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Maiden Voyage
Three female thieves, a priceless painting, and a Pinkerton agent aboard the Titanic. What could go wrong?
Colette DuVall, a young jewel thief from Canada, follows Mary Carr, the 'Queen' of the criminal gang The Forty Elephants, aboard the Titanic to steal a painting by the French master, Blondell. Her resolve weakens when she meets Harry Worth, a young Pinkerton agent hired to safeguard the wealthy passengers during the ship's maiden voyage. Harry, the son of master criminal Adam Worth, questions his role as a private policeman exacting private justice, and his doubts deepen after losing his heart to the charming Colette. Can two people on opposite sides of the law find love and survive the sinking of the largest object ever made?
Loyalties collide as fiercely as the ship with the iceberg, and as the three struggle to escape the foundering colossus, they find love is the greatest thief of all.
Colette DuVall, a young jewel thief from Canada, follows Mary Carr, the 'Queen' of the criminal gang The Forty Elephants, aboard the Titanic to steal a painting by the French master, Blondell. Her resolve weakens when she meets Harry Worth, a young Pinkerton agent hired to safeguard the wealthy passengers during the ship's maiden voyage. Harry, the son of master criminal Adam Worth, questions his role as a private policeman exacting private justice, and his doubts deepen after losing his heart to the charming Colette. Can two people on opposite sides of the law find love and survive the sinking of the largest object ever made?
Loyalties collide as fiercely as the ship with the iceberg, and as the three struggle to escape the foundering colossus, they find love is the greatest thief of all.
Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
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8 people want to read
About the author
Bradley Harper
27 books107 followersBradley Harper MD is a retired US Army Colonel and pathologist with extensive experience in autopsies and forensic investigation. A lifelong fan of Sherlock Holmes, upon retirement from the army Harper received his associate degree from Full Sail University and master’s from Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland, both in creative writing.
His debut novel, A KNIFE IN THE FOG, was published in October 2018 It was a finalist for a 2019 Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America for Best First Novel by an American Author and is a Recommended Read by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate. It went on to win Killer Nashville’s 2019 Silver Falchion as Best Mystery. The audiobook, narrated by former Royal Shakespearean actor Matthew Lloyd Davies, won Audiofile Magazine’s 2019 Earphone Award for Best Mystery and Suspense. The book is also available in Japan via Hayakawa Publishing abnd in German via DryasVerlag.
Harper’s second novel, QUEEN’S GAMBIT, won Killer Nashville’s 2020 Silver Falchion Award twice, once for Best Suspense, and again as Book of the Year.
A short animated film, DARK TRYST, based on Harper’s short story and comic book of the same name, has won numerous awards at film festivals around the world, including Best Super Short Film at the London Movie Awards, the New York Movie Awards, and the Paris Film Awards, and Best Horror at the Tokyo Short Film Festival.
His collaborations include REFLECTIONS IN A DRAGON’S EYE, a police procedural thriller he co-wrote with debut novelist Lydia Galehouse, and MY TIME WITH GENERAL COLIN POWELL, co-written with Leslie Lautenslager, who worked with GEN. Powell for over 25 years.
His most recent work, MAIDEN VOYAGE, concerning an art heist by a trio of female thieves aboard the Titanic, was released Nov 18, 2025.
A short film, LEVIATHAN, based on A KNIFE IN THE FOG, is currently making the rounds in various film festivals.
His debut novel, A KNIFE IN THE FOG, was published in October 2018 It was a finalist for a 2019 Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America for Best First Novel by an American Author and is a Recommended Read by the Arthur Conan Doyle Estate. It went on to win Killer Nashville’s 2019 Silver Falchion as Best Mystery. The audiobook, narrated by former Royal Shakespearean actor Matthew Lloyd Davies, won Audiofile Magazine’s 2019 Earphone Award for Best Mystery and Suspense. The book is also available in Japan via Hayakawa Publishing abnd in German via DryasVerlag.
Harper’s second novel, QUEEN’S GAMBIT, won Killer Nashville’s 2020 Silver Falchion Award twice, once for Best Suspense, and again as Book of the Year.
A short animated film, DARK TRYST, based on Harper’s short story and comic book of the same name, has won numerous awards at film festivals around the world, including Best Super Short Film at the London Movie Awards, the New York Movie Awards, and the Paris Film Awards, and Best Horror at the Tokyo Short Film Festival.
