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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
228 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
573 books818 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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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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 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 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.
February 4, 2026
excellent
Fischer investigates a couple of missing teens along with Barbie. This is an amazing adventure with lots of suspense. Very entertaining!
Fischer investigates a couple of missing teens along with Barbie. This is an amazing adventure with lots of suspense. Very entertaining!
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 - 9 of 9 reviews