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Patricia Fisher: Ship's Detective #7
A Reason to Kill
When they found the body of a stowaway in the bowels of the ship, no one could have predicted the storm of trouble heading their way.
Three-hundred-year-old coins found with the dead man’s meager belongings point to a treasure thought lost to the ocean long ago. However, when the arrival of a murderous mystery figure forced Patricia and her friends to figure things out for themselves, they questioned if the trail they now follow might just lead to one of the greatest treasure finds ever recorded.
Some might call that exciting, but for the gang on board the Aurelia, they have another deadly.
They are playing someone else’s game and not only are the rules unclear, they are constantly one step behind.
In the Canaries, they were being spied on. In Rio they found only bodies instead of answers – the mystery man left no one alive to reveal his secrets. Arriving in New York, things are about to get a whole lot worse.
But sometimes the only way to avoid trouble is to hit it head on.
Three-hundred-year-old coins found with the dead man’s meager belongings point to a treasure thought lost to the ocean long ago. However, when the arrival of a murderous mystery figure forced Patricia and her friends to figure things out for themselves, they questioned if the trail they now follow might just lead to one of the greatest treasure finds ever recorded.
Some might call that exciting, but for the gang on board the Aurelia, they have another deadly.
They are playing someone else’s game and not only are the rules unclear, they are constantly one step behind.
In the Canaries, they were being spied on. In Rio they found only bodies instead of answers – the mystery man left no one alive to reveal his secrets. Arriving in New York, things are about to get a whole lot worse.
But sometimes the only way to avoid trouble is to hit it head on.
- GenresCozy MysteryCozyMystery
Audible Audio
First published May 25, 2023
About the author
Steve Higgs
406 books921 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 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 2, 2026
This was one of the better books in this series. The crazy gang of old ladies were all a little ridiculous but the mystery was intriguing and interactions along the way were great. It also set up for the next book which I am hoping ties up the Spanish treasure storyline that has prevailed through this series. I am ready to be done with these books but would like to see that story done.
May 27, 2023
Awesome read once again by the prolific pen of Author Steve Higgs . The Aurelia is berthed in New York for a couple of days so Patricia Fisher is looking forward to some quality time with Captain of the ship ( and her beau ) Alistair Huntley. They are strolling together when all it’s sudden there’s a frantic rather vociferous telephone call… Gloria is speaking , from a prison cell?! She also has a couple more passengers off the ship with her.…. Somehow Patricia and Alistair’s time together has proved a dream rather than reality yet again as she of course takes off to see what the jigger is going on . Alistair is facing problems of his own and the New York berth looks to be a longer stint as they cannot set sail until it’s fixed. There’s murder mayhem and mystery in this fast paced story. All hands on ( technically off ) deck for this mystery, as there’s also another investigation happening at the museum re the San Jose treasure at the same time. As Ship’s detective her trusty team are there at a moments notice to join the fray along with Sam Chalk her trusted young assistant and grandson of Gloria . The writing is superb with great characters new and old and the background depths are on point . The description of the who and where and the emotions portrayed well too . There’s humour , there’s anxiety , there’s frustration and fear ,excitement and quirkiness . All wrapped up in a Cosy Mystery Masterpiece
I received an advance copy of this book and my review is in my own words and voluntary
I received an advance copy of this book and my review is in my own words and voluntary
August 29, 2023
cute and comfy, like an ole doggy house slipper.
Those are words that describe Patricia Fisher novels by Steve Higgs. One knows all the good guys are going to end up “mostly ok”. Maybe a blip here or there. The bad guys? Not so ok but no blood, guts, or gore to deal with. Yeah, yeah, yeah…we know someone, or in the case of a certain Cartel brotherhood, a dozen or so “someone’s” got shot. Reader doesn’t “see” that in the minds eye. Reader only knows with his brain that “whoops”, someone had a big boo boo. The comedic writing takes away all the “bad” stuff. Plus the good guy always wins. A perfect ending to a perfect read.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m a great lover of Tom Clancy, James Patterson ( and not his kids stories) and many other authors who get the point of violence across. Just nice to have the Steve Higgs bring a little fresh air with the maladies that follow Patricia and her clan.
And this particular story about everyone swimming upstream, so to speak, in NYC and against an irate Chief of Police has a lot of humor to offer. Enjoy a nice read.
I’ve gone to find Barbie! Ta ta!
Those are words that describe Patricia Fisher novels by Steve Higgs. One knows all the good guys are going to end up “mostly ok”. Maybe a blip here or there. The bad guys? Not so ok but no blood, guts, or gore to deal with. Yeah, yeah, yeah…we know someone, or in the case of a certain Cartel brotherhood, a dozen or so “someone’s” got shot. Reader doesn’t “see” that in the minds eye. Reader only knows with his brain that “whoops”, someone had a big boo boo. The comedic writing takes away all the “bad” stuff. Plus the good guy always wins. A perfect ending to a perfect read.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m a great lover of Tom Clancy, James Patterson ( and not his kids stories) and many other authors who get the point of violence across. Just nice to have the Steve Higgs bring a little fresh air with the maladies that follow Patricia and her clan.
And this particular story about everyone swimming upstream, so to speak, in NYC and against an irate Chief of Police has a lot of humor to offer. Enjoy a nice read.
I’ve gone to find Barbie! Ta ta!
May 28, 2023
This is a different story than the one I had expected. Not a lot about the San Jose is even mentioned (as the blurb about the book suggested). Instead we find Patricia and her side kicks in the thick of New York gang violence. I didn’t laugh out loud reading this one, although there were some amusing antics by the three grannies on scooters.
While waiting for this book to be written and released, I read the fifteen Albert and Rex books. Maybe it was the intensity of falling in love with Rex that has me disappointed in Patricia’s latest adventure, but I kept waiting to be engaged in the story about the ship, and the San Jose, and it isn’t here. It’s not a bad story, just not the conclusion to the previous teasers I was so looking forward too.
While waiting for this book to be written and released, I read the fifteen Albert and Rex books. Maybe it was the intensity of falling in love with Rex that has me disappointed in Patricia’s latest adventure, but I kept waiting to be engaged in the story about the ship, and the San Jose, and it isn’t here. It’s not a bad story, just not the conclusion to the previous teasers I was so looking forward too.
June 20, 2023
Another zany Patricia Fisher adventure, and this one is right up there with the best.
Gloria and a pair of octogenarian twins are touring NYC on the top of a double decker bus when they see a man being strangled through a window. The police don't believe them so they conscript Patricia to help them out. They flee from one danger scene and head straight onto the next. The police think Patricia is unnecessarily stirring up trouble but she insists on solving half the crimes in the city, it seems.
Gloria's gang of gun toting grannies racing around NYC on their mobility scooters are absolutely hilarious. Being old doesn't mean they are not perfectly capable of taking down assassins and drug dealers.
Gloria and a pair of octogenarian twins are touring NYC on the top of a double decker bus when they see a man being strangled through a window. The police don't believe them so they conscript Patricia to help them out. They flee from one danger scene and head straight onto the next. The police think Patricia is unnecessarily stirring up trouble but she insists on solving half the crimes in the city, it seems.
Gloria's gang of gun toting grannies racing around NYC on their mobility scooters are absolutely hilarious. Being old doesn't mean they are not perfectly capable of taking down assassins and drug dealers.
June 27, 2023
Excellent installment
The overarching story arc continues in the background as the standalone story romps delightfully through NYC, much to the dismay of the local NYPD precinct captain and the obvious bad guys. I missed identifying the final bad guy, much to my dismay. My only beef is that the country in South America is Colombia, not Columbia, and nobody caught it throughout the editing as it refers to Columbia and Columbians many times. Casa Alegre is an odd name for a person, but minor details. It didn’t change my 5 star rating because this is a great book, well written, well paced, the gang of grannies is used just right to be fun, but not annoying. Steve Higgs - if you’re reading this - this series just keeps on getting better!
The overarching story arc continues in the background as the standalone story romps delightfully through NYC, much to the dismay of the local NYPD precinct captain and the obvious bad guys. I missed identifying the final bad guy, much to my dismay. My only beef is that the country in South America is Colombia, not Columbia, and nobody caught it throughout the editing as it refers to Columbia and Columbians many times. Casa Alegre is an odd name for a person, but minor details. It didn’t change my 5 star rating because this is a great book, well written, well paced, the gang of grannies is used just right to be fun, but not annoying. Steve Higgs - if you’re reading this - this series just keeps on getting better!
May 27, 2023
I’ve liked all of the Patricia Fisher books but this is one of my favourites. Poor Patricia! On a stop in New York Patricia was looking forward to a day (or at least a few hours) touring with her boyfriend, Alasdair. First, a problem on the ship sent Alasdair back to work. Then 3 crazy grannies, including Sam’s gran, Gloria, insist that they saw a man being murdered and set off to solve the “case”. Patricia is drawn into the grannies’ craziness to keep them out of jail for interfering with the police and because Patricia’s scalp is itching (a sure sign that clues are around). Much chaos ensues.
I received an arc copy of the book.
I received an arc copy of the book.
June 2, 2023
I eagerly wait for all the next books in each of the series. Love Patricia and the crew. She really gets herself in a mess with this one. Several plots in this book. Love the 3 grannies, and surprised they came out with the guns. But they are determined to help solve the murder they saw from the bus on on shore , But they saved the day. Love Germaine and how he protects Patricia, And her spidy sense trying to figure out and put the clues together to solve the mystery. Then there is another mystery in the background with the treasure from the Spanish galleon and those that are in place to find it and shadow Patricia to see what she and the crew know and find out.
September 2, 2023
Love the Patricia Fisher series
When diagnosed with cancer, I looked for a book that was easy to read, yet full of distraction to keep my mind occupied. Not only was this the perfect choice for a series of books, I found them so amusing and enjoyable because the characters are so lovable. So rare to find an older woman who is not perfectly shaped that laughs at her clumsiness, and gets into such sticky messes, yet the suspense and mysteries so challenging it keeps me turning the pages. Thanks so much for this!!
When diagnosed with cancer, I looked for a book that was easy to read, yet full of distraction to keep my mind occupied. Not only was this the perfect choice for a series of books, I found them so amusing and enjoyable because the characters are so lovable. So rare to find an older woman who is not perfectly shaped that laughs at her clumsiness, and gets into such sticky messes, yet the suspense and mysteries so challenging it keeps me turning the pages. Thanks so much for this!!
September 10, 2023
Another Fab Read
Whilst exploring New York with her handsome beau, Patricia was looking forward to a couple of days off but things never seem to go to plan and within hours some of her team are arrested after witnessing a murder. All is not as it seems and soon the team are dodging bullets and running from serious gangsters who think they know where their missing money is. Add to that, that the local police captain has threatened to arrest them on sight.
Great fast paced book with several seemingly separate stories culminating in one big twisted storyline.
Whilst exploring New York with her handsome beau, Patricia was looking forward to a couple of days off but things never seem to go to plan and within hours some of her team are arrested after witnessing a murder. All is not as it seems and soon the team are dodging bullets and running from serious gangsters who think they know where their missing money is. Add to that, that the local police captain has threatened to arrest them on sight.
Great fast paced book with several seemingly separate stories culminating in one big twisted storyline.
May 25, 2023
What an exciting, action-packed, humorous book! Patricia is at it again. Poor gal can't even spend time with her honey without something coming up to interfere with her life. This time, they're in New York, one of the stops on the cruise ships itinerary. And New York gives her as much trouble as any other place.
This was filled with humor, as is all of these books. It was so fun and was very easy to read.
This was filled with humor, as is all of these books. It was so fun and was very easy to read.
May 31, 2023
Patricia Fisher does it again-this time New York style!
This is the best Patricia Fisher book yet! This story moves so fast you seriously can't look away or put it down. Between theives, a hit man, and the Colombian Cartel you'll never see the end coming. And Patricia may never answer another call from Gloria, or ever let her and her besties off the ship again! I can hardly wait for the next book!!!
This is the best Patricia Fisher book yet! This story moves so fast you seriously can't look away or put it down. Between theives, a hit man, and the Colombian Cartel you'll never see the end coming. And Patricia may never answer another call from Gloria, or ever let her and her besties off the ship again! I can hardly wait for the next book!!!
November 21, 2023
I love Patricia Fisher
She is as clutch as me and were I to take on any of her endeavors I too would end up falling into, tripping over or falling down with my bum in the air just like she does. Need a good murder mystery and a few chuckles along the way? Then this series is for you. One correction for her. I don't know where she heard we in American pronounce Downs Syndrome as Down Syndrome, but we don't. We say Downs just like the brits.
She is as clutch as me and were I to take on any of her endeavors I too would end up falling into, tripping over or falling down with my bum in the air just like she does. Need a good murder mystery and a few chuckles along the way? Then this series is for you. One correction for her. I don't know where she heard we in American pronounce Downs Syndrome as Down Syndrome, but we don't. We say Downs just like the brits.
February 23, 2026
Good story bad research
So Mrs. Fisher ends up in New York City and solves a bunch of crimes and that was great. But. Steve Higgs has research into the Internal Revenue Service was way way off. Had those two old ladies done with he said they did they would both be in jail and so with the people they contacted at IRS. Other than that rather major fault this is a heck of a book l. Now I’m wondering what’s gonna happen to Barbie. Mrs. Fisher, you have a job to do.
So Mrs. Fisher ends up in New York City and solves a bunch of crimes and that was great. But. Steve Higgs has research into the Internal Revenue Service was way way off. Had those two old ladies done with he said they did they would both be in jail and so with the people they contacted at IRS. Other than that rather major fault this is a heck of a book l. Now I’m wondering what’s gonna happen to Barbie. Mrs. Fisher, you have a job to do.
June 4, 2023
Sometimes going ashore just isn't a good idea
With Patricia's record for trouble following her, it's just to be expected; isn't it? Adding to the chaos are 3 elderly women on mobility scooters that keep Patricia not just busy but constantly dodging bullets! A leisurely outing on shore while the ship is docked in port? Meh, not going to happen! This story was a t total riot!
With Patricia's record for trouble following her, it's just to be expected; isn't it? Adding to the chaos are 3 elderly women on mobility scooters that keep Patricia not just busy but constantly dodging bullets! A leisurely outing on shore while the ship is docked in port? Meh, not going to happen! This story was a t total riot!
May 28, 2023
Great book as always!
The only thing I figured out was that Chet was an actor. The rest of the book had me guessing. I always enjoy Patricia Fisher books and am hoping the next book is out soon.
The only thing I figured out was that Chet was an actor. The rest of the book had me guessing. I always enjoy Patricia Fisher books and am hoping the next book is out soon.
May 29, 2023
Unexpected in NYC
Hmmm, I have to admit that this plot was not at all what I was expecting! That said it has been a fun read (trying not to give anything away) and I absolutely will be on pins & needles waiting for the next…
Hmmm, I have to admit that this plot was not at all what I was expecting! That said it has been a fun read (trying not to give anything away) and I absolutely will be on pins & needles waiting for the next…
June 13, 2023
Silly to the ridiculous, unreal in most aspects of human behavior, and, quoting the author, "I’m not one for giving the readers cliff-hangers. I find them annoying as a reader unless you are able to power straight into the next book." And... yet he did.
June 13, 2023
I HATE Cliffhangers!
I have read all the Patricia Fisher and Albert and Rex series plus others of Steve Higg's books I will immediately stop if he continues to write cliffhangers. Shame because he is a great writer with an incredible imagination.
I have read all the Patricia Fisher and Albert and Rex series plus others of Steve Higg's books I will immediately stop if he continues to write cliffhangers. Shame because he is a great writer with an incredible imagination.
June 15, 2023
Where are they taking her?!!!
Ok. Truly. Excellently presented. Love the old….”dears”. I’d probably throttle them but they are tenacious and hilarious! Jermaine is definitely my favorite in this series with Sam a close second. Can’t wait. Cliffhangers drive me bonkers. Ha
Ok. Truly. Excellently presented. Love the old….”dears”. I’d probably throttle them but they are tenacious and hilarious! Jermaine is definitely my favorite in this series with Sam a close second. Can’t wait. Cliffhangers drive me bonkers. Ha
June 28, 2023
A Reason to Kill
Loved the chase from one thing to another each logically happening yet so illogical. Poor Patricia will she get out ahead always something new around the corner. Great read as always.
Loved the chase from one thing to another each logically happening yet so illogical. Poor Patricia will she get out ahead always something new around the corner. Great read as always.
April 19, 2024
Gloria's Gang is out of control. There are three different mysteries but they feel related. Gloria's, the San Jose, and a murder. Patricia needs the luck of the God's on her side to avoid imminent danger from the bad guys and a disgruntled cop.
July 2, 2024
I love the Patricia Fisher books.
Steve Higgs is an awesome author. It is hard to put down one of his books. If you want to read something that will hold your interest pick up any book by Steve.
Steve Higgs is an awesome author. It is hard to put down one of his books. If you want to read something that will hold your interest pick up any book by Steve.
August 26, 2025
fun read.
wherever Patricia go, Patricia bring drama. trouble just follows her.
really funny one.
although, I really don't like Gloria and now there are two more. Even though they are Americans, they act like they don't have any sense at all?
wherever Patricia go, Patricia bring drama. trouble just follows her.
really funny one.
although, I really don't like Gloria and now there are two more. Even though they are Americans, they act like they don't have any sense at all?
September 29, 2025
Awesome
Things just keep getting better and better. The plot thickens now. How are they ever going to find Mz Barbie? What a great read. Kept me on my toes and wouldn't let me put it down.
Things just keep getting better and better. The plot thickens now. How are they ever going to find Mz Barbie? What a great read. Kept me on my toes and wouldn't let me put it down.
February 20, 2026
I didn’t finish this book and I am not going to read more of this series. One character included a few books earlier has ruined it for me. Gloria is irritating. So I took a break but that wasn’t enough. I really liked this author’s Albert Smith series. Oh well.
May 28, 2023
Another great book
I just couldn't wait for this book. Now I'm sad because I finished it.
I love your books. Please keep writing .
I just couldn't wait for this book. Now I'm sad because I finished it.
I love your books. Please keep writing .
June 2, 2023
not my fav
Not my fav of the series. There was a little too much of the old lady high jinx in the story.
Not my fav of the series. There was a little too much of the old lady high jinx in the story.
June 6, 2023
Back in NYC
Don't underestimate 80 year old women on mobility scooters! New threats arise along with an old formidable foe is in town.
Don't underestimate 80 year old women on mobility scooters! New threats arise along with an old formidable foe is in town.
June 16, 2023
Brilliant as always
Loving This series and can't wait to find out how it ends, great characters and plenty of action and humour to keep me enthralled
Loving This series and can't wait to find out how it ends, great characters and plenty of action and humour to keep me enthralled
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews