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Detective Inspector McQueen #2
Death on the Island: A GRIPPING historical murder mystery that will keep you guessing
Malta, 1880. A quarantine island. A killer among them.
When British civil servant Laurence Buchanan is found floating in Quarantine Harbour, Malta, it is first thought to be an accident. But new evidence quickly reveals a much darker story and Detective Inspector McQueen, an Edinburgh policeman on loan to the Maltese force, is called to investigate.
After a steamship docks in Malta, its first-class travellers are confined in quarantine on Manoel Island, near Valletta, as cholera sweeps the island. Suspicion festers behind locked from a Sikh prince accused of rebellion to a mysterious American heiress, and passengers hiding diamonds, debts and worse… Everyone has something to hide.
As political unrest simmers and the killer's confidence grows, McQueen must navigate corruption, colonial tensions and betrayal. But on an island where secrets run deep and loyalties shift, can he expose the truth before the murderer strikes again?
Death on the Island is a gripping historical murder mystery, perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee and Anne Perry.
"An excellent follow up to Death in Valletta with dour Scottish detective DI Sam McQueen once again reluctantly cast into the fray in 1880s Malta, prevailed upon to investigate a murder in the midst of a possible outbreak of cholera. A cracking historical mystery." Bestselling author Vaseem Khan
When British civil servant Laurence Buchanan is found floating in Quarantine Harbour, Malta, it is first thought to be an accident. But new evidence quickly reveals a much darker story and Detective Inspector McQueen, an Edinburgh policeman on loan to the Maltese force, is called to investigate.
After a steamship docks in Malta, its first-class travellers are confined in quarantine on Manoel Island, near Valletta, as cholera sweeps the island. Suspicion festers behind locked from a Sikh prince accused of rebellion to a mysterious American heiress, and passengers hiding diamonds, debts and worse… Everyone has something to hide.
As political unrest simmers and the killer's confidence grows, McQueen must navigate corruption, colonial tensions and betrayal. But on an island where secrets run deep and loyalties shift, can he expose the truth before the murderer strikes again?
Death on the Island is a gripping historical murder mystery, perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee and Anne Perry.
"An excellent follow up to Death in Valletta with dour Scottish detective DI Sam McQueen once again reluctantly cast into the fray in 1880s Malta, prevailed upon to investigate a murder in the midst of a possible outbreak of cholera. A cracking historical mystery." Bestselling author Vaseem Khan
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 22, 2026
Scottish detective Inspector McQueen, on loan to the Maltese police, is called to a body in the harbour. What might have seemed a simple drowning accident turns out to be anything but. McQueen is forced to join the victim's fellow travellers in quarantine.
Reminiscent of the golden age of crime fiction, and with a strong sense of place, this is well plotted, with intriguing twist.
It is the second outing for Inspector McQueen - I have not read the first, but I will be seeking it out.
Reminiscent of the golden age of crime fiction, and with a strong sense of place, this is well plotted, with intriguing twist.
It is the second outing for Inspector McQueen - I have not read the first, but I will be seeking it out.
April 16, 2026
Death on the Island is the second of Taylor's novels set in Victorian era Malta, but enough information is given to the reader for it to be read as a standalone. It's the first of the novels I've read, and didn't feel at all lost, but will definitely be going back to read the first one, just because this one was so good.
The novel opens with a body being found in the sea, and a hungover Inspector McQueen, sent to Malta from Edinburgh, has a case on his hands. When the body is revealed to be a passenger on a ship that is currently under quarantine orders following a cholera death, McQueen finds himself in isolation with the rest of the passengers on a small island away from the main city. He finds himself having to work the case while cut off from everyone, suspecting the killer may well be on the island with them. The main suspect is an exiled Sikh Prince, and we learn a lot about the politics of the time - details that advance the plot and educate at the same time.
Assistance is provided to McQueen from the mainland from plucky young journalist Maria Tanti, whose father owns one of the local papers, and we get to see her put her investigative skills to good use.
With subplots of underworld dealings and the political situation of Malta at the time, there's a lot going on, but never loses the reader.
