The Dockland Murder

Augusta Peel #9

by Emily Organ

A mysterious dockside death

In the bustling heart of London's docklands, the shocking murder of a prominent shipping magnate sends ripples through the city. Found dead at West India Dock in the dead of night, there are no clear suspects—only whispers of intrigue. When Scotland Yard turns to Augusta Peel, she discovers an unexpected link to the case that pulls her deeper into the mystery.

As Augusta navigates the labyrinthine alleys and shadowy warehouses of the docks, tensions flare between Scotland Yard and the Port of London police. Suspicions fall on a sea captain, the magnate's ambitious son, and a glamorous hat shop owner with secrets of her own. Meanwhile, Augusta’s relationship with Philip Fisher is tested to its limits as a sinister kidnap plot emerges.

In a race against time, Augusta must unravel a web of deceit before the killer claims another victim.

A stylish, atmospheric tale of secrets and murder in 1920s London.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2024

About the author

Emily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past. 

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Privileged class

Estranged family once again enters Augusta's life. She is asked to accompany Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Morris. They are to interview her aunt Lydia whose husband has been murdered!

[Kathy Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolly good

I've thoroughly enjoyed each of the books in this series so far. I always compare them to Agatha Christie stories, and this one did not disappoint. I like the direction the lead characters are heading and eagerly anticipate the next book.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Emily Organ’s Mrs. Peel books. Augusta is a businesswoman, a detective, and a kind and gentle friend. Her inquisitive mind takes her beyond what Scotland Yard thinks up. Additionally, I have enjoyed watching the friendship between her and Philip.

In this mystery, a shipping business owner is murdered, and no one seems to know of a reason. In her attempts to find clues, Augusta is drawn closer and closer to danger.

I highly recommend this book.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting reacquainted with her family has Augusta uncertain and confused but Aunt Lydia is there to lend a helping hand. And where does it all go from there? Read this delightful story while sipping a cup of tea and immerse yourself in the best Mrs. Peel story yet. The gentleness of the words gives a calming feeling. Highly Recommended.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing and enjoyable 1920s London mystery

This is the ninth book in the Augusta Peel mystery series. Author Emily Organ brings us another thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing mystery.

I greatly enjoyed this book. Augusta begins working with Scotland Yard, but when her contact there is injured, she's officially off the case! But don't worry, Augusta can't let go of a mystery, especially when it involves her estranged family!

I know I probably think every new Augusta book is better than the last, but I REALLY think so this time. I love the way she interviews people, investigates and uncovers clues. After reading the previous eight books, it is also reassuring to have the familiar characters: Philip, Fred and his new
love interest Harriet, Lady Hereford, and of course Sparky the canary.

This book kept me interested all the way to the end. I did not guess the culprit and I appreciated all the twists and turns.

I especially like Emily's books because they contain interesting facts about London at that time woven into the plot. She does good historical research for each book. Highly recommended!!

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always very excited when Emily Organ comes out with a new book. Her writing is very clear and flows quite nicely from one chapter to the next.
'The Dockland Murder' was fantastic! The characters are all well drawn out and the writing is realistic in terms of how ppl would actually talk. The settings are written so well that I always feel like I'm right there in the midst of everything.
In this story, a man has been been found dead at the docks and there are suspects a-plenty. Augusta must also come into contact with some family that she'd long since given up on.
And maybe, just maybe, Augusta might find someone for herself. I totally recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.

[Mark Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint book.

It was a very easy read. This paragraph kept out at me:
"I didn’t love Noel, but I understood why I had to marry him. Such decisions are the reason the aristocracy endures. If we’d all married whoever we’d wanted to, then the bloodlines would have become diluted years ago. Not to mention all the lands and assets falling into the wrong hands.’"

Fiction reflecting truth.

[Ismail Bandookwala · Rating 5 out of 5]

This most recent Augusta Peel mystery is a gripping whodunnit. Set in post world war London it depicts the life of the high echelons of society. There are serial murders that leave you guessing who the murderer could be. When the truth is revealed you're shocked. Truly enjoyed this light reading book. I thank the prolific author for the nail biting suspense.

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love this series as I really like the main character of Augusta Peel. However, this one disappointed a bit as it didn't get enough into her estranged family. Hope the next one has a lot more drama with that family, as it should considering one of the mysteries in this one. Also, romance is brewing and that's always a downer.

[Christa Saccullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets more interesting by the book

The plots get thicker as more of Augusta's past springs to the surface with each new mystery. Now an Aunt she hasn't seen in years is caught in a terrible tragedy. Of course, Augusta will help, but she may find more than she bargained for...
I really enjoyed this one.

Christa

[Mairin Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable.

Augusta Peel is a great character,. I have read the series to date and am looking forward to number 10. The book gives a very realistic picture of London in the 1920s.

[Gail Tavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Each book I read in this series just gets better and better. Very good mystery, didn’t know till the end who did it, but that is how the English do it, not till the end. Anybody who reads the series will have a big surprise at the end.

[Ajoyful1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series never disappoints

Another fast paced mystery. Clean with no gratuitous content, twists and turns to keep you guessing. I’ve come to love Augusta, Phillip and Fred. This is a fast paced mystery.

[Lisa Teves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Augusta Peel mystery. This mystery was exceptionally filled with unexpected twists and surprises. The guilty party was someone I never expected. I also like that we are learning a little more about Augusta’s former life.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure why this series has continued to keep me reading. The writing is sometimes a bit stiff. But I like Augusta and her circle of friends and it’s an entertaining cozy murder series.

[Elizabeth B. Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who done it?

I didn't guess the murders but I did guess another part. See if you can, too! I love all Emily Organs books,

[Helen Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Augusta Peel Mystery that got me hooked! It was really hard to put down. And although I suspected the murderer from the beginning- it deceived me a few times. I definitely recommend all Augusta Peel books and hope there will be many more!

[Cheryl Kleinjam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Read!

Characters are great. Reading is very relaxing even though it is a mystery. Most enjoyable if your not looking for extreme suspense.

[CAROL · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this really difficult to engage with.
It was extremely slow going and 95% conversation and little scene setting

[Brian Holmwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable series that gets better and better. I always feel like I am visiting old friends. Good plotline , a number of suspects and a satisfactory ending with a credible murderer.

[Alaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book as I have the others. the characters are well depicted. Augusta is an interesting woman with many skills including sleuthing.