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Masquerades, mimosas ... and murder!
It’s a dream come true for Frances Palmer: A voyage from Australia to
England on the “Empress of the Sea”, together with her fiancé Jack
Sullivan and her Uncle Sal, aka “Salvatore the Magnificent”. They’ve
been hired to entertain the passengers with magic tricks and daring
stunts.
But all is not well below deck, with jealousy and larceny ruffling the
cheerful atmosphere. Frances and Jack soon find themselves in stormy seas, together with newfound allies.
When a passenger is found dead after a costume ball
and one of Frances’s new friends is accused of murder, they decide to
secretly dive into the case.
Nothing is plain sailing, though, against a cunning murderer. Will Jack
and Frances and their friends get to the bottom of the truth, or will they
sink in the sea of deception?
Murder Makes Waves is the third mystery in this cozy series set in the
early 1930s.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2020

13 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Carmen Radtke

56 books453 followers

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5 stars
53 (46%)
4 stars
44 (38%)
3 stars
12 (10%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,474 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2020

Frances, Jack and Uncle Sal are once again on the case as they sail to London when a passenger dies aboard ship. I feel like I am among friends when I read a book from this series. I do love historical mysteries and Ms. Radtke has done her research so that it did feel like it was 1931. I can't wait to see what Ms. Radtke has in store for them in London.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,117 reviews
October 5, 2020
Another exciting adventure with Jack and Frances along with Uncle Sal as they travel aboard a ship to England. Great mystery with a lot of twists. I did not guess the killer. Wonderful new characters that I hope we’ll see more of in England. Jack and Frances are such a charming couple and I could just picture their adventures on the ship. Really a wonderful series and I couldn’t put the book down. Can’t wait for the next adventure - in England.
Profile Image for Fiona Leitch.
Author 27 books431 followers
November 8, 2020
I loved the previous Jack and Frances mysteries, so I was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint! The two main characters are so likeable, but the supporting characters also really add to the story (especially Uncle Sal, who has to be one of my favourite characters ever), and I really hope we see some of the newer ones in Jack and Frances' future stories. The lighthearted combination of romance, glamour and mystery in a bygone era makes this the perfect escapist read. A must for cozy mystery readers who enjoy a touch of history with their murders!
Profile Image for Tam Sesto.
789 reviews16 followers
November 5, 2020
All aboard for a trip to London via the SS Empress of the Sea.

Murder Makes Waves by Carmen Radtke was written in a way that the reader felt like they were sailing to London along with Jack and Frances and her Godfather, Uncle Sal. Rounding out the cast of main characters was a feisty older lady, Aunt Mildred, her nephew Tommy, and her adorable Corgi, Tinkerbell.

The plot was written with the feel of an Agatha Christie novel. The author was quite successful in making the reader feel as if they were in the year 1931 and traveling by ship. There was traditional tea, card games, cigars and alcohol, dance girls, and a magic act provided by Frances and Uncle Sal. Amidst of all these fun activities, a murder happens and gambling cheaters ply their trade.

This was the third book in the Jack and Frances Mysteries, and not having read the first two, didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the book. I loved the fact that the author did a list of characters at the beginning of the book. It was quite helpful since some of the characters only appeared once or twice in the book. The book was a joy to read. I can honestly recommend it to anyone, especially to readers who enjoy that era or style of writing.

Thanks to Carmen Radtke for the opportunity to read and review this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book.
Profile Image for Jude Srivalsan.
267 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2020
I loved this book! Having read the one before it, I was excited for another adventure with Jack, Frances and Sal. This book sees them on a boat to England from Australia in the 1920s after the great depression. Jack's mother has summoned him to go and see her. It takes 6 months by boat from Australia to England, via India, so there is plenty of time for a murder mystery to take place that they get dragged into! Frances and Sal are earning their passage by re-enacting their knife throwing act as part of the ship's entertainment.
On board, they meet Aunt Mildred and her nephew, Tommy, who help them get to the bottom of the murder on the ship!
It is a great read and keeps you enthralled all the way through. I can't wait for the next instalment!
Profile Image for Pam Devine.
592 reviews11 followers
November 6, 2020
Another great episode in the lives of Jack and Frances. I really enjoyed the setting and the little historical details that made the story so much fun. Things like the reference to the Banana Dance (which I'd never heard of!) had me reaching for Google to learn more about the period. I'm looking forward to the next chapter of the journey, hopefully with Tinkerbell in tow!
765 reviews
July 12, 2022
Another good story with Jack, Frances and Uncle Sal. I liked the cruise ship setting and the cast of characters. Good plot too.
870 reviews28 followers
October 9, 2020
I am going to bare my soul and tell you I am totally smitten with Jack, Frances and Uncle Sal. They're like the original Charlie's Angels, only believable and credible. The descriptions involved in Murder Makes Waves are sublime. I was totally caught up in the cruise, would have loved to have joined in the fancy dress party and drunk cocktails with Aunt Mildred. The whole book sweeps you up into a long gone era and wraps you up in the mystery aboard the ship. I felt very divided, I wanted to read faster as it was such beautiful and exquisite penmanship but I also wanted to read slower as I didn't want it to end. There were so many detailed and delicate little extras to keep the reader engaged. Jack with his new fangled camera. Tommy and his hidden depths. I could write a list as long as your arm, but the best thing I can possibly do is suggest you read Murder Makes Waves for yourself because I know you're going to thank me later.
160 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2021
This was a fun, atmospheric mystery with likeable characters and a tight storyline. It's perfect for those who dream of the golden age of luxury travel! This book is enjoyable even if you haven't read the others in the series, and after having read it I plan to check out Frances and Jack's other adventures.

Disclaimer: I was provided an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer .
1,661 reviews32 followers
November 26, 2020
‘Murder Makes Waves’ is a cozy crime mystery which is the third book in Radtke’s ‘Jack and Frances Mysteries’ series which are set in the early 1930s. Although part of a series this novel can be read as a standalone story. Main characters Frances Palmer, her fiancé Jack Sullivan, and Frances Uncle Sal, aka “Salvatore the Magnificent” are on the “Empress of the Sea”, on a voyage from Australia to England. It’s a dream come true for Frances and she’s looking forward to the glamour of the voyage and the mimosas and masquerades, however she wasn’t expecting a murder. Having been hired to entertain the passengers with their daring stunts and magic tricks they soon realise that the cheerful atmosphere does not continue below deck, which is full of larceny and jealousy. Following a costume ball a passenger is found dead and one of Frances’s new friends is accused of their murder. Convinced her friend is innocent Frances and Jack decide to investigate the case for themselves. The pair find themselves up against a cunning murderer and along with their new friends they must discover the truth among all the deception.
This was an enjoyable and engaging story set during the charm of the ‘Golden Age’ and the glamour of a voyage from Australia to England. The storyline is fast paced and the plot is full of twists which had me both hooked and kept me guessing until the end. The characters are all wonderfully defined and all add something different to the overall story. Thanks to the authors detailed descriptive narrative I felt fully immersed in the novel and look forward to reading the previous books in the series to catch up with Jack and Frances.
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
November 16, 2020
Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries Book 3)
By Carmen Radtke
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries Book 3) by Carmen Radtke. It is a story that includes mystery, danger, and murder. It is a book that had me hooked from the very beginning. I love the characters of Frances Palmer, her fiancé Jack Sullivan and Frances’s Uncle Sal. Frances is an intelligent woman who is very much in love with Jack. Jack is a businessman who enjoys taking pictures and sketching them as well. Uncle Sal is a magician who dazzles an audience. While traveling by ship, they find themselves privately investigating the death of one of the passengers. Will they be able to clear one of Frances’s new friends of the murder? Read this book to find out. I love the time that this book takes you back to. It is fun to read about how life is lived at the time and also some of the phrases that are used. The book also had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. I enjoyed reading about the additional characters that are introduced and interact with Frances, Jack, and Uncle Sal. The author does a wonderful job of making the story and the characters come to life. Don’t miss out on an amazing book that you will not want to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,946 reviews123 followers
November 22, 2020
4 Stars

Murder Makes Waves is the third book in the Jack and Frances Mystery series by Carmen Radtke. This is my first read by Ms. Radtke, so I really didn’t know what to expect going into the book. I was definitely intrigued and as I love a good cozy mystery, I happily snapped up a copy to explore.
The story is a cleverly woven historical murder mystery set in 1931, on a cruise ship on the high seas. The story is full of danger, jealousy, deception, murder, theft, crime & investigation- and with a cunning adversary to deal with. I enjoyed meeting Jack and Frances, along with Uncle Sal, Aunt Mildred, the other secondary characters, and of course Tinkerbell the Corgi.
Even though this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone, without feeling like you are missing any details. The characters did intrigue me enough to want to go back and read the other two books to see what Jack and Frances have been up to previously. I am sure to learn a great deal more about them, as well as backstory information that I am looking forward to discovering.
A fun read.

Thank you, Carmen Radtke!
33 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2020
Murder Makes Waves: A cozy Jack and Frances mystery by Carmen Radtke is simply put, fantastic! The story is set in 1931 and Ms. Radtke makes the era come alive with her descriptions of the clothing, food, cruise ship etc. I decided to read this book simply because I love to cruise and I love mysteries and thought, perfect book for me. I'm very glad I chose it since it did not disappoint!
Although this this the third book in the series, it stands alone just fine. Which is important since I had not read the first two. Books 1 & 2 are now in my to be read pile.

Murder Makes Waves is chock full of everything I'd want in a mystery: murder, deception, danger, a touch of jealousy, with some theft and of course investigation thrown in. Frances, Jack, & Uncle Sal are wonderful characters, fully developed, and really sprang off the page!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more about Frances & Jack, as well as other books by Ms. Radtke. Murder Makes Waves was a fun read for me and I'm positive you will feel the same!
2,094 reviews20 followers
December 3, 2020
4 Stars
Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries Book 3) by Carmen Radtke

Murder Makes Waves is the third book in the Jack and Frances mysteries by Carmen Radtke. This is my first read by this author and I really didn’t know what to expect going in, but I love me a good cozy mystery especially when they are packed with danger, crime and murder . Im a huge fan of any historical genre so this was right up my alley beings it was set in 1931. This author has a unique way of telling a story and making you feel as if you are right there with them. The characters are relatable and fun. I’m definitely going to check out the first two books in this series. Frances and Jack take a job on a voyage cruise ship doing magic. But when a passenger is found dead they find themselves taking on a new role of finding the murderer. Will they figure out who the murderer is? Find out what happens next in this must read fast paced cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
1,964 reviews24 followers
November 24, 2020
Murder Makes Waves (Jack and Frances mysteries Book 3) by Carmen Radtke. I absolutely loved this book. Its my favorite genre which helps but the characters were so fun! Its the story of Frances Palmer, her fiance Jack Sullivan and her Uncle Sal. The three are hired to work on "The Empress of the Sea" a ship that is travelling from Australia to England. They have been hired to entertain the passengers on the ship with magic and stunts but when one of the passengers is murdered the trio decide to investigate to clear the name of a new friend. Set in 1931 I loved the description of the clothes, food and entertainment it made me feel as if I was actually there. I haven't read the prior 2 books but I was not lost at all. I will go back and read them because I enjoyed this one so much! Do yourself a favor and pick up one or all of these books! You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Kayla Interdonato.
77 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2020
Murder Makes Waves is the third book in the Jack and Frances mysteries series by Carmen Radtke. I loved taking a trip back to the early 1930s with this cozy mystery. Frances Palmer with her fiancé Jack Sullivan take a voyage from Australia to England with Frances’ Uncle Sal. They land their spot on the “Empress of the Sea” by performing entertaining magic tricks and stunts. What seems like a good time suddenly starts to shift as Jack and Frances find themselves running with different crowds. A passenger is found dead so the two decide to solve the mystery of the murder to clear the name of one of Frances’ new friends. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I thoroughly loved each character that the author brought to life. I highly recommend this mystery and look forward to reading others in the series.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2020
Murder Makes Waves
By Carmen Radtke
4 stars

When I first read the synopsis for this book I was a little intrigued, it sounded good so thought I would give it a go. When I first started reading it I wondered if I would enjoy it especially since I’ve not read the first two in the series but I absolutely did. It was a really good read. The author’s writing was detailed and descriptive which enabled me to imagine what I was reading and for me this made the story even more enjoyable. I loved the main characters Frances and Jack as well as some great secondary characters too. I will definitely be reading the first two in the series now and I am looking forward to more from this series also. This book was a great introduction to Ms Radtke as a new author!
Profile Image for Liz.
1,327 reviews19 followers
November 30, 2020
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this novel, as Carmen Radtke is a new author to me. I loved the cover and it drew me in right away. When I sat down to read this book I felt as if I was whisked away to the far past when sailing was a luxury and way of life. The mystery behind this story was fabulously written and engaging. I almost felt as if I was a murder mystery dinner play having the time of my life figuring out who dun it with the wonderful cast of characters that make up this book. This is the third book in the Jack and Frances mysteries but I had zero problem jumping right in and loving France and Jack. I am excited to find out what they get up to in the first two books now that I have devoured this one. If mysteries are your thing this is a series you don’t want to miss out on!
Profile Image for Erica Fish.
992 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2020
Carmen Radtke is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book has a solid storyline. This is accomplished by the detail writing by Carmen Radtke. Her characters are fully developed and complicated. The feeling I had reading this book is a fun cozy mystery story. I finished it in one sitting as I felt drawn into the story. I love the fact that it was done on water which makes this story even more interesting. Our main characters Frances and Jack are an act on a voyage ship doing a magic act. They were called into action when a passenger was murdered. Will Frances and Jack find the murderer? What else can possibly happen while investigating this murder? I highly recommend this story.

Profile Image for Jennifer Wolbeck.
31 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2020
Murder Makes Waves takes you on a glamorous 1920's cruise full of glitzy luxury and suspenseful thrills. If you're not busy enjoying the palatial setting with the main cast of characters, then you're solving mysteries and crimes. I found Frances, a humble young woman from Australia, really charming. Her down to earth attitude and straightforward common sense felt reminiscent of a Nancy Drew type of character. Similarly, her dashing fiancé, Jack, made an equally good Ned Nickerson-esque counterpart. Carmen Radtke did a good job taking classic murder mystery tropes and breathing life into them. I highly recommend this book. It's well written and a fun read.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,068 reviews66 followers
November 20, 2020
I enjoyed this mystery story. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from her. This is a well developed story with the author’s great attention to details made the story realistic. The characters are strong and entertaining. They bring the story to life and made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that I found to be engaging to the end. Frances and Jack take a job on a voyage ship doing magic. When a passenger is found dead, they take on a new role of finding the murderer. Will they find their murderer? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens. This is a great cozy story that comes to life and pulled me in from the first chapter. I think that you would enjoy this just as much as I did.
Profile Image for N.
147 reviews38 followers
December 2, 2020
This is a great story with plenty of intrigue, suspense and twists. I hadn't read any books by this author or the previous books in this series, which would have probably helped establish the characters better. Still, I grew to understand the characters Jack and Frances quickly. I also loved the setting of a voyage to England from Australia, as an Australian being able to understand many of the cultural references, and the historical details were a delight. It's a kind of cozy read and highly entertaining. Having enjoyed this story, I would read the other books in this series now.
453 reviews5 followers
December 3, 2020
Although this is the third book in this series, for me it is the first book I’m reading by this author. The wonderful thing is the book is written so you can pick up who the characters are and not feel slighted - I’m still planning on getting the first two books.
The author shares with us the description of the setting so we feel like we are part of this mystery that takes place back in 1931 on a cruise ship. The story has deception, jealousy, danger, and a mystery. I’m sure fans of cozy mysteries will love this series.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,707 reviews80 followers
November 20, 2020
Murder Makes Waves: A cozy Jack and Frances mystery (Jack and Frances mysteries Book 3) by Carmen Radtke is a historical cozy mystery set in the 1930’s. The story takes place on a boat from Australia to England when the voyage took months to get there. The plot is reminiscent of a good Agatha Christie story. The characters are wonderful and fun to watch as they slip into the mode of super sleuths to solve the mysterious death on board the ship.
3,131 reviews34 followers
November 20, 2020
Murder Makes Waves: A Cozy Jack and Frances mystery by Carmen Radtke is the third book in the Jack and Frances mystery series. This book can be read as a stand-alone. This book reminded me of a good old fashioned mystery story and was made even more exciting by the fact that it is set in the 1930’s. The author does a great job of creating a vivid picture of that time.
Although I haven’t read any of the other books in the series I found it really easy to connect with the characters. They were easy to relate to and added depth to the story. The overall story was intriguing and definitely kept me guessing right to the end. This is a great book and one I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Michelle Mulvey.
1,163 reviews13 followers
December 2, 2020
Murder makes waves is book 3 of a series. I’m guessing you do not have to read the books in order because I haven’t read any others in the series and I didn’t feel lost. This was a good mystery book with great character and a good storyline. My favorite character of course is Uncle Sal. I feel like he made the book. I’m not a big mystery reader but I did enjoy reading the book. The author did a great job describing 1931. I would definitely recommend this read for the mystery lovers out there.
Profile Image for Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey.
1,508 reviews71 followers
November 20, 2020
Another enjoyable read from Carmen Radtke about Jack and Frances and the wonderful Uncle Sal.The 1930's are captured brilliantly again and brought to life with such interesting characters. Hopefully we'll be reunited with some of the new ones in future instalments. There were some great twists and turns in the mystery, and I definitely didn't work out who the killer was til the end.
1,406 reviews10 followers
November 23, 2020
I greedily dove straight into this story and enjoyed every page. Radtke delivers a colorful story with great characters and an interesting storyline. I love period fiction and relish in a good cozy mystery. This book delivered on all counts and is one I will gladly go back and read again.
Profile Image for Ashley Denno.
48 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2020
What a delight!! Artfully written with descriptions that make you feel as if you were there for the entire mystery. I so enjoyed reading this book and could hardly put it down. Darling, well rounded characters and a plot line that doesn't tell on itself. I'm itching to read more by this author!
27 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2020
I love a good murder mystery and this one did not disappoint. Set in the 1930’s aboard a cruise ship with some great characters, I found myself fully engrossed. Carmen has a lovely style of writing that flows beautifully. I had no idea it was a series of books that I happened to pick up book 3 of. It stands alone perfectly well and book 1 & 2 are now on my Christmas wishlist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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