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Lottie Lindberg Mystery #1

Murder Afloat: A 1900s Historical Cozy Mystery : Lottie Lindberg Series Book #)

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An unsinkable ship. The voyage of a lifetime. An unfortunate sighting.
Magnificence, intrigue & murder abound, in this twisty page-turning mystery!

When Charlotte, who goes by Lottie, Lindberg witnesses what she thinks is a pickpocketing on the docks of the famous Titanic, she vows to track the culprits once onboard, and warn the others of the danger. But it looks like mystery-obsessed, amateur-sleuth Lottie is in for a lot more than she bargained for, when the simple incident of pickpocketing turns into full-fledged MURDER. Lottie and Little Dickens now find themselves running from a killer. As glamorous as Titanic appears, nefarious things are afoot. People are not who they seem.

Eliciting the help from new best friends, Esme Loring, Margo Brown, and the dashing Inspector Stone, will Lottie be able to expose the culprits, and their secrets, in time to save herself? Or will the ill-fated Titanic that’s just hit an iceberg, go down before she has the chance?

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2021

311 people are currently reading
320 people want to read

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Ruby Rivers

47 books2 followers

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5 stars
233 (46%)
4 stars
139 (27%)
3 stars
84 (16%)
2 stars
33 (6%)
1 star
16 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Trisha Kelly.
Author 32 books93 followers
February 17, 2021
This mystery is a rich read and one you would want to set aside some time to indulge in. There is a wealth of information from the era and you can totally imagine yourself in the setting and picture the first-class passengers as they are described.
If you recall the settings on a feature-length production of one of the Christie greats, you will get the picture of the plot, the details and absolute charm of the era. I loved the wording, the description, and I suppose the sheer snobbery of the upper classes.
In a time before women had many rights, this is reflected well, and I took a dislike therefore to the male egos and their treatment of females on the whole. ‘Women know your place’ springs to mind!
The description of the fashions, particularly the dresses and hats must have been very well-researched. The protagonist, Charlotte, known as Lottie to her close friends, plays her sleuth part well from the moment she boards the fated Titanic, until the bitter end. An avid reader of mysteries, she follows in her father’s policing footsteps, it is in her blood.
Something is afoot on the ship; things are not all they seem, and danger is lurking. Not just the threat of the iceberg, no, other matters will give you the chills.
Recently widowed Lottie made a few friends on the voyage, a trip she should have made with her husband. You will see how they cross each other’s paths as the story unfolds.
Well-written, intermingled with true events and I’m happy to be an ARC reader for this series. If you love an opulent mystery set in times gone by then this is the read for you.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2021
All the opulence of a bygone era, all the elegance of an ill-fated vessel.

Meet Charlotte Eloise Lindbergh and her Westie Little Dickens. Lottie – as her friends call her – is about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. At the insistence of her recently deceased husband, Lottie and Dickens are set to board the maiden voyage of the ultra-luxury liner Titanic.

As she stands among the other passengers awaiting First Class boarding, she thinks she sees a pick-pocketing. Something about the whole scene just doesn’t sit right with Lottie and the more she sees, the less she likes it. The plot thickens as Lottie decides that she simply must get to the bottom of things.

Murder Afloat is a first in series; with a cast of characters that are as endearing as they are intriguing. Set on the infamous ship that never completed its first transatlantic voyage, Riverton peppers enough true tidbits here and there – with a good few characters borrowed from the passenger lists of the ill-fated vessel.

As entertaining as it is enthralling, Murder Afloat keeps the pages turning, almost of their own accord. An absolutely stellar opening act that leaves one hungry for the next. I highly recommend this new-to-me author; if you’re a fan of an action-packed whodunnit set in historic times, this is definitely the series for you.

[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,143 reviews132 followers
February 16, 2021
“The way I see it, once someone is bitten by the curiosity bug, there’s no shaking it off. As an adult, you either become an unstoppable gossip, or an excellent eavesdropper.”

Widowed young, Charlotte Eloise Lindberg with her Westie Little Dickens, are about to fulfill her late husband Manning's final wish- to take the maiden voyage of The Titanic to the US. All alone, Lottie makes friends and helps others. The question is, will she make it there alive when she stumbles into a swindle and a theft bigger than anyone can ever figure out?

Besides the history we already know, Ruby Riverton has woven names we know and story-lines many movies have portrayed over the years. However she gives us a woman's perspective in what was still a "man's world" which comes across softer, but very believable, leaving the reader gasping for breath and wanting more. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily chose to read and review ir]
323 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2021
Charlotte "Lottie" Elouise Lindberg is set to take off on the maiden voyage of The Titanic to America on what would have been her honeymoon with her husband, Manning. However, Manning passed away before they could take the trip. Waiting to board with her West Highland terrier, Little Dickens, Lottie thinks she sees something amiss. It could be a pickpocketing or something else that is not quite right.
Ruby Riverton has written a book that takes into account actual events and characters on the maiden voyage. Lottie befriends Margo Brown, Esme, Hugo Bird, Lady Christina Duff Gordon and Inspector Sterling Stone. Being the hatmaker that she is, she enters into a contract with Lady Duff Gordon of The Maison Lucille.
Everyone knows how the voyage ends but will Lottie catch the criminals before they hit the iceberg?
This is a great book with lots of twists and turns. A must read! I received an advanced copy of this book; This is my honest opinion.
1,024 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2021
Fulfilling a dying husbands final wish to go on their intended honeymoon alone, Lottie embarks on a trip of a lifetime. Nothing less than the maiden voyage of the Titanic. But others have nefarious plans on how to spend their time on board the ship. Lottie becomes suspicious of the thugs and their dirty dealings and puts herself and her new friends in danger.
The story is filled with rich details about the Titanic and its opulent décor. You will find yourself walking the decks and enjoying the posh surroundings. The characters are woven into the story with fine threads of delight. You can feel the stirrings of the rich as they as they voyage gracefully across the sea. Highly recommend this book as a must read. The research that was accomplished while writing this book shows how dedicated the author was in creating this story.
814 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2021
What a great read!!! I wasn’t sure what I would think of a book set on the Titanic since we all know what happened but I had to give it a try!! Well I’m so glad I did. Lottie and her adorable little dog Dickens decide to go ahead with their trip on the Titanic. The trip was to have originally been her honeymoon trip but when her husband dies before the trip she sticks to her promise to take the trip to New York as they had planned. As Lottie and Dickens await their turn to board in first class she notices a group of pick pockets making away with valuables of fellow passengers. But the more Lottie watches and thinks she realizes that something isn’t quite as it should be. I love the historic setting and waiting as Lottie uncovers clues to what is actually going on

This is a great book and I definitely recommend it snd I can’t wait to read the next installment!!!
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2021
Great story!

I really enjoyed this book. Well-written, with lovable characters. I love Lottie! She’s a sweetheart, a bit nervous, naïve in some ways (in a 1912 kind of way) which also made her very endearing with her tendency to blush, but oh so courageous when she needs to be! And smart when it comes to solving mysteries. And I love dog Dickens! And so lovely to read about Lottie making new friends: Esme, Mrs. Brown, Hugo, Sterling; I love them all! The story gets very suspenseful at times. And yes, it being the Titanic, of course some things are no surprise, yet the author managed to make everything so suspenseful that I was holding my breath at times. And don’t forget to read on when it says THE END, because there’s more after that!
Profile Image for Theresa Conner.
58 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I was a little concerned about the setting given the awful fate of the Titanic. What I found was a truly well crafted story with wonderful characters and attention to historical detail.

I have absolutely fallen in love with Lottie Lindberg and her dog, Dickens. I enjoyed her tenacity, spunk and quick mind. Where other women of the time might have withered after the death of a beloved spouse, Lottie heads to America to fulfill her promise to him. As she sails aboard the luxurious Titanic, Lottie meets colorful people, historical and fictional. She also finds a deadly mystery.

There were times that I felt as if I really was aboard the beautiful ship. You don't want to miss this wonderfully written mystery aboard the famous Titanic.
Profile Image for Darcysmom.
1,513 reviews
March 1, 2021
Lottie Lindberg is an absolute hoot and Murder Afloat was pure fun to read! Lottie and her dog Dickens are off on a great adventure - taking the Titanic to New York to start a new life. Lottie is reeling from the loss of her young husband after only two years of marriage but commits to taking the trip to America because it was a dream that they shared.
Lottie is so relatable - she is sweet, thoughtful, kind, and obsessed with crime novels.
There is glamor and plenty of mystery aboard the Titanic. Of course, there are some inevitable events - she is on the Titanic after all, but this in no way keeps the story from being an exciting, rollicking adventure.
I enjoyed every page of this book.
P.S. Keep reading after "The End."
471 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2021
Lottie Lindberg, a young widow boards the Titanic with her small dog, Little Dickens, on what was to be her honeymoon. As a keen observer she happens upon a crime. As she follows the clues, her inquisitive nature makes her a target and her life may now be in danger. When the ship hits an iceberg, her life as well as all those on the ship, is in peril with or without the criminals who are after her. I love Lottie and her new onboard friends. She is a brave, strong female character and I hope to read more of her adventures. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
21 reviews
February 20, 2021
Murder Afloat

Charlotte is going on a cruise on the most luxurious ship of the times, although it it inevitably a doomed ship. Charlotte’s husband has passed & she is keeping her promise to sail to America to keep their dream alive. She meets new people & loves a mystery which pops up while waiting to board the ship or she thinks anyway. She meets some good people of which some are odd, some scary & some lovable, & she has a wonderful time. A murder! Can Charlotte solve the murder with her new friends??? This is a must read book, well written & keeps one’s interest wanting to know what happens next.
1,406 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2021
Lottie is on her way to America for a new life. Her husband has died and she’s left the estate to her mother-in-law. She’s a hat designer and she’ll began a new life. Lottie has boarded a ship and is meeting new friends and potential enemies. She sees a pickpocket as she’s boarding. Life is glamourous and full of excitement. But trouble is lurking behind every corner.

This is an historic mystery. The descriptions of the era and gowns take you into the story. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to more in this series.
82 reviews
February 15, 2021
Oh my goodness, what an amazing story! First off, I have always loved the Titanic. And this book gives you such insight to the diversity of people and the challenges they face. Add that to murder, mystery, blooming love and friendship, and what a story you have! I couldn't put this book down. I fell in love with the characters and the story flows seamlessly. I can not wait for another in the series! Great new to me author, and I am now a big fan!
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,065 reviews35 followers
February 17, 2021
Murder Afloat is the first book in the Lottie Lindberg Mystery Series and is a great start to this new series.

I loved this book. The setting of the Titanic is very intriguing and interesting. The characters are well depicted and likable. The storyline is well written and flows nicely from start to finish, with theft, murder, secrets, and mystery. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Profile Image for Kayla Mcvey.
44 reviews
February 15, 2021
Great little mystery bringing in fiction and nonfiction ideas. Lottie is on a trip across the ocean on the "unsinkable" Titanic. Grieving for her recently deceased husband, she meets a couple women who become instant friends and together get wrapped up in a crazy mystery, but what happens when that mystery becomes deadly?
37 reviews
February 19, 2021
A story within a story. Experience the grandure and opulence of first class travel on the Titanic, knowing the fate of the ship, but not of the characters you meet and get to know through the mystery that unfolds as you read. Well written, interesting characters interacting during a tumultuous time in our society.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,497 reviews25 followers
February 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. I liked the setting and the era. Lottie is going to sail on the Titanic. Really?! Her husband had planned the trip before he fell ill and died. His dying wish was for her to go on the trip even though he couldn't be there. As she is getting on the ship, she witnesses something strange. The people involved raised so many questions for her, but no one wanted to listen. A few thought she was just a hysterical female. As she makes friends, she uncovers more to her mystery and with the help of her new friends, she is finally going to find the answers. It is all coming to a head when the Titanic strikes an iceberg. Will they all get off the ship in time? I hope she will see the Inspector again. I can't believe he would just leave.
Profile Image for Sue Rae Buck.
345 reviews15 followers
February 24, 2021
Murder Afloat is the first in series by Ruby Riverton where we meet Charlotte (Lottie) Eloise Lindbergh and her westie Little Dickens. Manning, Lottie deceased husband, purchased tickets for the Titanic for their honeymoon to the America. While aboard Lottie meets some very unusual characters and new friends. Adding the great detailed about the Titanic for this historical murder mystery was an added plus to this wonderful story.

Ruby Riverton is a new author for me and I really enjoyed reading this book. I'm not much of historical fan but this book kept me on my toes through the whole story. I was given an advanced readers copy for my true and personal opinion.


5 reviews
February 24, 2021
One thing that put me off a bit in this story was that we don’t learn the main characters name until the end of chapter 3 when she introduces herself to another character. Aside from a few little things that in my opinion just didn’t fit, this was a fun and colorful read from an author who is new to me and I’m very much looking forward to reading about more adventures that Lottie and her new friends will share together.
43 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2021
What a crazy bunch of characters in this book, including Lottie and Dickens and there were four others that I really liked.

There was a ship full of, "swindlers, scoundrels, and outright liars." Everyone was a suspect in my mind.

This was a great story and I can't wait to see how this story will continue.
Profile Image for Beatrice Followill.
1,618 reviews41 followers
February 18, 2021
I love the cover , drew me right in , Loved the easy flow , the language used throughout the book. I loved the images I could visually see when the author described the "Vessel" and the characters aboard. Fun mystery , great characters , hope this will be a series ! Great read , will be looking for more from this author .
Profile Image for Charlene.
66 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2022
Murder Float was a thrilling read! I couldn't put it down. Lottie Lindberg and her friends kept me on the edge of my seat. Ruby Riverton's descriptions of the opulent setting and characters made you feel like you were there on the Titanic. There were multiple twists and turns which kept guessing whodunnit the entire time. Would definitely recommend this wonderful cozy!
Profile Image for Kristina.
16 reviews
March 3, 2021
What an enjoyable story. I loved how it was intertwined with a little bit of history and still seemed like an original tale. The characters were well created and the storyline moved along smoothly. I liked the ending because it left me wanting more. I can't wait for the next book!
I was given this book to read with no obligation to review. They are my personal thoughts alone.
127 reviews
March 8, 2021
I just finished the book can I just say Wow! This is the 1st book that I’ve read by this author and I was immediately drawn into the characters and storyline. Lottie finds herself aboard the Titanic heading to America. She befriends Mrs. Brown and Esme and ends up in the middle of a mystery. I really enjoyed this story!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,368 reviews28 followers
April 20, 2021
Lottie Lindberg's husband has passed away but she is going on the trip of a lifetime they had planned together. From the time she is waiting to board to the time she is getting off the ship there is a group of men that seem to be causing problems that only Lottie seems aware that things aren't right. Her new friends Emse and Mrs Brown are right there with her all the way.
Profile Image for Melissa Sager.
45 reviews
February 17, 2021
This was my first book by Ruby, but it will not be my last! Such wonderful characters and story. A wife following through with her husband's dying wish. Such a quick and easy read! I can not wait for more!
Profile Image for E.
1,879 reviews
February 18, 2021
More than 5 stars!
I absolute love anything to do with the Titanic. This book was no exception. It is a well written cozy mystery with strong female lead characters. I look forward to seeing where the author goes next with this series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,915 reviews14 followers
February 24, 2021
This book is captivating. I did find it a little distracting that it takes place on the Titanic and I kept worrying about when they were going to hit the iceberg. Other than that, the mystery kept me guessing and I really liked the characters.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,309 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2021
This is a heart pounding tale! You know what happens, you just don’t know how everything else comes to fruition. I have always loved stories about the Titanic and this one is right up there with the best! I loved it!
1,393 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2021
A really wonderful cozy mystery. This is my first book by Author River Riverton. But it definitely won't be my last. Love the awesome characters and the plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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