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Patricia Fisher Cruise Ship Mysteries #8

A Sleuth and her Dachshund in Athens

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If you like clean and funny cozy mysteries by authors such as Hope Callaghan, AR Winters, Ivy Dawson, Cee Cee James and others, then you will love Patricia Fisher!

As the Aurelia nears Athens, a new member of the crew is found dead in his cabin. Next to a gun and slumped over a suicide note, it appears tragic but unsuspicious. However, he’s the captain’s nephew, Julian, onboard for only six days and something about the suicide note makes Patricia’s nose twitch.

With disobedient dog, Anna, loyal butler, Jermaine, and all her friends in support, your favourite amateur sleuth soon uncovers a web of lies and deceit in the bursary. There’s a mystery to solve alright but a second body muddies the water.
Is there more than one killer? Had Julian uncovered something that made him a target?

In her toughest challenge yet, it will be her Dachshund that provides the vital clue, but can Patricia solve the case before the killer escapes?

This series of books follows Patricia Fisher, a fifty-something woman from England, as she flees her unfulfilling marriage and becomes the person she always should have been. They are light-hearted, fast-paced, and unlike any other cozy mysteries you have ever read. There is no bad language, sex or graphic descriptions of violence.

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2019

645 people are currently reading
195 people want to read

About the author

Steve Higgs

533 books782 followers
Let'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...

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5 stars
640 (54%)
4 stars
376 (31%)
3 stars
132 (11%)
2 stars
25 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
231 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2025
Okay, so…I’m extremely torn on this novel. I’m a Dachshund fanatic with one of my own and a coworker got this book for me for my recent birthday. While I loved the idea, it felt like something was missing.

I’ll start by saying that the characters were a ton of fun and I greatly enjoyed them. That’s the main reason why this book is two stars rather than one. Jermaine, Patricia’s butler, was easily my favorite. I loved how prim and proper his was, yet he was also hardcore and could kick your butt simply by looking at you. There was something adorable about him and his relationship with Patricia. I also liked Patricia as well and how, even though she was intense herself, wasn’t afraid to remind you that she was middle-aged. The other members of her group were enjoyable as well, though sometimes their personalities blended together and I had trouble telling them apart.

While the plot wasn’t overly creative or unique, it had its fun moments, particularly near the end when they were witnessing a real-life fight club. The problem I had was that the mystery wasn’t really all that mysterious. The people responsible were obvious, though I don’t know if that was something the author was aiming for when he was writing the book. I won’t give any spoilers, but let me just say that the antagonist reveal won’t surprise you one bit. The writing style was also clunky and weird, but after learning it was a self published book, that didn’t surprise me. It wasn’t the worst I ever saw, but it definitely wasn’t the best, either.

Now, for the elephant in the room and the reason why I was so disappointed. The novel’s title would suggest that Patricia’s Dachshund, Anna, would play a huge role. Sadly, she was barely part of the plot. She literally did one thing to progress the plot, and then turned to a minor side character that popped up here and there for two seconds at a time. She was pregnant, but nothing about this mattered and we didn’t even get to see puppies by the end of the story. True, this is part of a series and her puppies are most likely introduced in another novel, but I don’t want to read 10 books in order to see ten minutes of her adorable dog. That was the biggest disappointment here. The author himself even gave a shout-out to Dachshunds and how much he loved them before the book began, but nothing came of it and you’d literally forget Anna was even a character if it wasn’t for the title of the novel.

If you’re a Dachshund lover like me, you can give it a try, but just be aware that the dog is not the focal point of the story. It’s an okay mystery, but nothing to look at twice.
Profile Image for R.
358 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2019
What this book lacks in size (as it is slightly shorter that the authors usual works) it makes up for by sheer exuberance and passion for life.

I wish I could give this wonderful book more than 5 stars, because it hardly feels like enough.

Most stories with 'unofficial' detectives in them; that are closer to middle aged and past their prime, so to speak; are sometimes slow to warm up and can be a little dull and predictable, in my opinion - once you've read one, you've read them all - kind of thing.
However, this book is not like that! The author of this book throws in little tidbits here and there to keep you hooked and tempting you to read further to see where the story goes.

The story itself is well crafted, and has some humorous bits, with a subtle 'personality quirk', here; and a 'funky smelling character', there. And slowly, but surely, you find yourself embroiled in the story, and feeling yourself pulled into the story that takes you from an observational point of view, to the point of view of a partner in the risk and the danger. Sifting through the clues, battling against the mind of the criminal, but also, you feel as though you are outside of your comfort zone, along with the main character, and it's really invigorating and thrilling! I love it!

It goes without saying that this is a book I recommend to you, without hesitation.

If you like multiple, interesting characters, who do much clue finding and lots of risk taking. If you love a certain amount of violence in your books and some dry, subtle humour; quirky personalities; a hint of romance; plus a cute, protectively fierce little dog, then by all means buy this book. I hope you will like it as much as I did!
Profile Image for Billie.
5,782 reviews72 followers
December 8, 2019
As the Aurelia nears Athens, a new member of the crew is found dead in his cabin. Next to a gun and slumped over a suicide note, it appears tragic but unsuspicious. However, he’s the captain’s nephew, Julian, onboard for only six days and something about the suicide note makes Patricia’s nose twitch.
With disobedient dog, Anna, loyal butler, Jermaine, and all her friends in support, your favourite amateur sleuth soon uncovers a web of lies and deceit in the bursary. There’s a mystery to solve alright but a second body muddies the water.
Is there more than one killer? Had Julian uncovered something that made him a target?
In her toughest challenge yet, it will be her Dachshund that provides the vital clue, but can Patricia solve the case before the killer escapes?

This is a perfect quick cozy read.
Well written plot and story line that is very engaging from the start.
Wonderful quirky characters that are well fleshed out and believable.
Great mystery for Patricia to solve again mixed with the humor we have grown to love and expect.
Looking forward to the next one!
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Profile Image for Ivlia Blackburn.
67 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2022
Short and sweet, the captain of the Aurelia was recently joined by his nephew, 6 days ago in fact, and had found him a job working in the accounts dept. (bursary) of the ship. Just after Patricia and friends arrived back on the cruise liner the Captain's nephew, Julian, was found dead. Allegedly he committed suicide but Patricia and friends wondered how he could shoot himself with his left hand, when he was right handed.
Their investigations, coupled with a rapid introduction to the darker side of Athen's nightlife and entertainment, only take a couple of days before they solve not only the riddle of Julian's death but a couple of other crimes as well.
An excellent book and one without the fantasy element of the previous two novels, this time relying purely on working out the clues and information gathered.
Excellent, and you are left wondering if working on a cruise liner - a dream job for many - is actually as great an idea as it might seem.
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
December 7, 2019
This series is great fun, and I will be sad when it reaches the end of the cruise, and the end of the series, shortly. But in the meantime the author has produced the best in this series so far.
Patricia has grown into something of a force of nature as she has grown in confidence, but in this book, she, and her friends, are put to the test more than in any other case on this journey. This time it gets personal when the victim of the first murder is the nephew of the captain, Patricia's 'gentleman friend'.
Although these books are fun, and funny, cosy mysteries, they are also backed up by genuinely clever plots which makes them very satisfying to read, and the characters are also really engaging.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
Profile Image for Helgaleena Healingline.
Author 2 books30 followers
December 24, 2019
One mystery is, did Patricia ever get to see wonderful Athens, Greece, despite visiting it four times? Spoiler: she was far too occupied with solving a spate of murders in the bursar's office of HMS Aurelia! One of the dead is the Captain's personable young nephew, which hits close to home. Even closer to home is when Patricia bites the bullet and asks her soon-to-be ex, the accountant, for assistance.