His collaborations include REFLECTIONS IN A DRAGON’S EYE, a police procedural thriller he co-wrote with debut novelist Lydia Galehouse, and MY TIME WITH GENERAL COLIN POWELL, co-written with Leslie Lautenslager, who worked with GEN. Powell for over 25 years.
His most recent work, MAIDEN VOYAGE, concerning an art heist by a trio of female thieves aboard the Titanic, was released Nov 18, 2025.
A short film, LEVIATHAN, based on A KNIFE IN THE FOG, is currently making the rounds in various film festivals.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 7, 2025
I sometimes love a switch-up from my usual genres and enjoy a good piece of historical fiction, especially from an author I’ve read before and very much enjoyed. Bradley Harper has achieved something really great here: a novel that takes place on perhaps the most well-known stage of maritime tragedy, yet manages to craft a story bristling with unpredictable suspense and thrilling character dynamics.
What immediately elevates this work above standard historical fare is the depth of research that underpins every scene. It is evident that Dr. Harper hasn’t merely skimmed the surface of the Titanic's history, he has immersed himself in it, travelling to sites and delving into archival records. This meticulous dedication to authenticity shines through, rendering the setting not as a dusty historical backdrop but as a vibrant, breathing reality. Crucially, this reality makes the fictional and semi-fictional inhabitants—from the sharp-witted jewel thief Colette and the morally conflicted Pinkerton agent Harry Worth to the fascinating supporting cast of historical figures like Mary Carr, Violet Jessup, and J. Bruce Ismay—so much fun to read. Their complex loyalties and electric chemistry feel entirely genuine because they are grounded in a world that is itself meticulously and convincingly real.
The central tension, of course, derives from readers’ shared knowledge: we approach the Titanic's well-known fate with a sense of impending dread. This is where Dr. Harper demonstrates his narrative genius. While the collision with the iceberg is an absolute, fixed point in time, the only element I could be sure of was the ship’s inevitable doom. The characters, their survival, and the thrilling plotlines involving the priceless painting and the clash between law and love are anything but certain. As we steam closer to that fateful night, the story elements and the characters’ high-stakes maneuvers play out excitingly well, ratcheting the tension up and up as we head to the climax. The author masterfully leverages anticipation, turning a historical account into a high-octane thriller where the ultimate fate of the central figures remains deliciously ambiguous until the very last moment.
The writing is consistently very readable, maintaining a brisk pace that complements the urgency of the plot that plays out, once set up, over just a few days. But along the way, enjoy the moments of wit and perception that are delightfully clever in places, adding philosophical resonance to the themes of class, justice, and the transient nature of wealth. Maiden Voyage is a triumph of historical suspense, delivering a gripping adventure that manages to surprise even when the ending is, ostensibly, known.
Highly recommended for escapist fun weaved through historical reality!
What immediately elevates this work above standard historical fare is the depth of research that underpins every scene. It is evident that Dr. Harper hasn’t merely skimmed the surface of the Titanic's history, he has immersed himself in it, travelling to sites and delving into archival records. This meticulous dedication to authenticity shines through, rendering the setting not as a dusty historical backdrop but as a vibrant, breathing reality. Crucially, this reality makes the fictional and semi-fictional inhabitants—from the sharp-witted jewel thief Colette and the morally conflicted Pinkerton agent Harry Worth to the fascinating supporting cast of historical figures like Mary Carr, Violet Jessup, and J. Bruce Ismay—so much fun to read. Their complex loyalties and electric chemistry feel entirely genuine because they are grounded in a world that is itself meticulously and convincingly real.
The central tension, of course, derives from readers’ shared knowledge: we approach the Titanic's well-known fate with a sense of impending dread. This is where Dr. Harper demonstrates his narrative genius. While the collision with the iceberg is an absolute, fixed point in time, the only element I could be sure of was the ship’s inevitable doom. The characters, their survival, and the thrilling plotlines involving the priceless painting and the clash between law and love are anything but certain. As we steam closer to that fateful night, the story elements and the characters’ high-stakes maneuvers play out excitingly well, ratcheting the tension up and up as we head to the climax. The author masterfully leverages anticipation, turning a historical account into a high-octane thriller where the ultimate fate of the central figures remains deliciously ambiguous until the very last moment.
The writing is consistently very readable, maintaining a brisk pace that complements the urgency of the plot that plays out, once set up, over just a few days. But along the way, enjoy the moments of wit and perception that are delightfully clever in places, adding philosophical resonance to the themes of class, justice, and the transient nature of wealth. Maiden Voyage is a triumph of historical suspense, delivering a gripping adventure that manages to surprise even when the ending is, ostensibly, known.
Highly recommended for escapist fun weaved through historical reality!
Read
December 21, 2025With the skill of a pathologist viewing the anatomy of the human body, the author leads you through the bowels of the Titanic, tracing barriers & little-known passageways toward the possibility of reaching safety from the cold, foreboding waters of an ocean determined to claim its victims.
The story moves smoothly through the pages, just as a magnificent ship might glide through tranquil waters. The reader might find himself rooting for characters one would normally consider "the bad guys," or at least subjects badly in need of redemption.
The story of the Sinking of the Titanic has been told & retold, but perhaps never before with such an engrossing tale.
Throughout the narrative, the accuracy & details included reflect the actual construction of the Titanic, thus creating a story both believable & plausible.
Maiden Voyage is a "fun read." Tuck it into your carry-on when you take your next cruise. (You'll be anxious & determined to attend the announced safety drill, for sure!)
The story moves smoothly through the pages, just as a magnificent ship might glide through tranquil waters. The reader might find himself rooting for characters one would normally consider "the bad guys," or at least subjects badly in need of redemption.
The story of the Sinking of the Titanic has been told & retold, but perhaps never before with such an engrossing tale.
Throughout the narrative, the accuracy & details included reflect the actual construction of the Titanic, thus creating a story both believable & plausible.
Maiden Voyage is a "fun read." Tuck it into your carry-on when you take your next cruise. (You'll be anxious & determined to attend the announced safety drill, for sure!)
January 10, 2026
Maiden Voyage, by Dr. Bradley Harper is quite the action packed adventure and, in my opinion, is impressively very well written. I have to admit, seeing the word "Titanic" on the book cover immediately gives the notion that this story will definitely have a limited ending. What I didn't expect was the pressure cooker storyline that really does pack almost a tactical punch. Starting in the smokey backroom of the Elephant & Castle Pub in southeast London, I was instantly transported into the conversation with the wonderful local vernacular which Dr. Harper has set with full command. Add in various dialects of sarcasm and barroom wit, I was suddenly face to face with these colorful characters.
By the time you're ready to board the grandest of all ships, you've already been deduced into a position of master thievery and how even the best of plans can possibly go awry. Once onboard, I have to say, it was still a learning experience for me. I picked up many tidbits about the ship itself that I truly never expected, so it was a welcome treat for me as a reader. It is obvious the amount of time and research that went into crafting this tale. From hearing about the blueprints, to the wealthy historical guests, to the officers and various staff who were set at their stations, one gets the sense that you can absolutely "hear" the fresh paint still drying as all these players are suddenly in play and into their own. The other thing I will add, is that Dr. Harper cleverly begins that inevitable countdown clock by posting the date and time at the beginnings of the chapters in the last third of the book. It creates practically a neon sign marker of the ominous event with a suspense that was always lurking there in the back of one's mind. Suddenly, here it is.
By this point, I could not read it fast enough.
The other thing I would like to mention, is that the notion of right and wrong do come to the forefront. Since they were all aboard the "unsinkable ship", all plans therefore were set for when they dock and disembark. Then the unthinkable happens and all of that ardent reasoning goes down with the ship. Shock and awe takes more than a moment, but it is soon realized that those who survived can possibly reform and rebuild their lives on the positive side of the curve. Of course, a bit of a ship romance helps the sorrowful ending tremendously. I really enjoyed reading this book and, to my surprise, I really enjoyed the unobvious ending. It amazingly encourages the notion that good things can come from the most horrible of tragedies. Kudos to Dr. Harper for bringing this lovely notion to light.
By the time you're ready to board the grandest of all ships, you've already been deduced into a position of master thievery and how even the best of plans can possibly go awry. Once onboard, I have to say, it was still a learning experience for me. I picked up many tidbits about the ship itself that I truly never expected, so it was a welcome treat for me as a reader. It is obvious the amount of time and research that went into crafting this tale. From hearing about the blueprints, to the wealthy historical guests, to the officers and various staff who were set at their stations, one gets the sense that you can absolutely "hear" the fresh paint still drying as all these players are suddenly in play and into their own. The other thing I will add, is that Dr. Harper cleverly begins that inevitable countdown clock by posting the date and time at the beginnings of the chapters in the last third of the book. It creates practically a neon sign marker of the ominous event with a suspense that was always lurking there in the back of one's mind. Suddenly, here it is.
By this point, I could not read it fast enough.
The other thing I would like to mention, is that the notion of right and wrong do come to the forefront. Since they were all aboard the "unsinkable ship", all plans therefore were set for when they dock and disembark. Then the unthinkable happens and all of that ardent reasoning goes down with the ship. Shock and awe takes more than a moment, but it is soon realized that those who survived can possibly reform and rebuild their lives on the positive side of the curve. Of course, a bit of a ship romance helps the sorrowful ending tremendously. I really enjoyed reading this book and, to my surprise, I really enjoyed the unobvious ending. It amazingly encourages the notion that good things can come from the most horrible of tragedies. Kudos to Dr. Harper for bringing this lovely notion to light.
November 22, 2025
Colette is a jewel thief working with The Forty Elephants who are looking to steal a painting aboard the Titanic.
Harry is a Pinkerton agent and who is processing his role and whether it is found on justice, but he feels conflicted about who he is actually protecting.
The complexity of the characters keeps readers engaged. There is great banter and chemistry between Colette and Harry. They both try to guess why they are on the ship. There is curiosity as their connection builds. When they do find out their identities, the game is afoot!
The examination of class divides is an interesting theme woven through the novel and to the history of the Titanic itself. We see through Harry’s observations how passengers from different stayed on the ship and how they were treated.
The reflection about the philosophy of art was another poignant theme of the story.
History buffs as well as fans of art and art history will enjoy this story. I learned new things about the Titanic that I hadn’t known before, including the extensive ties in terms of the ownership of the ship between the US and the UK or that the ship was a mail carrier.
There are also cameos from many of the historical figures from the Titanic, including the ship’s designer Thomas Andrews, Bruce Ismay, and many of the officers assigned to the voyage as well as famous passengers like the Asters and Margaret Brown. The novel is well researched.
This was the first time I had heard of the Forty Elephants. This book does a great job in sharing the events, facts, and stories of historical figures that are known to many with introducing readers to figures we didn’t know.
There is anticipation with the known outcome of the Titanic and Colette and Harry’s future. They are on opposite sides in terms of the heist, but feel a strong connection and feelings for one another. I recommend this book!
Thank you to Paste Creative and Bradley Harper for the gifted digital copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
Harry is a Pinkerton agent and who is processing his role and whether it is found on justice, but he feels conflicted about who he is actually protecting.
The complexity of the characters keeps readers engaged. There is great banter and chemistry between Colette and Harry. They both try to guess why they are on the ship. There is curiosity as their connection builds. When they do find out their identities, the game is afoot!
The examination of class divides is an interesting theme woven through the novel and to the history of the Titanic itself. We see through Harry’s observations how passengers from different stayed on the ship and how they were treated.
The reflection about the philosophy of art was another poignant theme of the story.
History buffs as well as fans of art and art history will enjoy this story. I learned new things about the Titanic that I hadn’t known before, including the extensive ties in terms of the ownership of the ship between the US and the UK or that the ship was a mail carrier.
There are also cameos from many of the historical figures from the Titanic, including the ship’s designer Thomas Andrews, Bruce Ismay, and many of the officers assigned to the voyage as well as famous passengers like the Asters and Margaret Brown. The novel is well researched.
This was the first time I had heard of the Forty Elephants. This book does a great job in sharing the events, facts, and stories of historical figures that are known to many with introducing readers to figures we didn’t know.
There is anticipation with the known outcome of the Titanic and Colette and Harry’s future. They are on opposite sides in terms of the heist, but feel a strong connection and feelings for one another. I recommend this book!
Thank you to Paste Creative and Bradley Harper for the gifted digital copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
November 24, 2025
The Titanic. A gang of female thieves. Priceless artwork. A heist. A Pinkerton agent.
How many intriguing things can an author cram into one novel? Apparently ‘All of the Above’. And it works. It works so well!
To be honest, I’ve never been one to be fascinated by Titanic fiction – on print or on film. It’s just not something I’ve ever been into. But since I am a fan of Bradley Harper’s other books, I was eager to see what he could do with this historical fiction story.
The characters were really what made this book a hit for me. More than a few of them are based on real-life characters and the ones that are fictional fit in seamlessly and feel just as real. I had never really heard of the Forty Elephants before and loved discovering and learning about them.
