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Patricia Fisher: Ship's Detective #2
Fitness Can Kill
Delve into the frenetic world of Patricia Fisher, but be wary of the undertow – most readers get pulled in and never come out again.
What’s worse than one dead body? Two, right?
Wrong.
It’s not so much the number of bodies that Patricia needs to worry about, it’s how far up the mystery meter they score, and this latest case is a doozey.
Confused by the clues, Patricia and team must work against the clock to discover the truth. It’s not so simple as following a breadcrumb trail of clues though and when the body count continues to climb … well, can anyone figure out what is going on?
An ape on the loose, a suspiciously empty glass tank in a storage room, and someone working very hard in the background to derail Patricia’s efforts.
Could this be Patricia’s toughest case yet?
The stakes have never been higher and if she doesn’t keep her head, she might lose it all.
“There just isn’t anyone writing cozy mystery like this. I’m not sure there ever has been. Steve Higgs is the master of fast-paced mystery thrills!”
What’s worse than one dead body? Two, right?
Wrong.
It’s not so much the number of bodies that Patricia needs to worry about, it’s how far up the mystery meter they score, and this latest case is a doozey.
Confused by the clues, Patricia and team must work against the clock to discover the truth. It’s not so simple as following a breadcrumb trail of clues though and when the body count continues to climb … well, can anyone figure out what is going on?
An ape on the loose, a suspiciously empty glass tank in a storage room, and someone working very hard in the background to derail Patricia’s efforts.
Could this be Patricia’s toughest case yet?
The stakes have never been higher and if she doesn’t keep her head, she might lose it all.
“There just isn’t anyone writing cozy mystery like this. I’m not sure there ever has been. Steve Higgs is the master of fast-paced mystery thrills!”
- GenresCozyMysteryCozy Mystery
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2022
937 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
543 books798 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 1, 2022
Confusing
I did not enjoy reading this book as much as I did the previous ones. Far too muddled with too many crossover characters. I still don't know who was murdered, killed accidentally or maybe just died! Also, when and WHY did Patricia start calling everyone "Sweetie"! Stupid word!
I did not enjoy reading this book as much as I did the previous ones. Far too muddled with too many crossover characters. I still don't know who was murdered, killed accidentally or maybe just died! Also, when and WHY did Patricia start calling everyone "Sweetie"! Stupid word!
December 28, 2024
Steve Higgs does it again
January 24, 2022
I have really enjoyed all the Patricia Fisher books so far and this one didn't disappoint, in fact it's probably the best one in the series so far. There are lots of interwoven mystery storylines which means that it is a very satisfying read, and of course these mysteries are laced with lots of the humour that anyone who has read any other books in the series will expect. There is treasure, an escaped ape, a trashed cabin, a couple of weird murders and boyfriend troubles for Patricia, which is quite a lot even for her!
Steve Higgs has a wonderful imagination and he has certainly let it out to play with this book.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book, but the review has been voluntarily written and reflects my personal opinion of the book.
Steve Higgs has a wonderful imagination and he has certainly let it out to play with this book.
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this book, but the review has been voluntarily written and reflects my personal opinion of the book.
February 19, 2022
Patricia certainly has her hands full. We have treasure, snakes, drugs, the last Barbary ape from the previous book, and someone who is trying to discredit Patricia (and yet another who wants to see her dead). A beautiful woman tells Patricia that Alistair is hers and she can prove it because she knows of a unique birth mark on his thigh. Barbie follows the captain to the woman's room and informs Patricia, who feels that once again she has been cheated on.
This book has carry over story lines from the last book and some of the same story lines being carried over to the next. I really don't like this, as the next book in the series will not be released for another 8 months! Far too long to wait for answers, particularly as I will have forgotten all the earlier details.
This book has carry over story lines from the last book and some of the same story lines being carried over to the next. I really don't like this, as the next book in the series will not be released for another 8 months! Far too long to wait for answers, particularly as I will have forgotten all the earlier details.
January 26, 2022
Patricia is sharper than ever! In a troubling case with lots of leads and information, our intrepid sleuth has also to battle struggles with people in her inner circle and in her very personal life. She remains focused, going one step at a time and making light where before there was only convoluted information. She solves all murder cases and her personal struggles as well. The end left me thinking about what her next challenge will be, and I hope it'll be a story with a strong plot like this one! Great entertainment as all Steve Higgs' books are!
As a member of the author's ARC team, I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
As a member of the author's ARC team, I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 3, 2022
Fitness Can Kill: Patricia is ALWAYS in someone's sights!
Heaven's Snakes Alive! 3 dead bodies. 2 snakes. One knapsack of golden booty. What does it add up to? Murder & mayhem, of course! In addition to her relatively new job as Ship's Detective keeping Patricia Fisher busy, someone is trying to ruin her personally, her boyfriend the Captain is apparently cheating on her, & Buddy, a Gibraltar Ape is still running amok although the rest of his kind were lured off the ship already! Not to mention 2 humongous Boa Constrictors running loose on board! Catch your breath now, for this book keeps you on your toes!!
Heaven's Snakes Alive! 3 dead bodies. 2 snakes. One knapsack of golden booty. What does it add up to? Murder & mayhem, of course! In addition to her relatively new job as Ship's Detective keeping Patricia Fisher busy, someone is trying to ruin her personally, her boyfriend the Captain is apparently cheating on her, & Buddy, a Gibraltar Ape is still running amok although the rest of his kind were lured off the ship already! Not to mention 2 humongous Boa Constrictors running loose on board! Catch your breath now, for this book keeps you on your toes!!
February 22, 2022
It took me a long time to get through this book. Some of it was due to a health emergency (mine), some due to this being the longest book in the series so far, and a great deal due to all the characters and plot twists. The plot was so convoluted and complex that I’m not completely sure that all the loose ends were tied up. Still, the characters are fun and I enjoy the writing. Not the best Patricia Fisher book but enjoyable nevertheless.
I received an arc copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received an arc copy of the book in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2022
Another winner; however, I should have made a flowchart to follow all of the characters involved in this one. I'm giving it a 5 but I am now going to reread it so I can better pick up all of the activities going on.
Someone is still out to get Patty . More emails are being sent to cause a rift between her and her friends and the Captain. There are 3 murders that Patty needs to solve and quickly.
Mr. Higgs style of writing makes me laugh right out loud at all at Patty's antics.
Someone is still out to get Patty . More emails are being sent to cause a rift between her and her friends and the Captain. There are 3 murders that Patty needs to solve and quickly.
Mr. Higgs style of writing makes me laugh right out loud at all at Patty's antics.
January 28, 2022
Fitness Can Kill certainly sounds reasonable to me! 4.7 stars
This story focused on the intertwined mysteries since the first story made sure you would never forget Patricia Fisher or her security team helping her solve mysteries and murders onboard the fabulous liner. This one tried to pick apart all the Christmas lights stuffed in a box ( not really)! But the hints weren't all that clear. Good Luck!
This story focused on the intertwined mysteries since the first story made sure you would never forget Patricia Fisher or her security team helping her solve mysteries and murders onboard the fabulous liner. This one tried to pick apart all the Christmas lights stuffed in a box ( not really)! But the hints weren't all that clear. Good Luck!
February 14, 2022
Another winner!
Patricia has one of those long crazy days as Ship's Detective. Not one of two murders at the same time, more like 3 or 4. And while she's going back and forth trying to figure out how some of them for killed, she's chasing down 2 rather large reptiles and the Gibraltar monkey. To round out everything that's going on, she ends up having a stalker. You'll have to read it to find out more about the latest additions on the Aurelia! You may even discover treasure!
Patricia has one of those long crazy days as Ship's Detective. Not one of two murders at the same time, more like 3 or 4. And while she's going back and forth trying to figure out how some of them for killed, she's chasing down 2 rather large reptiles and the Gibraltar monkey. To round out everything that's going on, she ends up having a stalker. You'll have to read it to find out more about the latest additions on the Aurelia! You may even discover treasure!
February 20, 2022
WOW!
What a twisted, mess of yarn that was.
The person who you thought you knew, was not the person you believed
They were. You lost a friend and was accused of her murder?
Then, had people dying left, and right? To protect your business
You try to find the culprit yourself. Only to start losing the jobs
You worked so hard to get!? What a waste of talent Clara was
A very talented seamstress/ dressmaker, she could have gone so far
On her own making bridal gowns herself.
What a twisted, mess of yarn that was.
The person who you thought you knew, was not the person you believed
They were. You lost a friend and was accused of her murder?
Then, had people dying left, and right? To protect your business
You try to find the culprit yourself. Only to start losing the jobs
You worked so hard to get!? What a waste of talent Clara was
A very talented seamstress/ dressmaker, she could have gone so far
On her own making bridal gowns herself.
January 15, 2024
This was fairly entertaining. However, I have a limited fondness for cliff hangers. The relationship between Patricia and Alistair, the Captain, bothers me. They consistently believe the worst about the other person when accusations are made.
So, in the novel, Patricia is dealing with: dead bodies, a best friend being furious to her, escaped boa constrictors, drugs, treasure hunters, and a vindictive ex-girlfriend of Alistair. Yes, it ends with a cliff hanger again, which annoys me.
So, in the novel, Patricia is dealing with: dead bodies, a best friend being furious to her, escaped boa constrictors, drugs, treasure hunters, and a vindictive ex-girlfriend of Alistair. Yes, it ends with a cliff hanger again, which annoys me.
June 20, 2025
poop throwing monkeys? advise, don't open your mouth when you see brown coming your way... I was scared that she was going to get poop inside her mouth! good Idea in the end to have umbrella for sure. what about shoot water at it? they should have hose and use sea water at it. don't they clean the decks?
this one she resolved the mystery dead body, email cloning, but I think the treasure hunter is still at large.
this one she resolved the mystery dead body, email cloning, but I think the treasure hunter is still at large.
January 22, 2022
You will die laughing at some of the antics going on in this latest Patricia Fisher novel. Several deaths are making Patricia crazy. What is happening on board the Aurelia? And what is down in the cargo hold? The gang's all here to add to your enjoyment so grab a snack, a drink and a comfy chair, because you'll want to stay put until you finish this book. Very Highly Recommended.
January 23, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 5, 2022
Another great Patricia Fisher book
An input downable read - Patricia Fisher fans won't be disappointed - the gangs all here - Jermaine Barbie Alistair Sam Anna and Georgie and the wonderful Sam amongst other familiar faces. I thoroughly recommended this series - can't wait for the next book
An input downable read - Patricia Fisher fans won't be disappointed - the gangs all here - Jermaine Barbie Alistair Sam Anna and Georgie and the wonderful Sam amongst other familiar faces. I thoroughly recommended this series - can't wait for the next book
March 12, 2022
poor Patty!
Someone is out to make Patricia’s life hell. Someone beside the naughty monkey who stowed away and makes rude gestures at Patricia before throwing some rather nasty missiles at her! Then there are the murders piling up. Once again Steve Higgs delivers a fast paced adventure with twists and turns.
Someone is out to make Patricia’s life hell. Someone beside the naughty monkey who stowed away and makes rude gestures at Patricia before throwing some rather nasty missiles at her! Then there are the murders piling up. Once again Steve Higgs delivers a fast paced adventure with twists and turns.
June 1, 2022
Doreen's life becomes complicated with the stow-away from the last book, to the escalating harassment campaign against her, to the three dead bodies found in one day, plus Buddy the Gibraltar Apex causing chaos and 2 missing boa constrictors. It's all she can do to keep things straight she still has the stow away with the gemstones and her nemesis to deal with and unbeknownst to her, a rabid treasure seeker who is hatching a plan to get the gemstones at the cost of any life he feels knows something.
September 14, 2022
A fun carry on of a fun series.
I have enjoyed every on of Steve Higgs books. From a paranormal detective to a middle aged ship’s detective, and even a more serious paranormal series, they are all fun. Easy reading but full of quirky, yet believable and fun characters. Looking forward to even more to come!
I have enjoyed every on of Steve Higgs books. From a paranormal detective to a middle aged ship’s detective, and even a more serious paranormal series, they are all fun. Easy reading but full of quirky, yet believable and fun characters. Looking forward to even more to come!
January 21, 2023
This was the second book in the Patricia Fisher Ship Detective series. Patricia is still trying to solve the car of the stowaway found dead with a fortune of gems inside of him, and someone else is still trying to make her life miserable. Add to that 3 new murders and she is kept Uber busy solving them all. A fun cozy mystery series for sure
April 1, 2023
This is the 2nd book of the 3rd series Patricia Fisher mysteries. This one finds Patricia with an extremely full plate this time, trying to solve her mysteries while at the same time dealing with a monkey, snakes & someone with a vendetta out to get her & troubles with her captain. A very busy day once again full of lots of murder, mayhem & excitement! Can’t wait to get to the next one!
April 5, 2025
Fitness Can Kill
Patricia is busy catching a monkey, Buddy and believing that the Captain is indeed having an affair when her focus moves to two escaped snakes, boa constructors and the cruise guests bodies are adding up. Will she have the answers she needs or will this be her last cruise?
Patricia is busy catching a monkey, Buddy and believing that the Captain is indeed having an affair when her focus moves to two escaped snakes, boa constructors and the cruise guests bodies are adding up. Will she have the answers she needs or will this be her last cruise?
August 6, 2025
The main character in these books, Patricia Fisher, is very much like Jessica Fletcher (Murder She Wrote), except the action takes place on a cruise ship and Patricia is not a writer. However, whenever Patricia is around, someone or several someones die.
Entertaining and fun, but the author should have lost the monkeys and apes.....not amusing or fun.
Entertaining and fun, but the author should have lost the monkeys and apes.....not amusing or fun.
January 25, 2022
pLove, Love this Story and Series
Another great story. Like that this takes place on a cruise ship. Each story is better than the last story. You start it and can’t wait to see what happens. Can’t wait to read the next story.
Another great story. Like that this takes place on a cruise ship. Each story is better than the last story. You start it and can’t wait to see what happens. Can’t wait to read the next story.
January 25, 2022
Brilliant
Great read can't wait for the next book.
It's a book you do not want to out down. You want to get to the end to find out what happened but don't want to finish.
Great read can't wait for the next book.
It's a book you do not want to out down. You want to get to the end to find out what happened but don't want to finish.
January 25, 2022
Love the chutes and ladders of the mysteries
Here it is1 a.m. just finished the book. Who could wait til tomorrow? I waited a whole day after it arrived to start the book. Now I have to. Be patient for the next book. Type faster Steve. I can wait til the next book arrives!
Here it is1 a.m. just finished the book. Who could wait til tomorrow? I waited a whole day after it arrived to start the book. Now I have to. Be patient for the next book. Type faster Steve. I can wait til the next book arrives!
January 26, 2022
Oh What Fun!
Thank you, thank you for making this episode of Patricia’s adventures soooo much longer and absolutely grad! Of coarse leaving teases at the end just makes us that much more eager for the next volume!
Thank you, thank you for making this episode of Patricia’s adventures soooo much longer and absolutely grad! Of coarse leaving teases at the end just makes us that much more eager for the next volume!
January 29, 2022
always a fun read
Any of the books in the Patricia series can be read in isolation but it’s fun to start at the very beginning so that you understand all the little flashback clues. Can’t wait until the next one.
Any of the books in the Patricia series can be read in isolation but it’s fun to start at the very beginning so that you understand all the little flashback clues. Can’t wait until the next one.
January 29, 2022
Another mystery solved!
Fun series about Patricia Fisher as the unlikely heroine. She looks at crimes differently and is able to get results in unorthodox methods. I can't wait for her next adventure.
Fun series about Patricia Fisher as the unlikely heroine. She looks at crimes differently and is able to get results in unorthodox methods. I can't wait for her next adventure.
January 31, 2022
fun and light
Higgs writes stories that are interesting, fun, and light reads and that’s what I look for in a book. Characters are developed, interesting, and most are kind-hearted - except the villains of course. I’ve yet to read a book by Steve Higgs that I have not enjoyed.
Higgs writes stories that are interesting, fun, and light reads and that’s what I look for in a book. Characters are developed, interesting, and most are kind-hearted - except the villains of course. I’ve yet to read a book by Steve Higgs that I have not enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews