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When she finds a wounded member of British Intelligence in her bedroom, Patricia really isn’t that surprised. I mean, it happens all the time, doesn’t it? However, she is surprised, and really not delighted, to hear that he has a secret task for her.

Find his contact, hand over a harmless looking data storage device that just happens to have the details of a superweapon on it and save the world from certain disaster. Her country needs her. Well, that’s just perfect.

Throw into the mix a missing grandmother who just might have been grabbed by sex traffickers, foreign agents who all want the weapon, and the return of her gin-guzzling friend Lady Mary Bostihill-Swank and her relaxing, romantic stop in Malta might be the most exciting two days of her life.

Get ready for another cozy thrill ride as Patricia, Barbie, Jermaine, and more get in and out of trouble in an ancient island paradise.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2020

602 people are currently reading
179 people want to read

About the author

Steve Higgs

547 books807 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
636 (53%)
4 stars
401 (33%)
3 stars
129 (10%)
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19 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Ivlia Blackburn.
67 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2022
Arriving at the second to last stop, Malta, Patricia and Alistair - the Captain of the Aurelia - decide to spend a romantic two days in a hotel together away from the ship and, hopefully, any further complications. However, Patricia steps off the ship and straight into a scene from a James Bond (or similar) spy film, complete with deadly weapons, spies from all around the world, and - just for extra interest - a sex smuggling ring operating from Malta into North Africa and a missing mother/motherr-in-law last seen getting into the back of a taxi with a mysterious man. Is she a victim of the sex smuggling ring or is this something else yet again. Unfortunately, investigating this persuades those running the real smuggling ring that Patricia and friends know something about their activities and decide the best way to stop her is to kidnap the captain.
A fun novel from start to finish, full of action as well as humour (did you know Patricia is now known as ''granny pants'' on the internet due to an unfortunate, and now infamous, photo taken during her ''holiday'' in Zangrabar) including shoot outs, exploding cars, kidnapping, more shoot outs, disguises and a lot of brain work to work out who is what and what is which different plot and who is real or fake or just a red herring.
An excellent, nay, brilliantly entertaining book, once picked up I couldn't put it down until I had finished (good job it's the weekend). It would make an excellent screen play for a film which would actually entertain and be suitable for all ages and everything else.
Profile Image for R.
360 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2020
After I read the title, I thought it might be a book about some type of bird...oh, how wrong I was. There are no birds in the entire book! Oh, wait, yes a parrot is mentioned, but it's an emblem, not a feathered kind of bird.

How can I tell you about this story without giving away the plot line...hmm...hold on, I'm thinking, oh I know. Well a middle aged woman, goes fully James Bond, a lot of bad guys are involved, a type of bond girl is involved too. There is a granny, a boy who won't put his mobile phone down, a sex trafficking ring, a dachshund, a beautiful Maltese city, a lot of hullabaloo, and some dangerous gun battles. The author has packed a whole lot into this book let me tell you!

I really enjoyed tagging along with Patricia Fisher; sometimes she was an incredible superwoman, sometimes she was just your average everyday housewife; all the time she was a 'scared out of her wits' normal human being who has an extra keen type of intelligence and a great eye for details!

I love the array of characters in this book and the backdrop of Malta; a dry, rocky landscape filled with historical buildings and tourist shops. I see it all as a film reel running in my head in glorious technicolour and dolby digital surround sound. With explosions and scary shoot outs, plus death defying moments that will stay in my memory for ever, this book literally has it all. Add to this the beauty of Malta and the locals, and you have a really incredible mental image. I think if this book was made into a film it would star someone sickeningly good looking as the Captain of the ship, and someone slightly housewifey looking to play the part of Patricia Fisher. I think it would make a really good film. I would definitely go and see it at the cinema!
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2020
I have read most of the books in this series, and I have really enjoyed them, but I honestly think that this is the best so far.
The real beauty of this series is the believability of the characters, none of them are super fit special agents (well apart from Barbie who is a really fit young gym instructor) and none have any real special talents, although Patricia is very good at solving mysteries and putting pieces of puzzles together. They are essentially normal people who you could meet anywhere. What all the characters do have though, is shared friendship and loyalty, which gets them through some very tough situations.
I also like the balance between humour and a good mystery story, for a humorous mystery to work, it needs to have a good story line, with humour added, rather than staring with the jokes or funny situations and working the plot around them. These books certainly get it right.
Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would strongly recommend that it is read in sequence with the others in the series, firstly because there are references to earlier stories, but mainly because observing the growth of the characters and their relationships is a real delight.
Finally I also liked the descriptions of Malta which were excellent.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.

Profile Image for Billie.
5,784 reviews71 followers
January 13, 2020
When she finds a wounded member of British Intelligence in her bedroom, Patricia really isn’t that surprised. I mean, it happens all the time, doesn’t it? However, she is surprised, and really not delighted, to hear that he has a secret task for her.
Find his contact, hand over a harmless looking data storage device that just happens to have the details of a superweapon on it and save the world from certain disaster. Her country needs her. Well, that’s just perfect.
Throw into the mix a missing grandmother who just might have been grabbed by sex traffickers, foreign agents who all want the weapon, and the return of her gin-guzzling friend Lady Mary Bostihill-Swank and her relaxing, romantic stop in Malta might be the most exciting two days of her life.
Get ready for another cozy thrill ride as Patricia, Barbie, Jermaine, and more get in and out of trouble in an ancient island paradise.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
These are just so much fun to read and I just adore the gang of characters as they have me laughing out loud with their antics!!!
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa Denn.
510 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2019
Just finished reading The Maltese Parrot, book 9 in Steve Higgs' Patricia Fisher Mystery Series.

I've not read any of the prior books on Higgs' series (although I have already added Killer Cocktail, which appears to be a book written for the purpose of getting to know Patricia and her friends a bit before the reader jumps into the full series, to my Kindle) so the characters were new to me. You might think picking up book 9 in the series to be an odd choice as a starting point but the Maltese Parrot fits the perfectly represents the meaning behind the phrase "stand alone book"

The Patty and her close friends resembled people we could expect to meet in our daily lives. This is an important "must have" in a book if it is to keep my attention. I also tend to like books which move quickly, have a bit of humor and have plenty of red herrings to challenge my investigative skills.The Maltese Parrot ticked all the boxes on my "What Makes A Good Cozy Mystery" checklist.

Definitely will recommend The Maltese Parrot by author Steve Higgs to my friends and those reading my review should read it too!
53 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2020
Yet Again, Patricia Ascends Above Worldly Chaos!

I am devastated that Patricia's world tour onboard the magnificent Aurelia Cruise Ship is coming to an end. The only thing holding up my teary face is our charming author segues us to the gorgeous English countryside with Patricia and another heartwarming cast of characters... one must wonder where he gets his information and British intelligence from... but who cares when and where Hendricks Lavender Gin flows freely and Patricia keeps people, police and perps guessing while she uses her little grey cells performing Hercule Poirot or Herculean efforts to solve mysteries beyond imagination As an American, all I can say or ask the author is to Please Sir, might I have more? Thank you in advance because I have yet to read Book 10... jlp
Profile Image for Christine Hunter.
336 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2020
If you're familiar with Patricia Fisher Mysteries, then you already know the cast of characters including Anna, the miniature Daschaund. This is the 9th book of a ten book series and works just as easily as a stand-alone.

Patricia has a knack for finding herself involved in murder and mayhem but has an intuitive mind that she uses to piece the clues together. She then manages to get most of her friends involved in the solving of her latest mystery.

I really enjoyed reading this one and can easily recommend it to anyone that appreciates a good cozy mystery. Steve has a way with words creating humour throughout even with all the shooting and bodies piling up.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,659 reviews28 followers
September 25, 2020
The Maltese Parrot: A Patricia Fisher Mystery (A Humorous Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Book 9), my eighth read/listen from author Steve Higgs and the ninth 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. Sheila Daly Payson’s excellent 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).
280 reviews
January 8, 2024
I don’t know how Steve Higgs come up with these totally engaging plots! Yesterday, I started reading yet another highly recommended WWII historical fiction set in Paris with the ubiquitous bookstore, advancing Nazis, damsel in distress, yada, yada…. Not what I need right now. I tried another from the same author - same thing, WWII, Nazi’s, this time a librarian trying to track down hidden children. Urg. But I have several of Steve Higg’s boxed sets on my Kindle, and The Maltese Parrot saved my mood and the day. Sometimes literary ice cream is better for you than anything. So I think I’ll have another scoop
Profile Image for Helgaleena Healingline.
Author 2 books30 followers
January 10, 2020
Even though the Captain and Patrica's getaway to an onshore hotel is derailed by passenger problems, she still gets to see quite a lot of the lovely land of Malta, due to her involvement with the international agent of Her Majesty's government who put in a surprise appearance in her onboard suite. The loyal crew of HMS Aurelia rally round to rescue their kidnapped captain, and plenty of treachery is foiled and a love story revealed. And in the end, Patricia has the perfect solution for saving the world! This episode of her adventures is my new favourite.
514 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2020
Another way over the top book. I'm giving it a very, very liberal 4 stars. 3.5 is what I would like to give it.
This one has Patty trying to deliver a flash drive to a British agent. But before she can do this, a family from the ship stops her so she can help them find the wife's mother. Suddenly she has gone missing.
This series has lots of murders, gun fights, sex trafficking, crooked police, agents who are not who they say they are and a kidnapped captain. Like I said, way over the top.
130 reviews
March 18, 2020
Review

Patricia has already decided she can't stay with Aistair. She has to go home and find her own way.

Lots of twists and turns in this cloak and dagger spy tale.

Patricia has a hard time trusting anyone as she tries to save the world.

Lady Mary returns, Patricia and Jermaine are arrested, and Alistair is kidnapped.

Patricia ia also tasked with finding a missing Granny.

Just another few days in the life of our intrepid detective.

Great story!





Profile Image for Terry Polston.
817 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2022
Set in Malta, a real place but not quite as described in the book. I laughed when it took all night to get to Mdina from Valletta which is only 30 minutes away. Mdina is one of my favorite places in Malta. The stakes are ratcheted up when Patricia and her friends have to deal with spies, human traffickers, corrupt police, and Alistair being kidnapped. Alistair does profess his love to Patricia. He also answers for her a couple times which sets her teeth on edge.
Profile Image for Linda C.
2,502 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2026
After solving the last mystery Patricia returns to her suite to find a wounded British intelligence agent who asks her to pass along a data storage device with the blueprints of a new very deadly weapon to an agent at their next stop, Malta. Needless to say there is a problem with that, and changes involve making her a target. She is also asked by a passenger to find a missing grandparent that the family thinks has been kidnapped by white slavers. This was very action packed. The series seems to be getting into more action as it progresses. This was fun and a very quick read. Only one more in the series.
507 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2020
Fun mystery

This is a fun storyline of a soon to be divorced, middle -aged woman discovering herself and helping others. The characters are interesting and likeable and they have been growing throughout the cruise. It will be sad to have the cruise end, but interesting to see what Patricia does next. A very fun series.
230 reviews
January 11, 2020
This is the type of book I like to take me "away from the world". Very humorous and had me laughing and turning the pages to see what happens next. I am exhausted by the time I finish every Patricia Fisher book . Non stop action with what appears to be impossible situations for her and her cruise ship associates to get out of. A"must read" for cozy fans.
885 reviews9 followers
January 12, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Patricia is at it again!
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2020
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
An extremely fun mystery with wonderful characters! This story is a great escape into Malta with a good mystery which kept me guessing. I can’t wait for the next one in this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Judi.
285 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2022
Patricia gets involved with spies! There are so many bodies in this one, it could have been a war...Of course, Patricia solves the mystery and wins the day. But, I wonder how the spies didn't fall over each other before the showdown--there were apparently enough of them. Very enjoyable. Recommended.
Profile Image for Christine Errington.
103 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2024
Thrills and Spills Aplenty

Patricia’s most hair-raising adventure yet kept me turning the pages into the small hours. James Bond, eat your heart out!
Alongside the high octane action, some poignant moments plus, of course, many laugh aloud scenes. Steve Higgs can write comedy, romance and thriller. What’s not to love!
Profile Image for Terri Borkgren.
795 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2025
The Maltese Parrot Book

A secret agent mission for her country, a lot of people chasing her and a missing grandmother are just a snapshot of this adventure Patricia has as her time on the cruise line draws to a close and she returns to her home in the states. Another great read that takes the reader on a busy adventure with this unforgettable woman.
Profile Image for Lesley Hewitt.
832 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2020
Brilliant

Wow, what a book, Patricia gets a lot of unwanted attention in this book. Spies, murders, kidnappings and a pregnant dog. I couldn't put this book down until I'd finished reading it. I can't wait to read what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Richard.
424 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2023
Almost at the end

Amazon did not give me a page to review the last two books! I have been intrigued by the plot twists and the development of the characters! I hate to see the end of this series!
11 reviews
March 18, 2023
Cleaver mystery. I don't know she does it.

Once again, Patricia is right on the mark. Sad to see this series end with one remaining book. But I know there will be more fun ahead.
I find myself excited to settle in a chair after work to enjoy a cozy mystery. Loved It.
620 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2023
Malta is full of things to see and yet Patricia isn't even off the quay when she is stopped by a family worried that someone has kidnapped the grandmother. Alistair and Patricia are planning a couple of quiet days. Will they get any time together?
Profile Image for Bill Jones.
431 reviews
February 18, 2025
This time Patricia gets mixed up in international espionage - introducing a bit of James Bond! Not really my sort of tale as there are too many bodies and unnecessary and barely justified violence, but it is well written and makes an interesting tale. I hope the next tale is better . . .
78 reviews
October 4, 2025
Awesome

So many plots so little time. I could join a cruise ship for round the world trip. But it would have to have Patrice Fisher on it to make it work. Trouble just follows her like a magnet
524 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2020
Great read

Just what I expected! Another great and enjoyable mystery, full of crazy characters and happenings. I'm curious to see what happens next!
562 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2020
Another fun packed mystery

A fun quick read. Full of quirky characters and highly improbable situations with a tongue in cheek humour that I enjoy. Really like this mystery series.
2 reviews
April 7, 2020
Brilliant as always 👍

Entertaining, enthralling and humorous as always. I'm loving all of Steve Higgs books.
(I've read lmost 20 now, I think!)
Profile Image for Tanya Whitehead.
6 reviews
April 15, 2020
Great read

Enjoyed this as much as the earlier books, sad that the cruise is coming to an end, will miss the characters
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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