passenger voyage across the Atlantic. With Alice on board, her sailor father intent on breaking a crossing record and keeping her out of sight while all she wants is to spend time with him and explore.
Also aboard are clearly nefarious people, as Alice (when sneaking around) witnesses a staff member being seriously injured by an unseen assailant. Determining she must find the perpetrator and stop them in their misdeeds, Alice gathers around herself a small crew of brave young people all wanting to help her do the right thing and bring about justice.
Life aboard the glamorous vessel is well-documented here, the period well-constructed, and more than one mystery wrapped inside another is evident, though the solutions to all come with the unravelling of the story. Alice and her friends are given some personality, and I very much enjoyed the solutions to the puzzles, as well as the Atlantic crossing with them all.
Easy chapter read for an Upper KS2 student, lots of history and adventure to get their teeth into. For ages 9-13.
With thanks to the publisher for the sample reading copy.
August 10, 2023
I was very excited to read A.M.Howell’s new book as I’ve read and enjoyed some of her previous books - The mystery of the Night watchers and The House of a hundred clocks.
I do love a good mystery story and this one didn’t disappoint! I absolutely adored it! One of the best I’ve read recently!
Alice is explicitly told by her father not to wander around the ship on which he is a staff captain on. Of course Alice doesn’t quite listen and stumbles upon an attempted murder by a mystery person!
Alice and her friends try and figure #peout who the culprit is. The friendship between Alice, Sonny, Miriam and Charlie is really heartwarming. They share a sadness about losing family members and this seems to bring them closer. The sadness of Miriam having to flee her home in Germany due to the Nazis is written very affectively.
A.M. Howell also pays homage to The Titanic as one of the characters was a survivor and therefore retells the sad tale to Alice.
There are twists and turns on every page leaving the reader guessing. I pride myself on solving mysteries quickly but I did not see the ending coming!
A fast paced mystery story filed with adventure and action. Highly recommend for key stage 2 children.
I do love a good mystery story and this one didn’t disappoint! I absolutely adored it! One of the best I’ve read recently!
Alice is explicitly told by her father not to wander around the ship on which he is a staff captain on. Of course Alice doesn’t quite listen and stumbles upon an attempted murder by a mystery person!
Alice and her friends try and figure #peout who the culprit is. The friendship between Alice, Sonny, Miriam and Charlie is really heartwarming. They share a sadness about losing family members and this seems to bring them closer. The sadness of Miriam having to flee her home in Germany due to the Nazis is written very affectively.
A.M. Howell also pays homage to The Titanic as one of the characters was a survivor and therefore retells the sad tale to Alice.
There are twists and turns on every page leaving the reader guessing. I pride myself on solving mysteries quickly but I did not see the ending coming!
A fast paced mystery story filed with adventure and action. Highly recommend for key stage 2 children.
September 26, 2023
Peril On the Atlantic By A.M Howell.
This book was set in July 1936.
Alice is a young girl who is about to spend a summer aboard the Queen Mary.
Her father is the staff Captain the second most important person on the ship.
The Queen Mary is part of an important race that Alice's father is determined to win to get a promotion to spend more time together with Alice as they have rarely done that since her mother died.
Alice quickly becomes friends with Sonny, Miriam and Charlie when they have to work together to find out who is a part of a sinister plot.
This book is 3 words- Family, Sabotage and Secrets.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I'm a huge history fan and I love books set in the past. I enjoyed reading things like a passenger/staff who was aboard the Queen Mary had also been aboard the Titanic. I loved that I could see the lives after the event.
This book is a great adventure book with twists you would never see coming.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series The Royal Jewel Plot.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Thank you to everyone who has read this review.
This book was set in July 1936.
Alice is a young girl who is about to spend a summer aboard the Queen Mary.
Her father is the staff Captain the second most important person on the ship.
The Queen Mary is part of an important race that Alice's father is determined to win to get a promotion to spend more time together with Alice as they have rarely done that since her mother died.
Alice quickly becomes friends with Sonny, Miriam and Charlie when they have to work together to find out who is a part of a sinister plot.
This book is 3 words- Family, Sabotage and Secrets.
I enjoyed reading this book a lot. I'm a huge history fan and I love books set in the past. I enjoyed reading things like a passenger/staff who was aboard the Queen Mary had also been aboard the Titanic. I loved that I could see the lives after the event.
This book is a great adventure book with twists you would never see coming.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series The Royal Jewel Plot.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Thank you to everyone who has read this review.
July 31, 2023
This is definitely a book that can be enjoyed by anyone and not just middle grade readers - it’s. real gem of a book by an author who writes such great historical fiction for middle grade readers.
Alice’s father works aboard the Queen Mary and so when it sets sail across the Atlantic in 1936 to break the record for the quickest Atlantic crossing, she joins the ship and quickly makes friends with some of the other children aboard, despite her father’s strict instructions to stay in her cabin. When one of the crew is badly injured and a mystery appears, plucky Alice decides to investigate with the help of her new friends.
It kept me hooked throughout with a great family mystery running alongside the mystery onboard. The villains of the adventure were really well created and lots of the minor characters were also really entertaining and well developed. The historical detail was also really interesting and felt very well researched; I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the end.
I’m so glad this is the start to a new series - I can’t wait to read more of them!
Alice’s father works aboard the Queen Mary and so when it sets sail across the Atlantic in 1936 to break the record for the quickest Atlantic crossing, she joins the ship and quickly makes friends with some of the other children aboard, despite her father’s strict instructions to stay in her cabin. When one of the crew is badly injured and a mystery appears, plucky Alice decides to investigate with the help of her new friends.
It kept me hooked throughout with a great family mystery running alongside the mystery onboard. The villains of the adventure were really well created and lots of the minor characters were also really entertaining and well developed. The historical detail was also really interesting and felt very well researched; I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the end.
I’m so glad this is the start to a new series - I can’t wait to read more of them!
August 29, 2023
I was very kindly bought this book by my husband, @thecolour_blindartist on a day trip to York, and I'm very glad he did!
🚢
Set in 1936, Alice joins her father on the Queen Mary voyage to New York. What was supposed to be a quiet few days on board such a grand vessel, in the hopes of making the journey in record time, turns into an adventure for Alice, and her friends Sonny, Charlie and Miriam, who she meets on board. With only a few days to close the case, will they solve the mystery before the race ends?
🚢
I'd seen this book in the window of my local waterstones, and was interested in it, as I was craving reading an Adventures On Trains book, and this filled the void!
It had twists and turns, red herrings, friendships, mysteries with the mystery, it was such a great read!
🚢
I would highly recommend this book if it sounds like your cup of tea. I'd compare it to the Adventure On Trains books, mixed with Murder Most Unladylike, two of my favourite book series.
I cannot wait for the next book!
🚢
🚢
Set in 1936, Alice joins her father on the Queen Mary voyage to New York. What was supposed to be a quiet few days on board such a grand vessel, in the hopes of making the journey in record time, turns into an adventure for Alice, and her friends Sonny, Charlie and Miriam, who she meets on board. With only a few days to close the case, will they solve the mystery before the race ends?
🚢
I'd seen this book in the window of my local waterstones, and was interested in it, as I was craving reading an Adventures On Trains book, and this filled the void!
It had twists and turns, red herrings, friendships, mysteries with the mystery, it was such a great read!
🚢
I would highly recommend this book if it sounds like your cup of tea. I'd compare it to the Adventure On Trains books, mixed with Murder Most Unladylike, two of my favourite book series.
I cannot wait for the next book!
🚢
July 13, 2023
This book is such a fun read! Middle School readers will enjoy it greatly. It is the summer of 1936, and Alice is wildly excited about the months that lie ahead. She will be crossing the high seas on the Queen Mary and interesting things are bound to happen. But events don't occur at all the way that Alice expected.
With her sailor father preoccupied by the race underway, she ends up spending a lot of her time with her friend, Sonny. But Alice and Sonny aren't browsing the shops and trying to identify celebrities, as she had planned to.
Instead, they find themselves in the thick of an adventure involving lurking liars, sneaky sailors and secret sabotage. Not to mention, encountering anonymous letters and lost silk gloves en route to solving the mystery of just what is going on aboard the Queen Mary! Prepare for an exciting ride...
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
With her sailor father preoccupied by the race underway, she ends up spending a lot of her time with her friend, Sonny. But Alice and Sonny aren't browsing the shops and trying to identify celebrities, as she had planned to.
Instead, they find themselves in the thick of an adventure involving lurking liars, sneaky sailors and secret sabotage. Not to mention, encountering anonymous letters and lost silk gloves en route to solving the mystery of just what is going on aboard the Queen Mary! Prepare for an exciting ride...
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 4, 2023
It's 1936, the Queen Mary is about to set sail on it's way to New York and hopefully to win the Blue Riband trophy. Alice is joining her dad Staff Captain Townsend and is excited for both being with her dad but also for the competition. Before setting sail Alice meets a few of the crew while waiting for her dad.
Alice sees a shocking attack and realises someone is trying to stop the ship winning the competition, but why does someone want to stop her father winning.
Alice, her new friend Sonny and Rocket need to try and find out who is behind this, but the weather is not on their side as it starts to change. I let you find out who Rocket is.
This book has something for everyone, mystery, drama, suspense, attempted murder. family secrets and gold bars. My granddaughter Emily who's 9-years-old and myself have really enjoyed this book. I would recommend that you give it a read, you won't be disappointed
Alice sees a shocking attack and realises someone is trying to stop the ship winning the competition, but why does someone want to stop her father winning.
Alice, her new friend Sonny and Rocket need to try and find out who is behind this, but the weather is not on their side as it starts to change. I let you find out who Rocket is.
This book has something for everyone, mystery, drama, suspense, attempted murder. family secrets and gold bars. My granddaughter Emily who's 9-years-old and myself have really enjoyed this book. I would recommend that you give it a read, you won't be disappointed
June 1, 2025
Ooo, getting stuck into a juicy new middle grade series is my favourite thing ever. Getting to know fabulous new characters, new mysteries and all the subsequent dramas along the way, this one adds itself to the shelf of my favourite new middle grade books!
I loved the vibe of this book. The main character, Alice, was easy and compelling to follow and I loved her from the get go. The element of mystery was addicting and the chapters flew by. I read this as a buddy read so it did a fab job at slowing me down to read a few chapters a day or I would have absolutely annihilated it in a few days.
The book was just so easy to get into with no warming up period needed. I can’t wait to get stuck into the others and both me (& my buddy) really enjoyed this book and will definitely be heading on over to the next book soon to carry on the series!
I loved the vibe of this book. The main character, Alice, was easy and compelling to follow and I loved her from the get go. The element of mystery was addicting and the chapters flew by. I read this as a buddy read so it did a fab job at slowing me down to read a few chapters a day or I would have absolutely annihilated it in a few days.
The book was just so easy to get into with no warming up period needed. I can’t wait to get stuck into the others and both me (& my buddy) really enjoyed this book and will definitely be heading on over to the next book soon to carry on the series!
August 11, 2023
This is such a brilliant book. It is above my daughter’s reading age, but I read it to her, as a bedtime adventure. She loved the action packed excitement that the two main characters got up to. She loved both the main characters, but Sonny was her favourite.
The adventure was written very well. It flows nicely and is an easy read, the young readers will understand and be able to thoroughly enjoy. It has a lot of twists and fun in the plot and allows for the reader to jump through the moments, really experiencing the adventure.
It’s a unique and great tale that is great for those who recently started reading alone or for parents to share with them. It is a book that readers will share with their friends and want to return to many times.
The adventure was written very well. It flows nicely and is an easy read, the young readers will understand and be able to thoroughly enjoy. It has a lot of twists and fun in the plot and allows for the reader to jump through the moments, really experiencing the adventure.
It’s a unique and great tale that is great for those who recently started reading alone or for parents to share with them. It is a book that readers will share with their friends and want to return to many times.
March 15, 2024
I really wanted and expected to love this book, as I am a fan of A.M. Howell's writing. The kids' part of the adventure was quite suspenseful, but ultimately the adult characters were not at all believable and kept drawing me out of the story.
The setting was great - who wouldn't love a mystery set on the Queen Mary? Alice, Miriam, Sonny and Charlie were terrific characters, brave, resourceful and they developed into a great team. The premise of the story, which revolved around a speed-record breaking attempt was interesting, but ultimately the chances for suspense were somewhat underdeveloped and the "baddies'" plan was a little underwhelming.
It's still a rollicking Middle Grade read, but I'm hoping the next book in the series addresses these concerns.
The setting was great - who wouldn't love a mystery set on the Queen Mary? Alice, Miriam, Sonny and Charlie were terrific characters, brave, resourceful and they developed into a great team. The premise of the story, which revolved around a speed-record breaking attempt was interesting, but ultimately the chances for suspense were somewhat underdeveloped and the "baddies'" plan was a little underwhelming.
It's still a rollicking Middle Grade read, but I'm hoping the next book in the series addresses these concerns.
August 7, 2023
This is a thrilling adventure across the Atlantic, with more than one mystery on board and the nail biting race for the fastest crossing.
Alice is a great main character and I loved her mischievous nature. Of course she wasn't going to sit around her room doing nothing for the whole trip! The wonderful descriptions of the ship make you feel like you're actually there, exploring with Alice and her new friends. Halfway through the story, a whole new mystery appears, which was actually something I was hoping for. At the end, the reveals just keep coming, it was not predictable at all and there were lots of things I never could have guessed.
Alice is a great main character and I loved her mischievous nature. Of course she wasn't going to sit around her room doing nothing for the whole trip! The wonderful descriptions of the ship make you feel like you're actually there, exploring with Alice and her new friends. Halfway through the story, a whole new mystery appears, which was actually something I was hoping for. At the end, the reveals just keep coming, it was not predictable at all and there were lots of things I never could have guessed.
July 19, 2025
This was just fabulous. I have an insane obsession with the sea and what it was like during the golden age of travel, and mystery is probably my most-read genre… so this screamed my name from the shelf immediately.
And it did not disappoint! By far one of my favorite middle grade novels ever.
The mystery is well constructed and satisfying, the characters are so fun to follow around and have so much to tell us (I particularly loved Miriam, I think she really grounded the book and made it that more human), and the weaving of historical fact and atmosphere with the story was perfect!
So so happy I stumbled upon this book, can’t wait to read the next in the series!
And it did not disappoint! By far one of my favorite middle grade novels ever.
The mystery is well constructed and satisfying, the characters are so fun to follow around and have so much to tell us (I particularly loved Miriam, I think she really grounded the book and made it that more human), and the weaving of historical fact and atmosphere with the story was perfect!
So so happy I stumbled upon this book, can’t wait to read the next in the series!
August 1, 2023
Peril On The Atlantic is part of the Mysteries at Sea series. Not only does it give the reader a story to become engaged in as they try to solve the mystery, it also gives them a sly history lesson on one of the world's then large ships.
I loved the Southampton references, as the train station that took everyone down to the docks to board these ships was later converted into a casino where I was employed for ten years.
Full of mystery and many suspenseful moments Peril at Sea is a mid grade mystery to be enjoyed by any age. With a family based drama at its core and several unsavoury baddies it's sure to delight and captivate attention as you embark on your adventure with Alice.
I loved the Southampton references, as the train station that took everyone down to the docks to board these ships was later converted into a casino where I was employed for ten years.
Full of mystery and many suspenseful moments Peril at Sea is a mid grade mystery to be enjoyed by any age. With a family based drama at its core and several unsavoury baddies it's sure to delight and captivate attention as you embark on your adventure with Alice.
June 21, 2025
A well written adventure for young readers
This book is well written with many layers and secrets. Its characters are well rounded and the plot is interesting and. well constructed. Its story is original and logically put together. It's well suited to young readers from beginning to the end.
The setting gives the story a hint of glamour
A very enjoyable read.
This book is well written with many layers and secrets. Its characters are well rounded and the plot is interesting and. well constructed. Its story is original and logically put together. It's well suited to young readers from beginning to the end.
The setting gives the story a hint of glamour
A very enjoyable read.
July 31, 2023
I just adore this author and yet again they have created an adventurous tale designed to entertain any reader.
I'm already excited to read more from this series.
This is what I'd describe as cosy crime for kids.
I'm already excited to read more from this series.
This is what I'd describe as cosy crime for kids.
September 1, 2023
Alice Townsends summer holiday is meant to be a calm few days at sea, exploring the ocean with her Father. But when she witnesses a shocking act…things soon take a turn for the worse.
A gripping page-turner, I really enjoyed this book. A M Howells best book by far!
A gripping page-turner, I really enjoyed this book. A M Howells best book by far!
September 25, 2023
(Strangely, there is no English paperback version put up on GR...anyway -)
This is my first book by the author, and I really enjoyed this one. Will definitely be checking out the sequel when it arrives. :)
This is my first book by the author, and I really enjoyed this one. Will definitely be checking out the sequel when it arrives. :)
July 17, 2024
This was a great book! The only problem was it was very unlikely, the mystery is a bit strange and far-fetched and the way they are detectives is very strange as well, but apart from that, it's amazing.
July 26, 2024
I’ve been reading this to my son before bed and we loved talking about what we thought was going to happen, and then which one of us got it right or close. Lots of twists and turns, a very good book to keep children thinking and guessing x
March 7, 2025
I’m so glad this is just the beginning of a series because I love everything about this book. The characters, Alice and Sonny, are wonderful and the setting, on board the Queen Mary, makes for some exciting adventures. Lots of tension and unexpected twists.
Highly recommend for ages 8+
Highly recommend for ages 8+
August 4, 2025
This was the first mystery book I ever read and it made me fall in love with the genre. It is the sort of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Recommended for children, for I am not sure adults would like it quite as much. An amazing read.
June 8, 2023
A fun, adventurous middle grade mystery, with baddies and lovely, likeable characters.
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