The pacing was quick and there was an urgency behind the entire book that didn’t need to be spelled out directly because the reader anticipates what’s coming. The heist storyline is already tense enough, but since the reader has the knowledge that the ship is going to go into emergency mode makes everything even more apprehensive. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this. Were the thieves going to succeed? Who was going to survive?
I whipped through this book faster than my normal reading pace because I just had to know the answers to these questions. I definitely recommend this book for mystery, thriller, and historical fiction lovers. Fans of Titanic stories definitely need to add this to their bookshelves!
*** Disclaimer: the author, Bradley Harper, is one of my clients and I organised the book tour for Maiden Voyage. This review is completely unbiased and voluntary and I would not have posted a review if I didn’t honestly enjoy the book
How many intriguing things can an author cram into one novel? Apparently ‘All of the Above’. And it works. It works so well!
To be honest, I’ve never been one to be fascinated by Titanic fiction – on print or on film. It’s just not something I’ve ever been into. But since I am a fan of Bradley Harper’s other books, I was eager to see what he could do with this historical fiction story.
The characters were really what made this book a hit for me. More than a few of them are based on real-life characters and the ones that are fictional fit in seamlessly and feel just as real. I had never really heard of the Forty Elephants before and loved discovering and learning about them.
The pacing was quick and there was an urgency behind the entire book that didn’t need to be spelled out directly because the reader anticipates what’s coming. The heist storyline is already tense enough, but since the reader has the knowledge that the ship is going to go into emergency mode makes everything even more apprehensive. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this. Were the thieves going to succeed? Who was going to survive?
I whipped through this book faster than my normal reading pace because I just had to know the answers to these questions. I definitely recommend this book for mystery, thriller, and historical fiction lovers. Fans of Titanic stories definitely need to add this to their bookshelves!
*** Disclaimer: the author, Bradley Harper, is one of my clients and I organised the book tour for Maiden Voyage. This review is completely unbiased and voluntary and I would not have posted a review if I didn’t honestly enjoy the book
December 20, 2025
Mary Carr is the Queen of The Forty Elephants, a gang of female thieves. Samantha is her right hand girl, and Colette is looking to hid from the law within Mary’s care. Sam, though, wants to Queen, and Colette is afraid of being sent to the gallows for murder. The three of them plan a daring heist to steal jewels and a valuable painting that will be aboard the Titanic. Mary is posing as a rich widow, Sam is disguised as her son, and Colette is her maid. Mary thinks her plan can’t fail, but she doesn’t know three important things that will thwart her desires: Colette is falling in love with a young Pinkerton agent hired to guard the valuables aboard the Titanic, Sam is determined to overthrow Mary and assume the leadership of the Elephants, and the ship will hit an iceberg and sink. This complex and intriguing tale is spellbinding as the story plays out, even though readers know the great ship will sink. The characters are well drawn and their personalities remain true throughout the tale. The story is rich in details and complex in the telling, but it reads easily. The author pulls everything together quite nicely. This well-written novel is one collectors of Titanic memorabilia will definitely want to add to their shelves.
December 3, 2025
The incredible thing to know about this book is that the author did a huge amount of research (and is kind enough to share some of it at the back of the book). Most of the characters are real - even the minor characters. Obviously, the setting of the Titanic is a very real place too. He went to the Titanic museum and went to the locations in the UK and really put the effort in - and you can really tell when you’re reading it. It feels so real!
My only disappointment was how fast the Titanic sunk - but the reality is, it did sink fast, so he’s kept true to the history rather than changing it to fit the pacing of the story, and tbh, it makes it a really clever plot device to change the pacing. So in my disappointment I was really impressed.
If you’re into 1920s history, strong female characters or the Titanic, then this book is truly for you.
My only disappointment was how fast the Titanic sunk - but the reality is, it did sink fast, so he’s kept true to the history rather than changing it to fit the pacing of the story, and tbh, it makes it a really clever plot device to change the pacing. So in my disappointment I was really impressed.
If you’re into 1920s history, strong female characters or the Titanic, then this book is truly for you.
November 22, 2025
🚢✨ Jewel thieves, a priceless painting, and a Pinkerton agent, all aboard the Titanic.
Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper is a gripping blend of crime, romance, and historical drama.
Paste Creative Book Tours
My Review
#BookReview #HistoricalFiction #TitanicBooks #MaidenVoyage #BradleyHarper
Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper is a gripping blend of crime, romance, and historical drama.
Paste Creative Book Tours
My Review
#BookReview #HistoricalFiction #TitanicBooks #MaidenVoyage #BradleyHarper
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews