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Miss Underhay #23
Murder at Sea
Not yet published
Expected 23 Feb 26A glorious ocean liner setting sail, sunset on the horizon, and champagne on deck. All seems shipshape… until Kitty discovers a body on board. Time for some sleuthing!
Devon, 1938. Kitty Underhay is enjoying a well-deserved rest when her very upset cousin Hattie suddenly bursts in. She sobs that the gentleman she had been seeing, Richard Westonholme, seems to have vanished, taking all of her jewellery with him. As Hattie describes Richard, he sounds eerily familiar, and Kitty and her husband Matt board a ship in hot pursuit – only to find him lying in a lifeboat… dead.
As they’ve set sail, the murderer has to be on board too, but there are suspects as far as the eye can see. Could Richard’s wife have something to do with the murder? What about the rich heiress and her guardian? And is the steward hiding something fishy?
Kitty and Matt are all too aware that the clock is ticking while the suspects are trapped with no escape. Can they net the killer before the ship docks? Or will one of them be dead in the water before they reach dry land?
Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Verity Bright will adore this totally charming murder mystery. The perfect treat for cozy crime fans!
Devon, 1938. Kitty Underhay is enjoying a well-deserved rest when her very upset cousin Hattie suddenly bursts in. She sobs that the gentleman she had been seeing, Richard Westonholme, seems to have vanished, taking all of her jewellery with him. As Hattie describes Richard, he sounds eerily familiar, and Kitty and her husband Matt board a ship in hot pursuit – only to find him lying in a lifeboat… dead.
As they’ve set sail, the murderer has to be on board too, but there are suspects as far as the eye can see. Could Richard’s wife have something to do with the murder? What about the rich heiress and her guardian? And is the steward hiding something fishy?
Kitty and Matt are all too aware that the clock is ticking while the suspects are trapped with no escape. Can they net the killer before the ship docks? Or will one of them be dead in the water before they reach dry land?
Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Verity Bright will adore this totally charming murder mystery. The perfect treat for cozy crime fans!
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 23, 2026
8 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Helena Dixon
30 books310 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
For other authors of this name, see also:
see: Helena Dixon - Erotica
This author also writes as:
Nell Dixon - Contemporary Womens Fiction
Nell is an multi-award winning author who splits her time between Devon and the Black Country. She lives with her husband, daughters, a tank of tropical fish, and a crazy Cockerpoo called Teddy. She writes contemporary romance as Nell Dixon and historical cozy crime set in 1930's Dartmouth as Helena Dixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When, by a convenient coincidence, a murderer Kitty and Matt Bryant have been following for just over a year buys passage on the same ocean liner as a German national with papers to hand over to the couple, they find themselves travelling to New York in the luxury of first class. With a dead body found almost as soon as they are settled into their luxurious stateroom and quite a few passengers immediately on their suspect list, they know the five day journey may not be long enough to discover the identity of the killer or connect with the person hoping to hand over German secrets. As the danger increases and New York gets ever closer can they sort everything without jeopardising their own safety?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book 23 in this excellent historical mystery series takes place a year before the outbreak of the Second World War, and everyone is on edge. The atmosphere is tense from the very start and the investigation on board an ocean liner is excellently done. I didn't guess the killer but it worked very well. There were a few lose ends I would have liked cleared up but overall it was, once again, a pleasure to read another book by one of my favourite authors.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book 23 in this excellent historical mystery series takes place a year before the outbreak of the Second World War, and everyone is on edge. The atmosphere is tense from the very start and the investigation on board an ocean liner is excellently done. I didn't guess the killer but it worked very well. There were a few lose ends I would have liked cleared up but overall it was, once again, a pleasure to read another book by one of my favourite authors.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
rtf
notes
one of my most recent favourites
fast paced and i flew through it in one sitting
notes
one of my most recent favourites
fast paced and i flew through it in one sitting
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder at Sea" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the 23rd book in the wonderful 'Miss Underhay' series and it was an exciting addition to the series. It's January 1938 and the Torbay Herald has run a story asking the public to be on the look out for Mr. Redvers Palmerston who is believed to be hiding in the Plymouth area. Matt has been searching for him for a year and the police want him on bigamy, fraud, deception and a suspicious fire that left a man dead.
Kitty and Matt are visiting her cousin Lucy and her husband Rupert at Enderley Hall. They are discussing Robert and Alice's upcoming wedding in a month and how Betty is walking out with Inspector Lewis.
Distant relative Hattie arrives at Enderley saying that her home had been robbed and her jewelry, silver candlesticks, her mother's locket and money are missing. She had been due to spend Christmas with Lucy with her new beau but he was ill and only Hattie arrived. A neighbour had seen Hattie's gentleman friend enter her home with a key. He has since disappeared from his lodging owing 2 weeks rent. Hattie shows everyone a photo of Mr. Westonholme and he looks very familiar to Matt and Kitty.
Brigadier Remmington-Blythe has a top secret assignment for Matt and he and Kitty must be on a ship leaving for America. They also believe that Redvers will be on the ship and it will be their chance to catch him.
Of course, where Kitty is trouble seems to follow and soon they are investigating not one but two murders on the ship. They have many passengers acting suspiciously and any of them could be their murderer. In the end however, the true culprit is a shocking reveal.
Kitty and Matt are still in danger when they visit her father Edgar in New York but with his help, the final piece of the puzzle is taken care of. Kitty and Matt make it back in time for the wedding with Matt being best man.
We get a glimpse at what might be Matt and Kitty's next adventure when Alice asks them to help her cousin Betty or rather Inspector Lewis. It will surely be another exciting book in the series. Looking forward to it as always.
This is the 23rd book in the wonderful 'Miss Underhay' series and it was an exciting addition to the series. It's January 1938 and the Torbay Herald has run a story asking the public to be on the look out for Mr. Redvers Palmerston who is believed to be hiding in the Plymouth area. Matt has been searching for him for a year and the police want him on bigamy, fraud, deception and a suspicious fire that left a man dead.
Kitty and Matt are visiting her cousin Lucy and her husband Rupert at Enderley Hall. They are discussing Robert and Alice's upcoming wedding in a month and how Betty is walking out with Inspector Lewis.
Distant relative Hattie arrives at Enderley saying that her home had been robbed and her jewelry, silver candlesticks, her mother's locket and money are missing. She had been due to spend Christmas with Lucy with her new beau but he was ill and only Hattie arrived. A neighbour had seen Hattie's gentleman friend enter her home with a key. He has since disappeared from his lodging owing 2 weeks rent. Hattie shows everyone a photo of Mr. Westonholme and he looks very familiar to Matt and Kitty.
Brigadier Remmington-Blythe has a top secret assignment for Matt and he and Kitty must be on a ship leaving for America. They also believe that Redvers will be on the ship and it will be their chance to catch him.
Of course, where Kitty is trouble seems to follow and soon they are investigating not one but two murders on the ship. They have many passengers acting suspiciously and any of them could be their murderer. In the end however, the true culprit is a shocking reveal.
Kitty and Matt are still in danger when they visit her father Edgar in New York but with his help, the final piece of the puzzle is taken care of. Kitty and Matt make it back in time for the wedding with Matt being best man.
We get a glimpse at what might be Matt and Kitty's next adventure when Alice asks them to help her cousin Betty or rather Inspector Lewis. It will surely be another exciting book in the series. Looking forward to it as always.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was 1938 and Kitty and her husband Matt, were at Kitty's cousin's for a well earned break when Matt was contacted by both the Brigadier and Chief Inspector Greville. He and Kitty were booked to travel to the docks at 6am the following morning - a stealthy exchange needed to take place on board; plus a person Matt had been after for a long time was supposedly also going to be on board. The Bonadventure was a luxury cruise ship, heading for New York, and would take five days to get there. But not long after they boarded, a body was found in one of the lifeboats; the person had been murdered.
Matt & Kitty had their own PI business and when Captain Cox heard this, he asked them to investigate. The killer would likely be on board, and they needed to find them before they arrived in New York, and they escaped. Kitty and Matt could immediately see there were plenty of suspects; whittling them down to one was going to be a challenge. And then a second person was murdered...
Murder at Sea is #23 in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and I loved it, as I have each and every one before it! I hope Ms Dixon continues to write this series, along with her new Detective series which I'm also enjoying, for a long time to come! Kitty and Matt are a great team, although Bertie was left behind this time - can you imagine him on a ship!! - but I'm sure we'll catch up with his mischief making next book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
Matt & Kitty had their own PI business and when Captain Cox heard this, he asked them to investigate. The killer would likely be on board, and they needed to find them before they arrived in New York, and they escaped. Kitty and Matt could immediately see there were plenty of suspects; whittling them down to one was going to be a challenge. And then a second person was murdered...
Murder at Sea is #23 in the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon and I loved it, as I have each and every one before it! I hope Ms Dixon continues to write this series, along with her new Detective series which I'm also enjoying, for a long time to come! Kitty and Matt are a great team, although Bertie was left behind this time - can you imagine him on a ship!! - but I'm sure we'll catch up with his mischief making next book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Intrigue at sea when you join Matt and Kitty on a transatlantic voyage to the USA in 1938.
The Bryants are visiting Kitty’s cousin Lucy and her family when they get information that the man they’ve been seeking, Redvers Palmerston, has somehow fleeced Kitty’s cousin Hattie, and absconded, possibly to America along with his current “wife”. Then Matt gets a call from Whitehall. The brigadier asked him to board the same ship that Redvers has booked in order to connect with a German defector who has some information to pass along to the government. What a coincidence! And off they go.
This cozy mystery continues the long running search for Matt’s military acquaintance who has been implicated in several scandals including bigamy. The story becomes complicated as Matt and Kitty happen on not one, but two murders aboard the ship. The task to intercept the German adds another dimension to their journey but not much is really made of that except that they encounter another adversary.
The main focus is always the details about the time and location as the historical details are of most interest to me. I am always surprised that Matt and Kitty only go first class so they experience all the luxuries of travel accommodations on their missions. One of the few series that I am scrupulous about following, I always enjoy the descriptions of clothes, social mores, activities, and interactions that the couple has with others.
If you like descriptive cozy mysteries then you will appreciate these books. This is #23 and the installments should be read in order for most enjoyment.
Bookouture Blog Spot Tour for 2-24-2026
The Bryants are visiting Kitty’s cousin Lucy and her family when they get information that the man they’ve been seeking, Redvers Palmerston, has somehow fleeced Kitty’s cousin Hattie, and absconded, possibly to America along with his current “wife”. Then Matt gets a call from Whitehall. The brigadier asked him to board the same ship that Redvers has booked in order to connect with a German defector who has some information to pass along to the government. What a coincidence! And off they go.
This cozy mystery continues the long running search for Matt’s military acquaintance who has been implicated in several scandals including bigamy. The story becomes complicated as Matt and Kitty happen on not one, but two murders aboard the ship. The task to intercept the German adds another dimension to their journey but not much is really made of that except that they encounter another adversary.
The main focus is always the details about the time and location as the historical details are of most interest to me. I am always surprised that Matt and Kitty only go first class so they experience all the luxuries of travel accommodations on their missions. One of the few series that I am scrupulous about following, I always enjoy the descriptions of clothes, social mores, activities, and interactions that the couple has with others.
If you like descriptive cozy mysteries then you will appreciate these books. This is #23 and the installments should be read in order for most enjoyment.
Bookouture Blog Spot Tour for 2-24-2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Devon, 1938. Kitty Bryant is enjoying time with family when her very upset cousin Hattie suddenly bursts in. She sobs that the gentleman she had been seeing, Richard Westonholme, seems to have vanished, taking all of her jewellery & money with him. As Hattie describes Richard, he sounds eerily familiar. Then Matt is tasked with receiving some documents from a german defector. So Kitty and her husband Matt fin themselves on board a ship bound for New York the same ship Westonholme has booked passage on. Soon after they’ve set sail Westonholme is found lying in a lifeboat… dead. As they’ve set sail, the murderer has to be on board too. Kitty and Matt are all too aware that the clock is ticking while the suspects are trapped with no escape.
The twenty third book in this long running riveting series, it could be read on its own. I love both Kitty & Matt & have loved how well they work together & have become a true partnership. The case is intriguing & not everyone is who they seem. There are a few suspects but plenty of red herrings & twists & turns. I suspected who the murderer was & for once I was right but I’d no idea why until Kitty confronted them. We were also teased with the couple’s next case. I would have liked to have known what happened to the defector
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The twenty third book in this long running riveting series, it could be read on its own. I love both Kitty & Matt & have loved how well they work together & have become a true partnership. The case is intriguing & not everyone is who they seem. There are a few suspects but plenty of red herrings & twists & turns. I suspected who the murderer was & for once I was right but I’d no idea why until Kitty confronted them. We were also teased with the couple’s next case. I would have liked to have known what happened to the defector
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another instalment in this delightful historical cozy crime series.
Kittie and Matt set sail for New York in pursuit of their old adversary Redvers Palmerston.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. My review is given voluntarily.
Although this is the the twenty third book in the series it enjoyed as a stand alone. However, reading the series from the start would add context.
I really enjoy the historical aspect of this series which charmingly captures the essence of its time and setting. Helena Dixon brings the era alive with historical details. In this book Dixon brings alive first class travel on a liner.
The writing style is competent and flows well. The investigation of the crime and its eventual resolution is well done and plausible.
With regard to characterisation, Kitty and Matt are likable without being irritating. However, I feel I do not know much about their thoughts and feelings and more particularly their foibles.
No pets this but hopefully they will be back in the next instalment
This book would appeal to anyone looking for historical escapism that is competent but not too taxing
Kittie and Matt set sail for New York in pursuit of their old adversary Redvers Palmerston.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. My review is given voluntarily.
Although this is the the twenty third book in the series it enjoyed as a stand alone. However, reading the series from the start would add context.
I really enjoy the historical aspect of this series which charmingly captures the essence of its time and setting. Helena Dixon brings the era alive with historical details. In this book Dixon brings alive first class travel on a liner.
The writing style is competent and flows well. The investigation of the crime and its eventual resolution is well done and plausible.
With regard to characterisation, Kitty and Matt are likable without being irritating. However, I feel I do not know much about their thoughts and feelings and more particularly their foibles.
No pets this but hopefully they will be back in the next instalment
This book would appeal to anyone looking for historical escapism that is competent but not too taxing
February 9, 2026
I particularly enjoyed this book, which is part of a fabulous cozy crime series, based just after the war. The reader is charmed and the characters are like pulling on a favourite jumper and immediately lost in their lives and adventures.
This book sees an adventure on a cruise ship and the now married detective couple are tasked with apprehension of a criminal who has eluded them before. Events do not have an auspicious start when he is found dead, abandoned in a lifeboat.
The plot is very well crafted and the reader is introduced to lots more characters who set the scene if the era well and the suspense is maintained at a good pace. I enjoyed the end how the story was unravelled to its conclusion.
Things a fabulous series and although they can be read as standalone novels I would highly recommend reading as a series to gain a fuller understanding of the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book sees an adventure on a cruise ship and the now married detective couple are tasked with apprehension of a criminal who has eluded them before. Events do not have an auspicious start when he is found dead, abandoned in a lifeboat.
The plot is very well crafted and the reader is introduced to lots more characters who set the scene if the era well and the suspense is maintained at a good pace. I enjoyed the end how the story was unravelled to its conclusion.
Things a fabulous series and although they can be read as standalone novels I would highly recommend reading as a series to gain a fuller understanding of the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review Murder at Sea (A Miss Underhay Mystery Book 23) by Helena Dixon.
This was my first time reading Helena Dixon, and jumping into book 23 might sound wild but it honestly worked! While I can tell there’s a rich history between the characters, I never felt completely lost.
I loved the ocean liner setting. A murder at sea, a confined cast of suspects, and the pre–World War II tension in the background made for a suspenseful and cozy read all at once. Kitty and Matt are such a strong investigative duo, and I really enjoyed their dynamic.
The mystery kept me guessing, and the twists were satisfying without feeling overcomplicated. This definitely made me curious about going back to read earlier books in the series.
A solid, classic cozy mystery. Perfect for fans of historical whodunnits with charm and intrigue.
This was my first time reading Helena Dixon, and jumping into book 23 might sound wild but it honestly worked! While I can tell there’s a rich history between the characters, I never felt completely lost.
I loved the ocean liner setting. A murder at sea, a confined cast of suspects, and the pre–World War II tension in the background made for a suspenseful and cozy read all at once. Kitty and Matt are such a strong investigative duo, and I really enjoyed their dynamic.
The mystery kept me guessing, and the twists were satisfying without feeling overcomplicated. This definitely made me curious about going back to read earlier books in the series.
A solid, classic cozy mystery. Perfect for fans of historical whodunnits with charm and intrigue.
January 18, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up. Something a little different to our usual Devon fare, as Kitty and Matt take to the high seas, after a visit to her cousin at Enderley is cut short with a request for a mission involving a defecting German and the possibility of apprehending Redvers Palmerston, Matt’s former colleague who faked his own death. I couldn’t quite picture the ship and layout, so when it was described how they navigated around, it was harder for me to guess possible suspects based on who could have been where…
Overall a decent cosy historical mystery, perhaps not quite at the normal level of the Devon-based books if I’m being totally honest.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Overall a decent cosy historical mystery, perhaps not quite at the normal level of the Devon-based books if I’m being totally honest.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved this book! It was fast-paced, suspenseful, and far from your typical 'silly' murder mystery. The setting on a ship was brilliant; the fact that the characters are trapped with a killer and have nowhere to escape adds such a claustrophobic layer of tension.
I particularly enjoyed Kitty and Matt. Their partnership was a highlight, and I loved how they supported one another while racing to solve the mystery. My favorite moments were their private strategy sessions where they broke down the suspects and traded theories. Overall, this was a wonderful read. I’m excited to dive into the previous books in this series and can’t wait for the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I particularly enjoyed Kitty and Matt. Their partnership was a highlight, and I loved how they supported one another while racing to solve the mystery. My favorite moments were their private strategy sessions where they broke down the suspects and traded theories. Overall, this was a wonderful read. I’m excited to dive into the previous books in this series and can’t wait for the next installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve been looking forward to reading Murder at Sea, and I really enjoyed it.
Matt and Kitty unexpectedly end up on another trip to New York, this time on the trail of a long term adversary.
I had a great time trying to solve the murders alongside Kitty and Matt. There were several excellent suspects, and being on board a ship made it harder to get information about them. The plot was good, moving in an unexpected direction several times.
I always enjoy spending time with Kitty and Matt, and although I missed the animals, Alice, and other friends, there was always plenty to keep me entertained.
Overall, this was an excellent mystery, with unexpected turns in the plot. I recommend the whole series.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
Matt and Kitty unexpectedly end up on another trip to New York, this time on the trail of a long term adversary.
I had a great time trying to solve the murders alongside Kitty and Matt. There were several excellent suspects, and being on board a ship made it harder to get information about them. The plot was good, moving in an unexpected direction several times.
I always enjoy spending time with Kitty and Matt, and although I missed the animals, Alice, and other friends, there was always plenty to keep me entertained.
Overall, this was an excellent mystery, with unexpected turns in the plot. I recommend the whole series.
I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kitty's cousin reports that she has been swindled by her new gentleman friend, which is a familiar tale to Kitty & Matt, who have been on the trail of Redvers Palmerson for several books now. Matt gets a secret assignment that can be completed alongside the hunt for Redvers by taking an ocean trip to America. This quickly leads to a dead body, conspirators, and other people on the same mission as Kitty & Matt with a bone to pick with Redvers. I've enjoyed the recent books that keep taking Kitty & Matt off on adventures, and a boat setting was another fun adventure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
January 23, 2026
In the next book in the Miss Underhay series, MURDER AT SEA by Helena Dixon, Kitty is visiting her cousin Lucy at Lucy’s parents’ home at Enderley Hall. Hattie, the elder cousin of Kitty and Lucy, appears in the hall distressed because her jewelry and money are gone. Why has Hattie been robbed? Who has robbed Hattie?
Kitty is now married to Matt, and they are both private investigators. The ship is an interesting setting. While the mystery is enjoyable, life with Kitty and Matt is what keeps me reading the mysteries in this series. I look forward to reading future books. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MURDER AT SEA.
Kitty is now married to Matt, and they are both private investigators. The ship is an interesting setting. While the mystery is enjoyable, life with Kitty and Matt is what keeps me reading the mysteries in this series. I look forward to reading future books. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of MURDER AT SEA.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1928 Not only has Hattie, (a distant relation) been robbed of money and jewellery by her gentleman friend Mr Westonholme, but she discovers he is married, and the Bryant's believe is is Redvers Palmerston. A man the Captain has been searching for many years. Events lead them to a ship travelling to New York, where his body is discovered in a lifeboat. The Bryant's investigate. But how many suspects will they uncover, and will there be more deaths.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical cozy mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A little change of pace for Kitty and Matt, as they embark on a ship bound for the US in order to work on a case that quickly becomes much more complicated than they had originally anticipated.
These books are an interesting walk into the past, while still bringing conflict into the lives of characters we’ve come to enjoy. The book even wraps up with a glimpse of what might be to come in the next book.
If you’re looking for a good historical cozy mystery, this is a nice one!
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc
These books are an interesting walk into the past, while still bringing conflict into the lives of characters we’ve come to enjoy. The book even wraps up with a glimpse of what might be to come in the next book.
If you’re looking for a good historical cozy mystery, this is a nice one!
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc
February 13, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Helena Dixon for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Sea coming out February 23, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really love this series! The time period is really fun. It reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie novels. I think Kitty and Matt are a really dynamic duo and I love the way they support each other. I think the setting was perfect. I love the sea! I would definitely read more books in this series!
I really love this series! The time period is really fun. It reminds me a lot of Agatha Christie novels. I think Kitty and Matt are a really dynamic duo and I love the way they support each other. I think the setting was perfect. I love the sea! I would definitely read more books in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been following the Miss Underhay Series since book 1. I love Matt & Kitty’s adventures and this one was just as entertaining. The mystery itself was great, and following the characters personal storylines keeps the entires series engaging.
This one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, which is not always the case in this series, but it has me on the edge of my seat in awaiting for the next book!
This one ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, which is not always the case in this series, but it has me on the edge of my seat in awaiting for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1938. Kitty and Matt board an ocean liner to investigate two separate cases - Kitty’s cousin Hattie has been robbed by a professional swindler and Matt needs to track down an acquaintance from his past.
I’m being generous with the three stars as I’m jumping in here not having read the previous 22 books and for all I know they might be better. I was bored beyond belief. I love a boat setting but apart from a few vague references to the captain’s table and guests’ cabins, you’d have no idea you’re on a ship. Same for historical details - it’s 1938 and while there are passing references to Nazi Germany and the tense political landscape, it’s never explored that much even though Matt works in intelligence. To me, the point of historical mysteries is to be completely immersed in the historical setting and there was little of that here. I enjoyed the relationship between Matt and Kitty but I wouldn’t go out of my way to read the rest of the series unfortunately.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
I’m being generous with the three stars as I’m jumping in here not having read the previous 22 books and for all I know they might be better. I was bored beyond belief. I love a boat setting but apart from a few vague references to the captain’s table and guests’ cabins, you’d have no idea you’re on a ship. Same for historical details - it’s 1938 and while there are passing references to Nazi Germany and the tense political landscape, it’s never explored that much even though Matt works in intelligence. To me, the point of historical mysteries is to be completely immersed in the historical setting and there was little of that here. I enjoyed the relationship between Matt and Kitty but I wouldn’t go out of my way to read the rest of the series unfortunately.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but all opinions in this review are my own. Murder at Sea is the most recent title in the long running Miss Underhay mystery series which finds Kitty and Matt traveling as first class passengers aboard a ship crossing the Atlantic to New York City in pursuit of Redvers Palmerston who has been featured in several previous books. When they find him unexpectedly dead, they must race to find out who killed him before the ship docks in New York while Matt is also working on behalf of his old commander to obtain important documents from a German defector. I love the partnership and relationship between Kitty and Matt, and this book is no different with a nice mystery of who killed Redvers as well as the side story around Matt getting the information the German defector is keen to pass on. What I really enjoyed about this book is the description of sea travel during the time including the ship. First class travel was very glamourous, and I also liked who the author was clear on how much the experience of 2nd and 3rd class passengers differed. The end of the book set up the next story very well and I'm excited for yet another title. featuring Kitty and Matt.
February 15, 2026
A charming ocean‑liner setting and the ever‑reliable Kitty and Matt make this a pleasant addition to the series, but not its strongest. The mystery feels looser than usual, and despite plenty of suspects, the tension never quite tightens. As a long‑time reader, I enjoyed revisiting the characters, yet the plot didn’t fully grip me. A decent but middling instalment.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
They are getting closer to WWII so it will be interesting to see how life changes for them. The storyline that has been running through the last few books came to an end. (If you haven't read the previous books, it is okay as enough info is given to catch you up.) Full review soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fun murder mystery with some good plotting and impressive vibes throughout. the characters worked really well. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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