In the nick of time, she gets a vital clue from none other than Anna the dachshund, while sitting in her bath. This case is as twisty as the famed Gordian knot, before that. And the background of anxiety over her own future once she arrives back in England has grown. Her international fame has to be factored in!

Excellent adventure with authentic tugging on heartstrings.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,544 reviews28 followers
September 23, 2020
A Sleuth and her Dachshund in Athens (Patricia Fisher Mysteries #8), my fifth read/listen from author Steve Higgs and the eighth in this highly entertaining series. I'm going to have to go backward & catch up as I'm reading books out of order because it's what I have. Well-written & enjoyable. Deryn Oliver’s narration adds to the book's listening enjoyment. This is perhaps the most enjoyable of a very enjoyable series, I look forward to reading more in this series & more from this author. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
558 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2019
Patricia is looking for answers to a murder, but then she has a second murder added into her investigation.
The Captains nephew has been killed, but everyone is convinced he killed himself. A suicide note that Patricia believes is fake.
The ship stops over in Athens Greece, and more trouble follows.
Anna, Patricia’s little dog will help her solve this case. An interesting book from start to finish.
A little blurb to whet the appetite for the next book is included at the end.
I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Love this series!
Profile Image for Deanna.
38 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2019
In this book, Patricia gets her friends into a bit of trouble, in a fighting cage and even though no one really gets hurt, they still barely escape with their lives. This ensues after her captain's nephew gets murdered.
This series is a cozy, easy read and usually only takes an evening to read one.
I really enjoy the series, though I could careless about the dachsund - frankly, I don't really care when a dog needs to 'go'.
Know this series is coming to an end and that's kind of sad as the ventures are fun to read.
512 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2020
This is the 8th book in the Patricia Fisher Cruise series. Patty is back from Zangrabar. She has met the Captain's nephew, Julian. Later, Julian is found murdered. It is made to look like a suicide, but Patty knows better. She, Jermaine, Barbie, Hideki , plus 2 security officers are on the trail of the murderer. Before the story ends there have been another murder, a man who parasails onto the ship and an adventure to a seedy part of Athens. The ending sets up for the next book in this series.
18 reviews
September 6, 2024
Better and Better!

Mrs. Fisher has a knack for two very different things: first is getting into a situation that could easily turn deadly; second is solving the mystery. It may take her a while, and she is often mistaken in her theories, but in the end, she gets it right.
Mr. Higgs is a marvelous author, making his characters believable, personable, and very real. Some of the scenarios he creates are extremely funny, and the mental pictures I get are truly amazing. Go get 'em, Mrs. Fisher!
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,064 reviews35 followers
December 15, 2019
I'm loving this series...

A Sleuth and her Dachshund in Athens: Patricia Fisher Mysteries is Book 8 in A Humorous Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery series. Patricia has her hands full as there is another death onboard the ship, a supposed suicide. This book is well written and entertaining, with humour, fun characters, mystery, twists and turns, death, danger, deceit, and a dachshund.

I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
130 reviews
March 17, 2020
Review

When Alistair's nephew Julian is murdered and the crime is made to look like a suicide, Aisitair asks Patricia to investigate. Bhukari and Baker assist.

Who would want to kill an accountant?

There are plenty of suspects.

Patricia asks Charlie to check the account Julian was working on.

The gang goes out in Athens, and find another murder victim.

Lots of twists and turns. But what do lip reading and a fight club have to do with anything.

On the lighter side,
180 reviews
May 2, 2025
A Sleigh and her Dachshund in Athens

This book was typical Mrs. Fisher with her friends getting into trouble figuring out how two people got killed one of them being the Captains nephew. Going into a bad bar to verify that one of the possible killers was where he said he was. Getting to go back to Athens in a helicopter to prove his innocence. Then a fight. She finally solved the nephews killer. Looking forward to the next book.
31 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2019
Steve Higgs is keeping me up at night!!

Just when I think that this story is too short to satisfy, sleuth Patricia Fisher turns "the answer" on its head! Like all of the Patricia Fisher series, the story is action packed, wonderfully humorous, and has quirky well defined characters.I cannot decide whether I can't wait or dread the coming of the final book in the series.
95 reviews
December 11, 2019
They keep getting better

Wow. I love this series, I love this author, and everything he has written. The books keep getting better and I keep losing sleep because I HAVE to finish said books due to the suspense and excitement. This one made me cheer even louder and I really wanted to punch the bad guy.
5 reviews
January 29, 2020
Growing more and more to love this heroine.
Patricia and her friends are once again getting into trouble while untangling clues and solving murder. Each book in the series can be read alone but as more friends join her in each book and her character develops it's worth starting from the beginning and reading all in the series.
99 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2022
This book is a well written cozy murder mystery with intricate twist and turns. The characters are quirky and quite believable with a little twist of humor. I can't wait to read more from Steve Higgs as I found this book to be fun, intriguing and full of action and suspense. I received this book for free at my request. This is my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Judi.
281 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2022
Although Patricia doesn't go looking for trouble, it always seems to find her. The Captain's nephew, an accountant, apparently commits suicide. Our group finds the killer, but not until there's another death. I'm looking forward to the next book with anticipation. This series just keeps getting better. Recommended. (Mr. Higgs' other series are excellent, too. Check them out.)
66 reviews
October 3, 2025
Awesome

If I had the energy & courage that Mrs. Fisher has, I, too , could solve so many puzzles. This character is so amazing to me. Mr. Higgs really does put a lot of thought & research into her character. Her thought process is very unique. Sometimes, she starts out wrong but always acknowledges it. But in the end,
Linda Orrs , Ogden, Utah, USAshe always gets her man.
507 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2019
Another great adventure!

This is a very fun, light mystery. It is following a zone to be divorced, older woman discovering herself and solving mysteries along the way. I will actually be sorry to see Patricia's cruise end.






562 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2020
Entertaining quick read

I'm really enjoying this series. Lots of fun characters who get into improbable situations, action packed adventures with a nutty sense of humour. Fun quick reads.
334 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2020
Cracking good read

What a fantastic series , I really enjoyed this book the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
Profile Image for Avalon.
617 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2022
Patricia Fisher is back on the case with her Butler and other crew members. Finding a crew member dead in his cabin, she looks for clues to find his killer and finds herself in Athens at a fight club with Jeremiah and Hidiki, his partner and security. Game on. Very enjoyable read
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
622 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2022
Great book and story.

As they are getting close to Athens, the captain's nephew is killed. Alistair taps Patricia to find our who did it. While trying to do that she and her team are arrested for murder. Find out who the killer is and the story behind .
Profile Image for Terry Polston.
793 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2022
The pieces were fairly simple to put together in this one. Patricia is now calling on Alistair for his assistance in rallying the local law. Patricia works her way through embezzlement, fight club, a mugging, and a secret affair.
Profile Image for Chili Diane Evance.
387 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2022
I have been reading the ten books of the Patricia Fisher mysteries. It’s been great fun living through her adventures. I’m now starting Book 9 and know that another exciting adventure awaits. Thanks for creating such an interesting heroine.
619 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2023
Patricia seems to not get much normal tourist activity in as she is yet again dealing with a mystery. This one is much more personal as it affects the captain. So many twists and so many suspects.
19 reviews
January 31, 2024
Really enjoying these

I am really enjoying these books looking forward to reading many more of them being retired and reading is always taken care of a lot of my stress. Thank you. Please keep writing I hope you can make a living.
Profile Image for Christine Errington.
97 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2024
Losing Sleep

The Patricia Fisher stories get better and better as the stories progress. I don’t begrudge the late nights reading “just one more chapter” before sleep overtakes me. It’s worth it to spend time aboard The Aurelia with Patricia and her friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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