The story is well-paced, engrossing, and weaves fiction and historical fact into a rich tapestry that keeps the reader engaged right until the end.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, this is a particularly well-written one, and a series I look forward to following.
The novel opens with a body being found in the sea, and a hungover Inspector McQueen, sent to Malta from Edinburgh, has a case on his hands. When the body is revealed to be a passenger on a ship that is currently under quarantine orders following a cholera death, McQueen finds himself in isolation with the rest of the passengers on a small island away from the main city. He finds himself having to work the case while cut off from everyone, suspecting the killer may well be on the island with them. The main suspect is an exiled Sikh Prince, and we learn a lot about the politics of the time - details that advance the plot and educate at the same time.
Assistance is provided to McQueen from the mainland from plucky young journalist Maria Tanti, whose father owns one of the local papers, and we get to see her put her investigative skills to good use.
With subplots of underworld dealings and the political situation of Malta at the time, there's a lot going on, but never loses the reader.
The story is well-paced, engrossing, and weaves fiction and historical fact into a rich tapestry that keeps the reader engaged right until the end.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, this is a particularly well-written one, and a series I look forward to following.
April 21, 2026
Ive been really lucky to read some great murder mysteries recently and this one had the extra layer of being historical set in the 1800s which made a nice change. DI Sam McQueen was such a fish out of water and I loved the juxtaposition of his demeanor and the vibrancy of Malta. The feeling of being trapped/ quarantined is something we can all relate to after the Covid years and it really added to my experience with this one
April 13, 2026
The main characters are developing nicely in this second outing for Detective Sam and team with the promise of more to follow.
April 9, 2026
I mainly wanted to read this book because it was based in Malta and I have family there.
I loved reading this book. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I devoured 75% of the book in one day. I felt the storyline flowed really well and I loved the twists in it.
I didn’t realise this was actually book 2 in the series until I came to do my review. I can’t wait to read book 1 to see where this series started and see where Lynne Marie takes the rest of this series.
I loved reading this book. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I devoured 75% of the book in one day. I felt the storyline flowed really well and I loved the twists in it.
I didn’t realise this was actually book 2 in the series until I came to do my review. I can’t wait to read book 1 to see where this series started and see where Lynne Marie takes the rest of this series.
April 3, 2026
Death in quarantine.
Unlike the first book in the series I was gripped from the first chapter. McQueen has to go into quarantine to investigate a suspicious death on board a ship where cases of cholera have broken out. From the start he has the assistance of doctor Bonuchi the expert at dealing with the disease. On the outside he also has dedicated sergeant Galea and the doggedly persistent Maria Tanti, who were introduced in the previous case. Plenty of twists together with sub plots. A very satisfying read.
Unlike the first book in the series I was gripped from the first chapter. McQueen has to go into quarantine to investigate a suspicious death on board a ship where cases of cholera have broken out. From the start he has the assistance of doctor Bonuchi the expert at dealing with the disease. On the outside he also has dedicated sergeant Galea and the doggedly persistent Maria Tanti, who were introduced in the previous case. Plenty of twists together with sub plots. A very satisfying read.
March 15, 2026
Fantastic to have a second excellent Detective Sam McQueen novel to enjoy. You don't have to have read the first one to fully enjoy this, but you're going to want more of McQueen so I'd suggest reading Death in Valletta as well. Lynne Marie Taylor's writing is fluid and suspenseful, her characterisation of familiar and new actors is nuanced and believable. The Maltese islands and their fascinating history and geography appear as an additional character in the story and add a richness to the twisting plot of this murder mystery. Thoroughly recommended and I can't wait for the third one!!!
February 26, 2026
This is the second book in this series and just as good as the first. It was great to find out more about the island and the characters. Thoroughly recommend this series. I am looking to reading more from this author.
March 29, 2026
Death on the Island by Lynne Marie Taylor is a crime thriller set in the 1880s. It is the second book in the Detective Inspector Sam McQueen series, but it also works well as a standalone novel. The story offers glimpses into McQueen’s background and personal life, which adds depth to the narrative and helps create a richer, more layered character. McQueen is not a perfect hero, he has flaws, which makes him feel believable and interesting.
From the very beginning, the dialogue flowed naturally and felt authentic, almost as though you were listening in on real conversations. This made it easy to settle into the story straight away. The descriptive writing brings the scenes to life, and the plot moves along smoothly, making it an engaging and easy read.
The story also highlights that the life of a detective is far from straightforward. Investigations do not always go to plan, which adds a sense of realism to the narrative. While the book is set in the 1880s, I didn’t always strongly feel the historical atmosphere throughout the story, except in the social interactions between men and women, where the period was more noticeable. That said, the pacing and storytelling kept the mystery engaging, and I remained interested in seeing how the investigation unfolded.
Overall, Death on the Island is an enjoyable and well-paced crime thriller with an engaging central character in Sam McQueen. The natural dialogue and steady storytelling make it easy to become immersed in the mystery, and fans of historical crime fiction who enjoy character-driven detective stories will likely find this an entertaining read.
From the very beginning, the dialogue flowed naturally and felt authentic, almost as though you were listening in on real conversations. This made it easy to settle into the story straight away. The descriptive writing brings the scenes to life, and the plot moves along smoothly, making it an engaging and easy read.
The story also highlights that the life of a detective is far from straightforward. Investigations do not always go to plan, which adds a sense of realism to the narrative. While the book is set in the 1880s, I didn’t always strongly feel the historical atmosphere throughout the story, except in the social interactions between men and women, where the period was more noticeable. That said, the pacing and storytelling kept the mystery engaging, and I remained interested in seeing how the investigation unfolded.
Overall, Death on the Island is an enjoyable and well-paced crime thriller with an engaging central character in Sam McQueen. The natural dialogue and steady storytelling make it easy to become immersed in the mystery, and fans of historical crime fiction who enjoy character-driven detective stories will likely find this an entertaining read.
April 17, 2026
‘Death on the Island’ is an intriguing piece of historical fiction set in Malta, 1880. This is the second book in this series but can easily be read as a stand-alone, as I did. However, this will be rectified as this was a meticulously researched and plotted story.
Inspector McQueen, an Edinburgh policeman, is on secondment in Malta to help set up their detective department. McQueen is an interesting character - can’t say I much liked him. He is a typical dour Scotsman who blames his foibles on others! Especially as a reaction to Puritan religion. He needs to grow a spine. However, as a character, he is an entertaining read. It takes him a while to cotton on to things, but he is determined to seek out the truth. Which is a hard thing to do when you have the pressure of the mighty British Empire against you!
This narrative was peppered with parts of Indian history and the exploitation of the Raj. At first, I thought the author was using the Amritsar Massacre as inspiration, but alas, this is another dark spot of our history that isn’t taught to us. This is why I read historical fiction; yes, it is entertaining, but it also teaches the reader. I deem myself quite knowledgeable of Raj history, but this was new to me. Malerkotla should be known about. Full stop.
This book was steeped in the location, and you felt as if you knew every nook and cranny of Valletta and the infection island of Lazzaretto. The rich descriptions made the images vivid and the narrative all the more authentic. This, combined with the meticulously researched history, made for a winning combination. I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Let me know if you pick this one up.
April 27, 2026
📆 single timeline.
👀 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Yay, a map! . I'm always a fan of a map. I really appreciated the pronunciation guide too. Some of the words and names I was already pronouncing correctly, others I was miles off! Languages are fascinating.
We're back on the Island of Malta in the 1880s, I wonder how much it's changed since then? Inspector McQueen seems to be settling in nicely to life on the island, I especially love his struggles with the temperature. I used to know a man who grew up on Malta, and he said it was so hot in the summer that the pavements melted! Of course McQueen isn't there for a holiday, there's work to be done. Not only is there a murder to solve, but there's the added complication of a quarantine due to
a cholera outbreak. At times, this reminded me of the covid lock downs, where we had to stay six feet apart, and people were unable to be with their loved ones as they were dying. I think the proximity of quarantine added a real layer to the story.
Taylor writes with an easy to read style that kept me turning page after page. The characters are a real mix and I'm feeling a real fondness for some of them. There are some tense moments, but overall it's a brilliant whodunit murder mystery.
👀 3rd person
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Yay, a map! . I'm always a fan of a map. I really appreciated the pronunciation guide too. Some of the words and names I was already pronouncing correctly, others I was miles off! Languages are fascinating.
We're back on the Island of Malta in the 1880s, I wonder how much it's changed since then? Inspector McQueen seems to be settling in nicely to life on the island, I especially love his struggles with the temperature. I used to know a man who grew up on Malta, and he said it was so hot in the summer that the pavements melted! Of course McQueen isn't there for a holiday, there's work to be done. Not only is there a murder to solve, but there's the added complication of a quarantine due to
a cholera outbreak. At times, this reminded me of the covid lock downs, where we had to stay six feet apart, and people were unable to be with their loved ones as they were dying. I think the proximity of quarantine added a real layer to the story.
Taylor writes with an easy to read style that kept me turning page after page. The characters are a real mix and I'm feeling a real fondness for some of them. There are some tense moments, but overall it's a brilliant whodunit murder mystery.
April 17, 2026
I enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the series. Like the first book, we are once taken back to historic Malta and the rich descriptions of the places really bring the place to life on the pages.
This is a layered mystery. I loved the way political intrigue and colonial happenings are integrated to the storyline without blaming any one party. I especially liked the way the author explores how personal prejudice and institutional interests can interfere with the implementation of justice.
The story moves at a fast pace and I was hooked from the beginning . It was a lot of fun trying to solve the mystery alonside Detective McQueen. We are reunited with the cast of characters from the first book but we also got introduced to a host of interesting new characters. My favourite new characters are Nellie and Prince Sundar.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a layered mystery. I loved the way political intrigue and colonial happenings are integrated to the storyline without blaming any one party. I especially liked the way the author explores how personal prejudice and institutional interests can interfere with the implementation of justice.
The story moves at a fast pace and I was hooked from the beginning . It was a lot of fun trying to solve the mystery alonside Detective McQueen. We are reunited with the cast of characters from the first book but we also got introduced to a host of interesting new characters. My favourite new characters are Nellie and Prince Sundar.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the second in the historical series set in Malta and it's another cracker. McQueen is sent to investigate when the body of a British officer is found. He should have been on board a ship which has had an outbreak of cholera so apart from the question of who killed him is the question of how he managed to leave the containment area.
As usual, McQueen is presented with several suspects and is at odds again with his superiors who insist on wrapping things up quickly with a definite suspect which McQueen is sure is innocent. The whole aspect of the cholera aspect was very interesting and the fear of catching it was quite palpable. I liked how he battles with official corruption seemingly at every turn while trying to do his job. Again the backdrop of historical Malta is a brillant setting and really adds to the whole story. I look forward to seeing what comes next for McQueen.
As usual, McQueen is presented with several suspects and is at odds again with his superiors who insist on wrapping things up quickly with a definite suspect which McQueen is sure is innocent. The whole aspect of the cholera aspect was very interesting and the fear of catching it was quite palpable. I liked how he battles with official corruption seemingly at every turn while trying to do his job. Again the backdrop of historical Malta is a brillant setting and really adds to the whole story. I look forward to seeing what comes next for McQueen.
Review of advance copy
I very much enjoy these detective stories, set on the island of Malta, towards the end of the nineteenth century. I don’t know the island, but the author paints a vivid picture of life and attitudes under colonial rule. It does make me very ashamed to be British. The main character, though, Inspector McQueen, is flawed but honest, and essentially kind and decent. Reading about the cholera outbreak and the quarantine measures imposed seems very much more relatable now that we have experienced the restrictions of a pandemic. The novel features interesting characters, both the ones that were introduced in the previous book and new ones specific to this story. I am sure that there will be future offerings and look forward to reading them.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lynne Marie Taylor is still a new voice in historical crime fiction but is fast emerging as one of the best writers in the genre today. Two years ago I was thrilled to read 'Death in Valetta' her debut novel and eagerly awaited a second novel featuring Detective Inspector Sam McQueen - a Scot, just beginning to find his feet on the Island of Malta in 1880.
This second book is as gloriously atmospheric as the first, bringing to life this Mediterranean outpost of the British Empire in vibrant detail.
I was shocked by the horrors of death from cholera and the huge risk of a deadly epidemic.
The plot is intriguing and engrossing but the author's real strength is in her pitch-perfect characterisation.
This second book is as gloriously atmospheric as the first, bringing to life this Mediterranean outpost of the British Empire in vibrant detail.
I was shocked by the horrors of death from cholera and the huge risk of a deadly epidemic.
The plot is intriguing and engrossing but the author's real strength is in her pitch-perfect characterisation.
April 17, 2026
4.5 stars
I was so lucky to have received an ARC of this novel and I really enjoyed it. While I’ve read plenty of murder mysteries, this was my first set in the Victorian era, and I really appreciated the rich setting and vivid descriptions of the time. The author does an excellent job of bringing the world to life, and it didn’t feel like a disadvantage that I hadn’t read the first book in the series. The writing is engaging and immersive, making it easy to feel part of the story, and the strong character development meant I was genuinely invested in what happened. There is a great twist and the plot is very easy to digest.
I can't wait to read more from this author including the rest of this series.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
I was so lucky to have received an ARC of this novel and I really enjoyed it. While I’ve read plenty of murder mysteries, this was my first set in the Victorian era, and I really appreciated the rich setting and vivid descriptions of the time. The author does an excellent job of bringing the world to life, and it didn’t feel like a disadvantage that I hadn’t read the first book in the series. The writing is engaging and immersive, making it easy to feel part of the story, and the strong character development meant I was genuinely invested in what happened. There is a great twist and the plot is very easy to digest.
I can't wait to read more from this author including the rest of this series.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
May 4, 2026
Lynne has done it again.
I really loved this sequel and she's somehow managed to captivate me with a genre that I'd usually steer away from.
Her writing is so engaging and easy to read, it's hard to put down one of her books.
The premise of this story is fascinating and builds on the original, although it works really well as a standalone too.
It's possibly even more historically/culturally relevant than the first book and the quarantine storyline really hits home as a post-covid read.
Lots of great returning characters from the first book (without feeling shoehorned in) and some new exciting ones too.
Really excited for the third one, I hope we're not waiting too long!
I really loved this sequel and she's somehow managed to captivate me with a genre that I'd usually steer away from.
Her writing is so engaging and easy to read, it's hard to put down one of her books.
The premise of this story is fascinating and builds on the original, although it works really well as a standalone too.
It's possibly even more historically/culturally relevant than the first book and the quarantine storyline really hits home as a post-covid read.
Lots of great returning characters from the first book (without feeling shoehorned in) and some new exciting ones too.
Really excited for the third one, I hope we're not waiting too long!
March 2, 2026
I received an advanced copy and really enjoyed this book as an unusual detective story set in Malta.
Sam McQueen is working to solve a murder from within the confines of quarantine and against the clock. He believes that the main suspect has been wrongly accused and needs to resolve this from within the confines of the quarantine island and an outbreak of cholera.
An engaging tale and really good read.
Sam McQueen is working to solve a murder from within the confines of quarantine and against the clock. He believes that the main suspect has been wrongly accused and needs to resolve this from within the confines of the quarantine island and an outbreak of cholera.
An engaging tale and really good read.
April 18, 2026
The setting (Malta 1880), combined with a cholera outbreak and British colonialism makes it pretty interesting. I appreciated the author's notes about the historic background too. My feelings about the characters are mixed. McQueen is mostly a good guy except the author insists on making him have a weakness for the drink which I think is excessive. Other than that, I look forward to the Book 3.
May 16, 2026
This is the first book I have read in the Detective Inspector series by Lynn Marie Taylor. A different time. Then the murder mysteries I typically read. Based in the 1800s, you will have the opportunity to discover the background into Sam McQueen's personal life. You will easily be drawn into the story as you wait to see how the investigation will be resolved.
Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews