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Ocean Liner Mysteries #2
Murder on the Mauretania
Previously published under pseudonym Conrad Allen.
November 1907. George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield sail from Liverpool on the maiden voyage of the Mauretania. Posing as passengers, Dillman and Genevieve endure a nightmare voyage during which severe weather batters the vessel unmercifully and keeps the passengers away from the decks. Dillman is instrumental in rescuing a crew member from being washed overboard but he is too late to save one of the First Class passengers from the same fate. At first, it looks like a case of death by misadventure. But Dillman and Genevieve come to realise that it was an act of calculated murder, connected with the presence on board of a record shipment of gold bullion - twelve tons in all - sent from the Bank of England.
November 1907. George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield sail from Liverpool on the maiden voyage of the Mauretania. Posing as passengers, Dillman and Genevieve endure a nightmare voyage during which severe weather batters the vessel unmercifully and keeps the passengers away from the decks. Dillman is instrumental in rescuing a crew member from being washed overboard but he is too late to save one of the First Class passengers from the same fate. At first, it looks like a case of death by misadventure. But Dillman and Genevieve come to realise that it was an act of calculated murder, connected with the presence on board of a record shipment of gold bullion - twelve tons in all - sent from the Bank of England.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2000
47 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Allen
10 books51 followersA pseudonym used by Keith Miles
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theater. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book.
The protagonist of the theater series is Nicholas Bracewell, the bookholder of a leading Elizabethan theater company (in an alternate non-Shakespearean universe).
The latter series' two protagonists are the Norman soldier Ralph Delchard and the former novitiate turned lawyer Gervase Bret, who is half Norman and half Saxon.
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theater. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book.
The protagonist of the theater series is Nicholas Bracewell, the bookholder of a leading Elizabethan theater company (in an alternate non-Shakespearean universe).
The latter series' two protagonists are the Norman soldier Ralph Delchard and the former novitiate turned lawyer Gervase Bret, who is half Norman and half Saxon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 8, 2022
This is the second in a republished series of mysteries set on Ocean Liners. It is 1907 and our two private detectives, employed by the Cunard Line, George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Mansfield, are on board Mauretania. It is November, so not the best weather, and a storm is only one issue on this maiden voyage. As well as the weather, there are a spate of thefts, a missing passenger, and a tempting amount of gold bullion aboard in order to help steady a crisis in US banks. That is, of course, if it arrives...
Genevieve Mansfield is in First Class and is, we are repeatedly told, so attractive that she is constantly attracting the attention of the wealthy male passengers and envy of the female passengers. I couldn't help feeling Miss Marple, tucked up in a corner with her knitting, was more likely to learn things by being unobtrusive, but I suppose the setting of a luxurious liner requires a character you can dress for dinner. Dillman is involved with Second Class and there is much about those in steerage, emigrating in hope of a better life. Overall, a fun mystery, but don't expect any depth among the surface glitter.
Genevieve Mansfield is in First Class and is, we are repeatedly told, so attractive that she is constantly attracting the attention of the wealthy male passengers and envy of the female passengers. I couldn't help feeling Miss Marple, tucked up in a corner with her knitting, was more likely to learn things by being unobtrusive, but I suppose the setting of a luxurious liner requires a character you can dress for dinner. Dillman is involved with Second Class and there is much about those in steerage, emigrating in hope of a better life. Overall, a fun mystery, but don't expect any depth among the surface glitter.
July 9, 2022
Fluff-and-nonsense story which is fun and a bit silly. It is tiresome that we have to be told repeatedly that George Dillman is handsome and his side-kick/romance partner is so stunningly beautiful that no man can take his eyes off her - but, for all that, they have the sexual chemistry of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot as they keep pecking each other on the cheek.
In lots of ways this is a re-run of the first book:
Very much a fluffy, switch-off book, the sort of thing to read in the bath or last thing before falling asleep to relax your mind.
In lots of ways this is a re-run of the first book:
Very much a fluffy, switch-off book, the sort of thing to read in the bath or last thing before falling asleep to relax your mind.
August 3, 2022
This book is written by Edward Marston who writes the Railway Detective series. The style of writing is very similar, plenty of dialogue driving the plot strongly forwards like the engines of the Mauretania as it powers across the Atlantic Ocean in the November weather.
I enjoyed the book immensely and will read another in this series, probably the one set on the Lusitania
George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield are the detectives on the Mauretania as it heads from Liverpool via Queenstown to New York. The ship is carrying gold bullion and quite a few would-be thieves of differing professionalism, including one who steals silver. Dillman spots this thief almost at once, however the thief disappears and has to be searched for. Two Welsh ex-miners decide to break into the strongroom where the gold is kept only to find some cleverer thieves got there ahead of them.
Bobo the ship's black cat also plays a significant role in apprehending the bullion thieves and this is a pleasant distraction from the serious business of murder on the high seas. There are well developed characters including Genevieve's circle of friends, a courtesan who is pretending to be a loving wife, and a investigative reporter determined to show that the Cunard company is exploiting the members of the crew of the Mauretania.
I enjoyed the book immensely and will read another in this series, probably the one set on the Lusitania
George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield are the detectives on the Mauretania as it heads from Liverpool via Queenstown to New York. The ship is carrying gold bullion and quite a few would-be thieves of differing professionalism, including one who steals silver. Dillman spots this thief almost at once, however the thief disappears and has to be searched for. Two Welsh ex-miners decide to break into the strongroom where the gold is kept only to find some cleverer thieves got there ahead of them.
Bobo the ship's black cat also plays a significant role in apprehending the bullion thieves and this is a pleasant distraction from the serious business of murder on the high seas. There are well developed characters including Genevieve's circle of friends, a courtesan who is pretending to be a loving wife, and a investigative reporter determined to show that the Cunard company is exploiting the members of the crew of the Mauretania.
July 18, 2022
I like the idea of having a series set on liners and this one covers the maiden voyage of the Mauretania in her attempt to win the Blue Riband (it failed but was later to hold the eastern and western crossing record). On board are George Dillman and Genevieve Masefield, who have an underlying love for each other going on, as undercover detectives to investigate any wrong doing that goes on.
And sure enough wrong doings does go on so both the detectives are called into action. Some petty thefts take place and in following up various leads we learn of all the characters who are on board who are likely to be suspects. The setting of on board the liner is well presented and the salient characters flit about the boat to give the reader a good idea of the layout.
Added to the thefts, there is a gold bullion consignment on board en route to New York and there are elements on the ship that fancy their chances of robbing the strongroom where it is kept. This is rather an unlikely scenario, particularly in the way that attempts to get at the gold are made but it fits into the overall story.
One of the passengers goes missing, which adds to the tension, and Bobo the cat has a comedic role in the story along with a young girl who is concerned about the cat's well being and indirectly and unknowingly Bobo helps with the investigation that takes a good time to come to fruition. On the way it becomes a little lack lustre, unlike the author's Railway Detective novels, and one loses a little interest. But it comes back to life with the ending a little far fetched.
Overall it is a light and not unpleasant read and I imagine others in the series will be worth a read, too.
And sure enough wrong doings does go on so both the detectives are called into action. Some petty thefts take place and in following up various leads we learn of all the characters who are on board who are likely to be suspects. The setting of on board the liner is well presented and the salient characters flit about the boat to give the reader a good idea of the layout.
Added to the thefts, there is a gold bullion consignment on board en route to New York and there are elements on the ship that fancy their chances of robbing the strongroom where it is kept. This is rather an unlikely scenario, particularly in the way that attempts to get at the gold are made but it fits into the overall story.
One of the passengers goes missing, which adds to the tension, and Bobo the cat has a comedic role in the story along with a young girl who is concerned about the cat's well being and indirectly and unknowingly Bobo helps with the investigation that takes a good time to come to fruition. On the way it becomes a little lack lustre, unlike the author's Railway Detective novels, and one loses a little interest. But it comes back to life with the ending a little far fetched.
Overall it is a light and not unpleasant read and I imagine others in the series will be worth a read, too.
June 27, 2015
I had enjoyed the first book in Conrad Allen's cruise liner mysteries, but second installment Murder on the Mauretania manages to raise the bar even higher. The multi-layered mystery, the luxurious setting and atmosphere of the Mauretania's maiden voyage and the characters (and many suspects) was gripping from the get-go and I loved it.
My biggest criticism of the first book was the lack of atmosphere and setting on the Lusitania - the problem is remedied quite satisfactorily on the Mauretania. I felt like I was on board the ship with George Dillman and Genevieve Masefield; following the young passenger Alexandra Jarvis as she chased the cat Bobo down the ship's corridors, the night wanderings of two desperate men in third class who're up to no good down in the cargo hold - it gave me a great feel for the sheer vastness and space/class divisions of the liner.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery - murder, a spate of thefts on board causing chaos throughout first and second class and a larger plot to steal the gold bullion being transported by the Mauretania to New York are all cleverly connected and quite enough to keep seasoned mystery readers guessing. It's great fun. It would've been even better if we had more time to more firmly establish the reasoning behind the criminals' guilt; the red herring was unexpected, but it took time away from convincing me how and why the real criminals did it.
The characters, both our detective heroes and the travellers and suspects on the Mauretania, are well-drawn and distinct (and the majority likeable, which is no mean feat). Since the story alternatively follows George in the second class and Genevieve in the first class, we meet two very different sets of people as well. Genevieve's travelling companions in first class were a fascinating study in human nature - something I'm sure fans of Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh's drawing room mysteries would approve of. My only complaint here is that we consequently spent less time with George and his companions; while George played a larger part in solving the mystery because he had more freedom of mobility compared to Genevieve, he did so much running about that he barely had time to interact more closely with other travellers. I like George Dillman, but I want to know him better beyond his efficiency as a detective. It'd also be great to get more interaction between George and Genevieve; I can hardly remember how their romance took off in the first book and despite their actions here, I don't feel the chemistry.
That's a minor quibble, however; I'm looking forward to Murder on the Minnesota.
My biggest criticism of the first book was the lack of atmosphere and setting on the Lusitania - the problem is remedied quite satisfactorily on the Mauretania. I felt like I was on board the ship with George Dillman and Genevieve Masefield; following the young passenger Alexandra Jarvis as she chased the cat Bobo down the ship's corridors, the night wanderings of two desperate men in third class who're up to no good down in the cargo hold - it gave me a great feel for the sheer vastness and space/class divisions of the liner.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery - murder, a spate of thefts on board causing chaos throughout first and second class and a larger plot to steal the gold bullion being transported by the Mauretania to New York are all cleverly connected and quite enough to keep seasoned mystery readers guessing. It's great fun. It would've been even better if we had more time to more firmly establish the reasoning behind the criminals' guilt; the red herring was unexpected, but it took time away from convincing me how and why the real criminals did it.
The characters, both our detective heroes and the travellers and suspects on the Mauretania, are well-drawn and distinct (and the majority likeable, which is no mean feat). Since the story alternatively follows George in the second class and Genevieve in the first class, we meet two very different sets of people as well. Genevieve's travelling companions in first class were a fascinating study in human nature - something I'm sure fans of Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh's drawing room mysteries would approve of. My only complaint here is that we consequently spent less time with George and his companions; while George played a larger part in solving the mystery because he had more freedom of mobility compared to Genevieve, he did so much running about that he barely had time to interact more closely with other travellers. I like George Dillman, but I want to know him better beyond his efficiency as a detective. It'd also be great to get more interaction between George and Genevieve; I can hardly remember how their romance took off in the first book and despite their actions here, I don't feel the chemistry.
That's a minor quibble, however; I'm looking forward to Murder on the Minnesota.
June 28, 2022
3.5 stars, I enjoyed this more than the first in the series; the author seemed to have more control of the pacing and the multiple characters. He shifts the action between his two undercover detectives, Dillman covering second class and steerage, and Masefield in first class pretty smoothly, and keeps the pacing moving along. Both are hired by the Cunard Line to blend in among the passengers and keep an eye out for any shifty, possibly illegal behavior, and ideally nip it in the bud.
Masefield, a beautiful young woman (as we are told repeatedly, it got a little old), finds herself drawn into a group of wealthy, indolent, rather catty British gentlefolk. I think the author intended for us to feel that these were witty, cosmopolitan people, but they seemed just rather bitchy and rude to each other. I got tired of the constant sniping, and Genevieve apparently did as well, trying to escape dining with the group for every meal, so that she could meet other people, and attend to her work as a detective.
Dillman, in second class, befriends a family on the boat train, including a little girl who turns out to be key to solving one of the crimes the detectives encounter during the cruise. Luckily, the author controls this child character, and she doesn’t become too annoying. I am personally not a big fan of children in mystery series, as they can wear thin pretty quickly.
As with the first mystery (Murder on the Lusitania), the author sets the stage effectively, giving readers a good look at life aboard a luxury ocean liner in 1907. Action moves between several characters in first class, second class and steerage, full of poor immigrants trying to make their way to America in spartan conditions.
As for the crimes making up the mysteries in this second novel, we have silver items going missing in second class, a missing passenger after a storm at sea, and attempts to break into the secure storage room of the ship containing gold bars being sent to America. All of the plots come together in an interesting way, no spoilers, and are resolved by the end of the cruise. An enjoyable fairly cozy historical mystery, I read this book for an upcoming the Reading the Detectives group Buddy read, and would read further on the series.
Masefield, a beautiful young woman (as we are told repeatedly, it got a little old), finds herself drawn into a group of wealthy, indolent, rather catty British gentlefolk. I think the author intended for us to feel that these were witty, cosmopolitan people, but they seemed just rather bitchy and rude to each other. I got tired of the constant sniping, and Genevieve apparently did as well, trying to escape dining with the group for every meal, so that she could meet other people, and attend to her work as a detective.
Dillman, in second class, befriends a family on the boat train, including a little girl who turns out to be key to solving one of the crimes the detectives encounter during the cruise. Luckily, the author controls this child character, and she doesn’t become too annoying. I am personally not a big fan of children in mystery series, as they can wear thin pretty quickly.
As with the first mystery (Murder on the Lusitania), the author sets the stage effectively, giving readers a good look at life aboard a luxury ocean liner in 1907. Action moves between several characters in first class, second class and steerage, full of poor immigrants trying to make their way to America in spartan conditions.
As for the crimes making up the mysteries in this second novel, we have silver items going missing in second class, a missing passenger after a storm at sea, and attempts to break into the secure storage room of the ship containing gold bars being sent to America. All of the plots come together in an interesting way, no spoilers, and are resolved by the end of the cruise. An enjoyable fairly cozy historical mystery, I read this book for an upcoming the Reading the Detectives group Buddy read, and would read further on the series.
April 11, 2017
I really enjoy this series, despite the writing style being a bit "stiff" - which the author does, I'm sure, to reflect the times. The main characters are interesting, as are the historic ocean liners on which the stories take place. The mysteries themselves are very well done, with interesting suspects and red herrings alike.
September 24, 2024
1.5 rounded up to 2 because I like the cover. The thing about a story set on a boat is that you'd like the boat to feature in the story... else why bother? No sights, smells, choppy ocean, starry nights...there is more depth in a postcard. The two main characters use each other's names in every second sentence and the dialogue is constantly repeated, a dining room conversation is reported almost word for word to the other, for example, and then maybe a third time to the Burser.... the MMC also knows more facts than an encyclopedia and likes to give us all the benefit.. a gentle easy read, but I won't be voyaging anywhere with this couple again if I can avoid it.
November 1, 2024
2nd book in the series, really good easy reading and i learnt a few things (more so as I have a fascination with titanic)
February 18, 2025
Good old-fashioned who dunnit
September 4, 2022
I eventually enjoyed this book. It was very slow to start for me, with not much happening until halfway through the book. The last 100 pages however had a lot of pace, with a number of twists and turns. I liked it enough that I will at some point that I’ll pick up the next instalment.
August 19, 2008
Fluffy, fast read. Entertaining, but somewhat predictable. That being said, it nicely rounded out my 'theme reading' project for that particular cruise vacation.
May 21, 2022
As I approached halfway I found myself skip reading, the author managed to make most the main characters, except Ally, quite boring. It didn’t help that I never felt really involved in the story. The author likes to keep his main perpetrators invisible with no clues to their identity until near the end of the book.
George Dillman was a decent character, but like in the first book, I found Genevieve uninspiring and a bit pathetic during the final confrontation.
My other problem was the setup for the gold robbery was a farce, the author took so many liberties to make it possible, that it was virtually unbelievable.
George Dillman was a decent character, but like in the first book, I found Genevieve uninspiring and a bit pathetic during the final confrontation.
My other problem was the setup for the gold robbery was a farce, the author took so many liberties to make it possible, that it was virtually unbelievable.
April 10, 2020
This book starts with an interesting premise, really a follow-on to the first in the series (Murder on the Lusitania). In this one, a thief has been stealing valuables from passengers in the first and second class cabins, and the gold bullion locked in the security room for transport to NY is targeted as well. Dillman and Masefield are on-board undercover detectives tasked with solving these thefts. A passenger also disappears from the ship, complicating matters even further. Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine slower and more oblivious detectives outside of an intended comic novel, so the book drags through some very stilted writing for a good number of pages. This book could, with a strong editor, be a fairly good short story. I won't be reading any more of this series.
October 13, 2019
Another appealing, cozy mystery about the undercover detectives, George Dillman and Genevieve Masefield, who continue to work for the Cunard line this time on the maiden voyage of the Mauretania.
As always, the reader gains a glimpse of life on the famous luxury ocean liners before the first world war when ships were the only option to travel between the UK and America.
The mystery was nicely done, with some interesting suspects and red herrings alike. It was a nice blending of the storyline with historical detail and made an entertaining, light read.
As always, the reader gains a glimpse of life on the famous luxury ocean liners before the first world war when ships were the only option to travel between the UK and America.
The mystery was nicely done, with some interesting suspects and red herrings alike. It was a nice blending of the storyline with historical detail and made an entertaining, light read.
September 1, 2020
2020 bk 384. I read this once upon a time - when it first came out. Reading it now was like reading it for the first time. I had forgotten the nuances, the fine details, and ways that Allen throws out clues that are so off hand that you think they are just background noise and not details for which you need to pay attention. Lovely mystery set on the transatlantic run in a time when ocean voyages were the only way to travel! Well done detectives, plot, and setting.
July 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book, more than the first in this series. Although the romance between the two main characters is now fore to the story, it does not interfere with what is going on, and there is a lot going on here. Both detectives having there position on the boat, Genevieve placed in the first class cabins, with George in the second class berths having access to the steerage section. The ship is also carrying a shipment of gold bullion - twelve tons in all - sent from the Bank of England. Almost from the beginning, thief is reported, not from the gold, but from the passengers. Dillman is quick to find a thief among the passengers but needs more evidence, making other discoveries along the way. He befriends many other characters along the way. Masefield finds herself included in what at that time would have been a "Bohemian set" in the first class, which I found, soon got very tiresome. Other acquaintances of hers where quite varied and interesting.
I found the book quite fast-paced and the plot well done, but I didn't need to get to the end before I had a good idea of who the culprits were and how they expected to get away with their crime.
I found the book quite fast-paced and the plot well done, but I didn't need to get to the end before I had a good idea of who the culprits were and how they expected to get away with their crime.
February 15, 2015
George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield are traveling on the Mauretania in the employ of the Cunard Line to solve any potential crimes that occur. She in first class, and he in second, are on the trail of a silver thief who keeps stealing valuable items from the other passengers. Also traveling on the ship are a middle class family by the name of Jarvis who befriend Dillman. Their young daughter Alexandra has irrepressible energy and an affinity for the ship's cat, Bobo. In Third Class there are two Welsh coal miners on their way to America for a new start. Geneveive makes some new friends up in first class - a charming quartet of British travelers uninterested in Americans or anything other than frivolity or perhaps a little more judging from the inappropriate notes Genevieve finds slipped under her door. She is also befriended by an American literature-loving paper merchant and a sardonic American woman traveling with her older husband.The most important passenger is the 12 tons of gold bullion under lock and key on the way to America to solve the banking crisis. Dillman and Genevieve have their hands full and then their suspected thief goes missing and an explosive secret is revealed. Is this the end for the Cunard line? Not if Dillman and Genevieve can help it!
I enjoyed this mystery so much more than the first one. The rash of thefts starts right away and keeps the reader guessing. There is also an attempt to steal the gold which is suspenseful enough and then the murder in Chapter 10. The other characters are easier to keep track of since the story goes back and forth mainly between George and Genevieve and some bits with Alexandra Jarvis and the Welsh miners. The characters are well drawn and mostly enjoyable. I didn't care much for Genevieve's first class traveling companions much but the others are interesting. I especially liked Alex Jarvis and Bobo.
I thought there could have been more interaction between the main characters. It's unfortunate they don't travel together so they don't see much of each other. Their romance seems to have taken off but Dillman still feels cool to me. Relationships are not the author's forte I guess.
The romance is clean/kisses only however the story includes innuendo, discussion of prostitution, and taking a man to bed for pleasure.
I enjoyed this mystery so much more than the first one. The rash of thefts starts right away and keeps the reader guessing. There is also an attempt to steal the gold which is suspenseful enough and then the murder in Chapter 10. The other characters are easier to keep track of since the story goes back and forth mainly between George and Genevieve and some bits with Alexandra Jarvis and the Welsh miners. The characters are well drawn and mostly enjoyable. I didn't care much for Genevieve's first class traveling companions much but the others are interesting. I especially liked Alex Jarvis and Bobo.
I thought there could have been more interaction between the main characters. It's unfortunate they don't travel together so they don't see much of each other. Their romance seems to have taken off but Dillman still feels cool to me. Relationships are not the author's forte I guess.
The romance is clean/kisses only however the story includes innuendo, discussion of prostitution, and taking a man to bed for pleasure.
April 11, 2025
I've annoyingly started this Ocean Liner Mysteries/George Porter Dillman & Genevieve Masefield series on the second book, I shall rectify this by reading the first one next, but I'm still slightly miffed about this turn of events.
I had thought that I'd already read the first book, but unfortunately I had mistaken it, 'Murder on the Lusitania', for the R.L. Graham novel 'Death on the Lusitania' (Patrick Gallagher #1) ffs! I have no doubt that I'm not the first to do this, and I certainly don't think I'll be the last haha!
However, I spent the entirety of this book, comparing it to the latter, which it obviously has nothing to do with whatsoever. So I'll try not to have comparisons in my review, except to say that 'Death.....' had way more going on than 'Murder on the Mauretania’. So I dare say the first book will be much and such the same, time will tell and I shall obviously let you know.
I'll start off by getting the main annoyance with the book off my chest, and that's the author's use of 'the other', when two people were saying or doing something. It was way, way overused and just sounded repetitive. I have came across one other author (see my review of John Pilkington's 'Marbeck and the Double Dealer') that used that term and 'the other' author also overused it greatly. "So it must be a thing among authors that use 'the other' when two people are conversing", said the other, haha!
I also didn’t know what to make of the fact, that we had a few bizarre passages which were from the POV of the ship’s cat!? A very strange viewpoint indeed, if not somewhat amusing.
Nevertheless, the story itself was fine in the main, and I did enjoy it, although as I previously mentioned, apart from the two main robberies (A general ’tea leaf/con man’ with a penchant for silver and widows and the gold bullion), which accidentally lead to an unaccounted for murder, a bungled robbery and a high end sex worker with her pimp, nothing else of note really happened at all. At times the tale did seem to languish too long in scenes, especially the mundane, spoilt lives of the rich, first class passengers, and all the excitement that surrounds the search for a missing cat, haha!
However, I particularly enjoyed the scenes that involved the reporter, whom in digging for a story, was highlighting the vast discrepancies in standards and pay structures for passengers and the ship's crew alike, she was definitely a nice addition to the book's cast of characters, and most unequivocally seemed to be the novel’s social conscience.
Speaking of which, even the novel's baddies weren't particularly evil, they were slightly egregious, with some even retaining their good manners and sense of humour when they were eventually caught!
I shall definitely be continuing on in the series, and bring on book one lol! Doouugghh!
I had thought that I'd already read the first book, but unfortunately I had mistaken it, 'Murder on the Lusitania', for the R.L. Graham novel 'Death on the Lusitania' (Patrick Gallagher #1) ffs! I have no doubt that I'm not the first to do this, and I certainly don't think I'll be the last haha!
However, I spent the entirety of this book, comparing it to the latter, which it obviously has nothing to do with whatsoever. So I'll try not to have comparisons in my review, except to say that 'Death.....' had way more going on than 'Murder on the Mauretania’. So I dare say the first book will be much and such the same, time will tell and I shall obviously let you know.
I'll start off by getting the main annoyance with the book off my chest, and that's the author's use of 'the other', when two people were saying or doing something. It was way, way overused and just sounded repetitive. I have came across one other author (see my review of John Pilkington's 'Marbeck and the Double Dealer') that used that term and 'the other' author also overused it greatly. "So it must be a thing among authors that use 'the other' when two people are conversing", said the other, haha!
I also didn’t know what to make of the fact, that we had a few bizarre passages which were from the POV of the ship’s cat!? A very strange viewpoint indeed, if not somewhat amusing.
Nevertheless, the story itself was fine in the main, and I did enjoy it, although as I previously mentioned, apart from the two main robberies (A general ’tea leaf/con man’ with a penchant for silver and widows and the gold bullion), which accidentally lead to an unaccounted for murder, a bungled robbery and a high end sex worker with her pimp, nothing else of note really happened at all. At times the tale did seem to languish too long in scenes, especially the mundane, spoilt lives of the rich, first class passengers, and all the excitement that surrounds the search for a missing cat, haha!
However, I particularly enjoyed the scenes that involved the reporter, whom in digging for a story, was highlighting the vast discrepancies in standards and pay structures for passengers and the ship's crew alike, she was definitely a nice addition to the book's cast of characters, and most unequivocally seemed to be the novel’s social conscience.
Speaking of which, even the novel's baddies weren't particularly evil, they were slightly egregious, with some even retaining their good manners and sense of humour when they were eventually caught!
I shall definitely be continuing on in the series, and bring on book one lol! Doouugghh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
I didn’t realise this was part of an 8 book series until I’d already started. Doubt it’s made any difference because on looking it up, the series always has the same two main characters, just a different narrative. Okay - it’s 1907 and ocean liners are in their heyday! There’s a prize for the fastest sea crossing from Liverpool to America and the captain of The Mauretania wants it. Will a violent storm and a special cargo of 12 tons of gold slow them down? There also seems to be a thief onboard with a spate of precious items going missing from first and second class cabins. Then the person suspected for these crimes goes missing. How can someone totally disappear on a ship? I found this such an easy escapist read and I need one of those every now and again. I even partially guessed the denouement and I rarely do! Ha, that says much for an uncomplicated plot. However, there was quite enough to hold my interest, titbits of history about the workings and life aboard a luxury liner and descriptive details about the distinction between all three levels of accomodation. 1907 was a time of new adventure for those lucky enough to travel first and second class and for the emigrants travelling steerage, it was a chance at a new beginning.
October 13, 2023
"Murder on the Mauretania" is a mystery novel that regrettably falls short of expectations, deserving just two stars. While it attempts to capture the essence of the classic whodunit, it leaves much to be desired.
The story is set on a transatlantic voyage, which in itself promises an intriguing backdrop for a murder mystery. However, the characters' development and the pacing of the plot feel lacking. The main characters lack depth, making it challenging for readers to form a strong connection with them or become emotionally invested in the outcome.
The mystery itself is somewhat predictable, and the resolution doesn't deliver the satisfying twist or revelation one hopes for in a story of this genre. The writing style is functional but lacks the flair and cleverness often associated with classic murder mysteries.
In summary, "Murder on the Mauretania" is a novel that, while it explores a promising setting for a mystery, ultimately falls flat in terms of character development and the execution of the plot. It might provide some entertainment for readers who enjoy the mystery genre, but it doesn't stand out as a particularly memorable or engaging read.
The story is set on a transatlantic voyage, which in itself promises an intriguing backdrop for a murder mystery. However, the characters' development and the pacing of the plot feel lacking. The main characters lack depth, making it challenging for readers to form a strong connection with them or become emotionally invested in the outcome.
The mystery itself is somewhat predictable, and the resolution doesn't deliver the satisfying twist or revelation one hopes for in a story of this genre. The writing style is functional but lacks the flair and cleverness often associated with classic murder mysteries.
In summary, "Murder on the Mauretania" is a novel that, while it explores a promising setting for a mystery, ultimately falls flat in terms of character development and the execution of the plot. It might provide some entertainment for readers who enjoy the mystery genre, but it doesn't stand out as a particularly memorable or engaging read.
February 6, 2022
This series is incredibly good.
Even more so than the first novel in the series, Allen gives us three levels of perspective in this novel. I use the word "levels" quite literally here, as each POV character gives us a different look at the ship through the lense of all three class distinctions (Genevieve, George and Glyn respectively).
Allen does a great job at creating some very lively literary portraits of characters through the descriptions of their movements and expressions. I feel like these novels are very visual and I love when authors can accomplish that.
I do like that Allen has established George and Genevieve as a romantic couple, but smartly kept it out of the plot almost entirely. I'm not sure if it continues like this, but the secrecy makes for a more interesting dynamic than the typical Tommy and Tuppence style of marital detecting.
I believe these books are slowly being re-released in digital formats so I'll be keeping watch for when the next becomes available.
Even more so than the first novel in the series, Allen gives us three levels of perspective in this novel. I use the word "levels" quite literally here, as each POV character gives us a different look at the ship through the lense of all three class distinctions (Genevieve, George and Glyn respectively).
Allen does a great job at creating some very lively literary portraits of characters through the descriptions of their movements and expressions. I feel like these novels are very visual and I love when authors can accomplish that.
I do like that Allen has established George and Genevieve as a romantic couple, but smartly kept it out of the plot almost entirely. I'm not sure if it continues like this, but the secrecy makes for a more interesting dynamic than the typical Tommy and Tuppence style of marital detecting.
I believe these books are slowly being re-released in digital formats so I'll be keeping watch for when the next becomes available.
September 15, 2023
While missing cruising, I gave in and read another one of the 'Murder on Cunard' books by Edward Marston...
And while the first entry to the series is only a measly 3, I'm happy to say that the books do get better and the second entry is a nice solid 3.5 (Either that, either I've gotten used to this style of writing and haven't judged it so harshly this time around)
The characters are so and so - there will always be a sprinkle of drama and a dash of romance in these books and I've come to terms with that... so don't expect the murder to take centre stage. It's good to see the two main characters teaming up and solving mysteries as a couple (that's not a spoiler, because even the first book's short description tells us this much from the get-go)
Other than that, there's a cat in the story :)
... and I will probably end up reading a third book to decide if this is a series I would like to continue reading or not.
All in all, I don't think these are bad books, but there's a specific mood you need to be in to enjoy them.
And while the first entry to the series is only a measly 3, I'm happy to say that the books do get better and the second entry is a nice solid 3.5 (Either that, either I've gotten used to this style of writing and haven't judged it so harshly this time around)
The characters are so and so - there will always be a sprinkle of drama and a dash of romance in these books and I've come to terms with that... so don't expect the murder to take centre stage. It's good to see the two main characters teaming up and solving mysteries as a couple (that's not a spoiler, because even the first book's short description tells us this much from the get-go)
Other than that, there's a cat in the story :)
... and I will probably end up reading a third book to decide if this is a series I would like to continue reading or not.
All in all, I don't think these are bad books, but there's a specific mood you need to be in to enjoy them.
January 28, 2024
A reasonable second-entry to this series. This time, George and Genevieve are aboard the Mauretania, they are now both working as detectives, and this time they are protecting an important shipment of gold bars.
This one is slightly less cohesive than the first, and I feel the author is somewhat underusing his own plot and characters. There's more to do here. That said, the unpretentious straightforwardness of these books appeals to me. There's not much faffing about, and a lot of history mysteries have a lot of coincidences. Genevieve does not irritate me, and that is easy to do with a female detective, and I also like the little drops of detail about the ships. The one thing that made me like this less is that the victim of this book was very much the same person as in the first book--that concerns me. Does that mean each book will be a carbon copy of the first?
Assuming they vary enough, I will likely enjoy these books as a low-key go-to series to pass the time.
This one is slightly less cohesive than the first, and I feel the author is somewhat underusing his own plot and characters. There's more to do here. That said, the unpretentious straightforwardness of these books appeals to me. There's not much faffing about, and a lot of history mysteries have a lot of coincidences. Genevieve does not irritate me, and that is easy to do with a female detective, and I also like the little drops of detail about the ships. The one thing that made me like this less is that the victim of this book was very much the same person as in the first book--that concerns me. Does that mean each book will be a carbon copy of the first?
Assuming they vary enough, I will likely enjoy these books as a low-key go-to series to pass the time.
February 21, 2017
I would say this was a 3.5. After liking the first book so much, I was sorely disappointed to see that the first quarter of the book was basically copy/pasted from Murder on the Lusitania. I get that they were both based on maiden voyages leaving the same location only a short time apart, but several passages felt exactly the same as the first book. Once the new story got going however, it became more enjoyable. I liked that George and Genevieve encountered multiple dead ends/incorrect theories, because that made the detective work seem more real. Some of the twists I was able to figure out, but others were very well done and kept me guessing.
May 9, 2018
Avery enjoyable read about a couple of Cunard ship’s detectives who are on the maiden voyage of the Mauretania and have to deal with a series of thefts, one of which leads to murder. This is the second in a series. The first was checked out when I discovered them & I am still waiting on it. I hate reading series’ out of order. But it was no real detriment to following this one. There is enough background info given to determine the two met in the previous book when she was passenger & by the end of it they had formed a romantic attachment & she had done so well helping him that Cunard offered her a job
November 30, 2021
After such an enjoyable first book, I was disappointed in this second installment, set in 1906. Good premise of several mysteries, somewhat inter-connecting, which made this a little hard to follow in beginning: huge amount gold bouillon in hold going to help out USA economy is of interest to a couple of 3rd class immigrant miners, then there is the 2nd class silver-only jewel thief and the ship's mascot a black cat getting lost, and the 1st class group that Genevieve becomes a part of with several shady characters and one gigolo. The big mystery is how do you steal bars of gold and sneak them off the ship?
October 27, 2020
Easy read. Not really my forte. Classic bubble capture mystery wherein everyone is contained in a closed environment - ie. a boat, a train, isolated geographically, an irresistible storm, etc... - which of course immediately reduces the number of suspects, reduces mitigating factors and reduces the need for careful writing. I do like the author's command of the English language, although not necessarily his stereotypical demeaning of women or his ability to coherently string sentences together. Indifferent reaction at best.
November 20, 2022
A worthwhile read yet somewhat disappointing when compared with the author's Railway Detective, Domesday Book, Nicholas Bracewell, and Restoration, series.
A plethora of potentially unsavoury characters are on board this ship, which is also carrying £3 million of gold bullion. There are also less ambitious thieves around, as well as some interesting characters. Cunard Lines has employed George Dillman and Genevieve to sail, one in first class with the other in second class, in order to help protect the bullion and the passengers.
A plethora of potentially unsavoury characters are on board this ship, which is also carrying £3 million of gold bullion. There are also less ambitious thieves around, as well as some interesting characters. Cunard Lines has employed George Dillman and Genevieve to sail, one in first class with the other in second class, in order to help protect the bullion and the passengers.
June 10, 2023
The second book in the Ocean Liner series by Edward Marston author of the Railway Detective mysteries (amongst many others).
It was an enjoyable book and the two main characters George Dillman and Genevieve Masefiled are developing nicely. This time they are on the maiden voyage of The Mauretania investigating thefts, a missing cat and a missing passenger. The title is somewhat misleading as really the murder isn't declared as such until almost the end of the book. I would be curious to know who wrote the blurb for the book on the back cover as it bears little resemblance to the book I read at all. Saying that this is a good escapist read - set on a luxury liner in 1907 with a host of interesting characters.
It was an enjoyable book and the two main characters George Dillman and Genevieve Masefiled are developing nicely. This time they are on the maiden voyage of The Mauretania investigating thefts, a missing cat and a missing passenger. The title is somewhat misleading as really the murder isn't declared as such until almost the end of the book. I would be curious to know who wrote the blurb for the book on the back cover as it bears little resemblance to the book I read at all. Saying that this is a good escapist read - set on a luxury liner in 1907 with a host of interesting characters.
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