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Patricia Fisher: Ship's Detective #11
Island Life
Moored among the tranquil islands off Thailand's coat, the Aurelia's passengers are completely unaware of the danger lurking just out of sight.
Patricia would happily remain oblivious, too, but that's not really how her life works. So when a couple report their teenage kids have gone missing, the ship's detective swings into action.
Had she glimpsed the terror awaiting her, she might have thought twice.
There's a secret to uncover, the kind people will kill to protect, and she must expose it if there is any hope of rescuing the missing teenagers.
More alone than usual, running for her life, and short on plans, things don’t look like they can get much worse. Which is when she sees the Aurelia sailing into the sunset without her on board.
Get ready for mystery and mayhem!
Patricia would happily remain oblivious, too, but that's not really how her life works. So when a couple report their teenage kids have gone missing, the ship's detective swings into action.
Had she glimpsed the terror awaiting her, she might have thought twice.
There's a secret to uncover, the kind people will kill to protect, and she must expose it if there is any hope of rescuing the missing teenagers.
More alone than usual, running for her life, and short on plans, things don’t look like they can get much worse. Which is when she sees the Aurelia sailing into the sunset without her on board.
Get ready for mystery and mayhem!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
359 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
612 books845 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 21, 2026
It was a bit mediocre. Expected more.
February 1, 2026
Patricia Fisher is back onboard for book 11 in the Ship’s Detective series . It really is the bees knees and only gets better with age . Quickly engaged from the very start and these characters have a special place in my heart. Moored is the Aurelia amid Thailand’s island coasts. Tranquility at its best for the passengers onboard oblivious of course to sinister events that Patricia and her cohorts are privy to. And a good thing too as there’s enough to do . Searching for the tiniest clue to help them solve post haste when two teenagers have been reported missing ,it’s clear that there’s something untoward onboard and someone or something to fear… Such is Island Life she finds herself alone and in strife . The ship has sailed into the sunset away from Phuket but it’s missing its favourite sleuth ,did they forget her? Surely not ,she’s the best crew member they’ve got . Cor sleuth what a to do and no mistake and there really is lots at stake . With her faithful butler and friend Jermaine and Barbie her pal who she gets on with very well . They’ve stumbled upon something of a cartel . Not so much drug smuggling as a drug producing set up and who discovered this gem ? You guessed it . Yes , Patricia and friends . What do they do then to find not only the solution to their dilemma but in their quest to bring the girls home safe from harm to rest where it’s warm. Wonderfully written as usual with Steve Higgs natural storytelling charm . It’s ever so compelling and a breath of fresh air compared to some mystery stories out there. It’s fun to read and immersive to boot and how’s about those corgis so cute. There’s no substitute for fun and laughter and the bows a brimming towards an happy ever after until next time they sail . Entertaining? Never fails to delight ,these stories are dynamite .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Island Life is one of those stories that Patricia investigates but also gets in deep trouble. Two girls disappear after going sailing and Patricia is asked by their parents to help in the search. But the problems go way beyond what they expected as the girls, Patricia, Jermaine and Barbie are caught without a way out from the island which is a drug production site. The girls will prove to be much more resourceful than one could imagine, and Patricia and Barbie will make you laugh most of the time. Island Life has an added bonus of a story with Patricia and Deany Ray's character, Piper Harris, which will also make you laugh, a lot!
I thank the authors for this wonderful ARC!
I thank the authors for this wonderful ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Laughed right from the get go!
I think this has to my my favorite 'sleuth' series because Patricia, while adept at figuring it out, definitely isn't adept at much else.
The Aurelia is birthed in Phuket when 2 young girls go missing. Naturally Patricia offers to help find them.
Things get very interesting and crazy.
Such a fun book!
And the bonus story with Deany Ray was absolutely awesome!
I have found a new author to enjoy, and I suggest you do as well.
I think this has to my my favorite 'sleuth' series because Patricia, while adept at figuring it out, definitely isn't adept at much else.
The Aurelia is birthed in Phuket when 2 young girls go missing. Naturally Patricia offers to help find them.
Things get very interesting and crazy.
Such a fun book!
And the bonus story with Deany Ray was absolutely awesome!
I have found a new author to enjoy, and I suggest you do as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yet another wonderful story of Patricia and the trouble she and her team get into as part of her role as ship's detective. This time she might be in a bit over her head though, as there's culprits high up in the government in Thailand, when she investigates the disappearance of the daughters of two passengers. Plenty of action and laughs too, and as usual I had to read it in one sitting. Loved it!
February 5, 2026
I love all the Patricia Fisher mysteries. This new one was worth waiting for. The author always does an excellent job on his books. This book has Patricia on the cruise ship where all sorts of surprises and mysteries occur. She has 3 new mysteries to explore on and then off the ship in Thailand. Such an exciting story! It is great to see all the main characters again like Jermaine, Barbie and Alistair. I now will anxiously wait for the next book.
February 13, 2026
There’s never a dull moment with Patricia Fisher
Thanks for another thrilling adventure with Patricia Fisher and crew. The characters that created havoc for the criminals on the island was a nice twist. I also enjoyed the additional crossover story with Patrica Fisher and Piper Harris that Steve Higgs and Deany Ray co-authored together. It was a very fast paced read.
Thanks for another thrilling adventure with Patricia Fisher and crew. The characters that created havoc for the criminals on the island was a nice twist. I also enjoyed the additional crossover story with Patrica Fisher and Piper Harris that Steve Higgs and Deany Ray co-authored together. It was a very fast paced read.
February 21, 2026
Another great Patricia story
I’ve liked Patricia Fisher since I read her very first episode. The books are always entertaining with very good plots, characters, and a few twists here and there. They are just down to earth good reads. I highly recommend you start with her first episode and then travel the world with her and her crew. You can’t go wrong.
I’ve liked Patricia Fisher since I read her very first episode. The books are always entertaining with very good plots, characters, and a few twists here and there. They are just down to earth good reads. I highly recommend you start with her first episode and then travel the world with her and her crew. You can’t go wrong.
February 22, 2026
two books in one
Looking forward to more adventures with Patricia Fields, but I have to wait until December. The new style that Steve Hicks, the adventures of Piper and Patricia, looking forward to more books with these two. I’m so glad that I found this author because he makes reading interesting.
Looking forward to more adventures with Patricia Fields, but I have to wait until December. The new style that Steve Hicks, the adventures of Piper and Patricia, looking forward to more books with these two. I’m so glad that I found this author because he makes reading interesting.
February 24, 2026
This book fell very flat- the bad guy was revealed OUTLOUD in the beginning of the book and the biggest worry was that the Aurelia leaves ON TIME. Now i'm not sure about you but i love reading these books because theyre cozy and predictable but this was more akin to a novella (with bonus novella content! )than what i've come to expect from the author.
March 5, 2026
Dreadful
This book had a very similar plot to his previous book about pirate ghosts on a small island! The mayor there was corrupt too! Plus I expected 309 pages not 200 and then a short story I never asked for! I skipped most of the island nonsense as was too repetitive of other books of his!
This book had a very similar plot to his previous book about pirate ghosts on a small island! The mayor there was corrupt too! Plus I expected 309 pages not 200 and then a short story I never asked for! I skipped most of the island nonsense as was too repetitive of other books of his!
February 4, 2026
Page Turner
The action never stops. Patricia is at her best along with Barbie, Jermaine, and her team. You're not going to want to put this book down. The bonus at the end with Patricia and Piper from the Deana Ray series is great. Those two teaming up keeps the fun going.
The action never stops. Patricia is at her best along with Barbie, Jermaine, and her team. You're not going to want to put this book down. The bonus at the end with Patricia and Piper from the Deana Ray series is great. Those two teaming up keeps the fun going.
February 10, 2026
Patricia's always exciting
Whether on her own or with her crew, Patricia s to always come out on top. This time, she only has Jermaine and a few new acquaintances to help her. Piper is also very versed in the seemier side if life.
Whether on her own or with her crew, Patricia s to always come out on top. This time, she only has Jermaine and a few new acquaintances to help her. Piper is also very versed in the seemier side if life.
February 11, 2026
Great series
The Captain always comes through. Alistair and Patricia are a good match. Jermaine and Barbie are great friends. Action and adventure abound. The Piper series is very good.
The Captain always comes through. Alistair and Patricia are a good match. Jermaine and Barbie are great friends. Action and adventure abound. The Piper series is very good.
February 14, 2026
Another home run by Steve
It's 106 books Steve is getting better and better. This was one of his toph books. I look forward to reading more books in his various series. Thank you Steve for providing so much enjoyable time reading for me.
It's 106 books Steve is getting better and better. This was one of his toph books. I look forward to reading more books in his various series. Thank you Steve for providing so much enjoyable time reading for me.
March 29, 2026
This is one of the most edge of your seat stories in the Patricia Fisher series. The danger every character faced was palpable. Kept my heart racing the entire time. I love stories that pull me in so completely like that. We'll done, Mr. Higgs.
February 4, 2026
Disappointed in the length
The book was written well, but way too short for the length of time we had to wait. I read it in a couple of hours. I appreciate the introduction to the new author. I will definitely keep her in mind for a new read.
The book was written well, but way too short for the length of time we had to wait. I read it in a couple of hours. I appreciate the introduction to the new author. I will definitely keep her in mind for a new read.
March 5, 2026
Love the stories
Always good read - love these stories, hard to put the kindle away - you need to read these for great entertainment
Always good read - love these stories, hard to put the kindle away - you need to read these for great entertainment
March 17, 2026
Always a fun ride
Mr Higgs never disappoints with Patricia Fisher. Each book the characters give an interesting adventure and Island Life is no exception.
Mr Higgs never disappoints with Patricia Fisher. Each book the characters give an interesting adventure and Island Life is no exception.
February 1, 2026
laughed so hard
This was so entertaining. Couldn’t stop laughing. Steve Higgs books never disappoint. Can’t wait for the next book. Always a treat.
This was so entertaining. Couldn’t stop laughing. Steve Higgs books never disappoint. Can’t wait for the next book. Always a treat.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews