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Patricia Fisher: Ship's Detective #1
Patricia Fisher: Ship's Detective
‘This series can take your breath away one minute and laughing until the tears start to roll the next.’
On board the world’s finest luxury cruise ship, the days are filled with sunshine, cocktails, and incredible new places to explore.
Unless you are employed as the ship’s detective, that is.
That job falls to a lady called Patricia Fisher, a whip-smart sleuth whose special skills include attracting trouble, getting shot at, and running away screaming.
So, when a mysterious stowaway is found murdered in the bowels of the ship, it falls firmly into her lap to work out not only who he is, but who killed him.
To a backdrop of petty thefts, con artists targeting the rich and famous on board, and her own romance with the captain, the dead body leads to a surprising discovery and a word one should utter with care …
Treasure.
Thrown into a swirling maelstrom of deadly adventure, fifty-something Patricia is going to have her sleuthing skills tested to the maximum.
Get ready for murder and mayhem on the high seas.
’She’s like a modern-day Miss Marple, but I have never laughed so hard in all my life!’
On board the world’s finest luxury cruise ship, the days are filled with sunshine, cocktails, and incredible new places to explore.
Unless you are employed as the ship’s detective, that is.
That job falls to a lady called Patricia Fisher, a whip-smart sleuth whose special skills include attracting trouble, getting shot at, and running away screaming.
So, when a mysterious stowaway is found murdered in the bowels of the ship, it falls firmly into her lap to work out not only who he is, but who killed him.
To a backdrop of petty thefts, con artists targeting the rich and famous on board, and her own romance with the captain, the dead body leads to a surprising discovery and a word one should utter with care …
Treasure.
Thrown into a swirling maelstrom of deadly adventure, fifty-something Patricia is going to have her sleuthing skills tested to the maximum.
Get ready for murder and mayhem on the high seas.
’She’s like a modern-day Miss Marple, but I have never laughed so hard in all my life!’
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2021
1507 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
540 books791 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
February 17, 2024
Even though this is listed as #1 in a series, the character has apparently been featured in other stories. She is a ship's detective on a cruise ship. Her paramour is the captain of the vessel. At least he's not a super cop who can't catch a routine fly ball.
Monkeys board the ship, there's a ring of passport thieves, a dead stowaway, a dead passenger, and a bunch of complaints about the ship's detective.
Maybe a little too light.
Monkeys board the ship, there's a ring of passport thieves, a dead stowaway, a dead passenger, and a bunch of complaints about the ship's detective.
Maybe a little too light.
December 18, 2022
This book wasn’t really for me. It was mostly well written, and I liked the fact that the MC was older than most we get. I also enjoyed the range of characters, though we didn’t get much time to get to know most of them.
However, I didn’t really get on with the main character. She messes up most of the stings she sets up. She doesn’t know that bisexual people exist, in fact she doesn’t even check that the two men living together with the same surname are actually a married couple, rather than relatives. Even her team didn’t check. She seems to solve crimes almost by accident, and putting clues together, rather than competence.
Having said all that, the book was fun to read, and engaging. I didn’t enjoy the fact that the story isn’t finished though, it’s not quite a cliffhanger, but close enough that it’s not for me. But a good book for the right audience.
However, I didn’t really get on with the main character. She messes up most of the stings she sets up. She doesn’t know that bisexual people exist, in fact she doesn’t even check that the two men living together with the same surname are actually a married couple, rather than relatives. Even her team didn’t check. She seems to solve crimes almost by accident, and putting clues together, rather than competence.
Having said all that, the book was fun to read, and engaging. I didn’t enjoy the fact that the story isn’t finished though, it’s not quite a cliffhanger, but close enough that it’s not for me. But a good book for the right audience.
August 25, 2025
3.5 stars. Enjoyed it and will continue the series, I think.
September 8, 2025
Fun story at sea
It was interesting seeing all the cases get resolved and one that looks like it will be continuing. I enjoyed the characters and Patricia is quite interesting with what she gets herself into.
It was interesting seeing all the cases get resolved and one that looks like it will be continuing. I enjoyed the characters and Patricia is quite interesting with what she gets herself into.
September 14, 2025
I felt like this wasn’t the first book in the series.
May 26, 2023
Did anyone else wonder where the dogs would pee and poop on a cruise ship?
Otherwise a nice easy read 🙂
Otherwise a nice easy read 🙂
September 20, 2025
Cosy mystery is tricky for me.
In this case..... The H is in her fifties which I loves and a ship's detective, which is unique
but
I couldn't stay interested in the story....
In this case..... The H is in her fifties which I loves and a ship's detective, which is unique
but
I couldn't stay interested in the story....
July 18, 2025
The story line was 3 stars. It had a lot of pieces going on, and was at time hard to keep track of who was who and what crimes they were trying to solve. I imagine that it was for the set up of the series. The 4th star is because the narrator was absolutely amazing and had the best accents and dialects for each character.
July 14, 2025
What did you do to Mrs. Fisher?! She always stumbled into trouble and came out of it with OTT solutions, and growing to be the best version of herself. But now she's just a stupid older woman, who wants to prove herself with stupid ideas and absolutely stupid disguises, causing the trouble herself. And her team ist helping her getting out of these stupid situations. And the captain is so infatuated, and finds her stupid behavior just lovely. And did I mention, how stupid I think this is? WTF!
June 20, 2025
My first Patricia Fisher book.
the book reference about plenty of the other books. if it such a stand alone book why would it talk about what happened in others? to make the reader want to find the other ones to read? so far I don't have that problem yet.
parts of the book feels like Patricia is this old woman in her 50s then part of it seems she is pretty young thing. so what is it?
next, maybe I will figure it out...the book kind of have a cliff hanger feel. someone is sabotage her in email. she has a mystery death on board....who is doing the honey trap scam?
the book reference about plenty of the other books. if it such a stand alone book why would it talk about what happened in others? to make the reader want to find the other ones to read? so far I don't have that problem yet.
parts of the book feels like Patricia is this old woman in her 50s then part of it seems she is pretty young thing. so what is it?
next, maybe I will figure it out...the book kind of have a cliff hanger feel. someone is sabotage her in email. she has a mystery death on board....who is doing the honey trap scam?
February 20, 2022
I enjoyed this mystery but need the next book. There is a lot going on in this mystery with three main mysteries and monkey mayhem, two of the mysteries get wrapped up nicely and the third continues on to the next book - not really a cliff hanger but you don't discover who is behind all the trouble Miss Fisher finds herself in (Hence the need for the next book). I like the fact that so much is going on and it really gives you an idea of what it takes to be a ship detective, other than a lot of dripping wet clothes ( no spoilers here, you will have to read it to find out what I mean). The mystery is carried out with lots of humour and although there isn't too many suspects for each case, it is entertaining and easy to follow along with. The characters are varied and quirky, just like you would find on a ship and the friendships formed make for a great team and the reason I keep coming back. Can't wait to find out what is going on in the next book.
With the captain of the shop receiving a number of complaints about the ships detective, Patricia Fisher, the last thing she wants is to find herself investigating two possible murders, a gang stealing passports, a rich elderly man being conned by a must young woman and a boat full of monkeys but that is exactly what she finds herself doing. And with her best friend Barbie not talking to her she finds that she will have to do it all without her help. Will her wardrobe survive the investigation and the monkeys? Or will the problems on board lead to a killer getting away with murder?
With the captain of the shop receiving a number of complaints about the ships detective, Patricia Fisher, the last thing she wants is to find herself investigating two possible murders, a gang stealing passports, a rich elderly man being conned by a must young woman and a boat full of monkeys but that is exactly what she finds herself doing. And with her best friend Barbie not talking to her she finds that she will have to do it all without her help. Will her wardrobe survive the investigation and the monkeys? Or will the problems on board lead to a killer getting away with murder?
December 13, 2021
Patricia is back where she belongs!
Patricia Fisher, sleuth extraordinare, is back aboard the Aurelia, the world's largest and most luxurious cruise ship. But this time, she is the official ship's detective, after being it's unofficial one for a few months.
Two weeks into her new position, a man's body is found, previously murdered at about the same time she came aboard; a woman dies of an apparent heart attack, but her sister is less than forthcoming about the dead woman's being found posed; the suite near Patricia's is being robbed; and a mad redhead tries to attack Patricia over her relationship with Alistair. While sorting all of this out, she is somewhat hobbled as a result of Purple Star Cruise Lines having received numerous complaints about her methods.
As we have to expect from Steve Higgs, the action never stops, and sleep will be lost! Humor abounds, lest we get to frustrated at trying to beat Patricia to the untangling of the webs in which Steve has placed her.
All in all, this is another outstanding work by Steve Higgs, and I simply cannot wait for the next one!
Patricia Fisher, sleuth extraordinare, is back aboard the Aurelia, the world's largest and most luxurious cruise ship. But this time, she is the official ship's detective, after being it's unofficial one for a few months.
Two weeks into her new position, a man's body is found, previously murdered at about the same time she came aboard; a woman dies of an apparent heart attack, but her sister is less than forthcoming about the dead woman's being found posed; the suite near Patricia's is being robbed; and a mad redhead tries to attack Patricia over her relationship with Alistair. While sorting all of this out, she is somewhat hobbled as a result of Purple Star Cruise Lines having received numerous complaints about her methods.
As we have to expect from Steve Higgs, the action never stops, and sleep will be lost! Humor abounds, lest we get to frustrated at trying to beat Patricia to the untangling of the webs in which Steve has placed her.
All in all, this is another outstanding work by Steve Higgs, and I simply cannot wait for the next one!
December 10, 2021
Patricia Fisher has gone through several iterations, firstly as a rather lost woman whose husband has cheated on her, next as a passenger on a cruise ship who gets herself involved in a series of mysteries, then a private detective in an English town and now as an official cruise ship detective on the same ship that she previously travelled as a passenger.
Unsurprisingly there are all sorts of mysteries for her to resolve from a stabbed stowaway to a suspected 'honey trap' and stolen jewellery and gigolos. Patricia really has her work cut out to sort all these cases and keeps finding herself in embarrassing situations as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I think that it bodes well for this new series.
The author was kind enough to provide me with an advance copy of this book, but this review is honest and written voluntarily.
Unsurprisingly there are all sorts of mysteries for her to resolve from a stabbed stowaway to a suspected 'honey trap' and stolen jewellery and gigolos. Patricia really has her work cut out to sort all these cases and keeps finding herself in embarrassing situations as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I think that it bodes well for this new series.
The author was kind enough to provide me with an advance copy of this book, but this review is honest and written voluntarily.
December 24, 2021
As with all the other Patricia Fisher books, this one is fast paced fun.
Only weeks into her new job as ship's detective, Patricia is facing several problems. A possible stowaway has been found dead with uncut gems in his stomach, the son of a billionaire whose elderly father has hooked up with a very young woman accuses the bimbo of thefts, an Italian gigolo is making the rounds of lonely, older passengers, and finally, it appears that someone is trying to discredit Patricia. Alistair informs her that there have been several complaints about her conduct. Someone is going to a lot of trouble and expense to alienate her from her friends and cause her to lose her job.
Only weeks into her new job as ship's detective, Patricia is facing several problems. A possible stowaway has been found dead with uncut gems in his stomach, the son of a billionaire whose elderly father has hooked up with a very young woman accuses the bimbo of thefts, an Italian gigolo is making the rounds of lonely, older passengers, and finally, it appears that someone is trying to discredit Patricia. Alistair informs her that there have been several complaints about her conduct. Someone is going to a lot of trouble and expense to alienate her from her friends and cause her to lose her job.
June 8, 2022
Patricia Fisher: Ship's Detective, Officially!
But will it last? Only just settling in to her new position, someone is wanting her out already! Who could have it in for her? As worrisome as this is, Patricia can't spend time on it because she already has 3 cases on her plate! 2 deaths, one of which is murder for sure, the other may be as well. Even if not, something is screwy about it! The 3rd is theft of several items from a billionaires' suite. Her BFF won't speak to her, her time with her love is limited, & she can't seem to keep dry! What more could happen? Read to find out! You won't be disappointed!
But will it last? Only just settling in to her new position, someone is wanting her out already! Who could have it in for her? As worrisome as this is, Patricia can't spend time on it because she already has 3 cases on her plate! 2 deaths, one of which is murder for sure, the other may be as well. Even if not, something is screwy about it! The 3rd is theft of several items from a billionaires' suite. Her BFF won't speak to her, her time with her love is limited, & she can't seem to keep dry! What more could happen? Read to find out! You won't be disappointed!
January 13, 2024
I’d actually rate this a 3.5. It’s fairly entertaining, but contains numerous cliches. Plus, there is no way the image on the cover is a 50+ aged woman!
Patricia is employed on a cruise line to solve crimes on board. She happens to be involved with the captain, and employs a young man with Down’s Syndrome as an assistant. This cruise involves a dead body far below decks with gems in its stomach, and a gigolo that is involved with a little old lady , dead in her bed, carefully arranged. Oh, yes, there is also a very physically fit butler and yoga instructor that work with Patricia, and a mysterious redhead that threatens her.
Patricia is employed on a cruise line to solve crimes on board. She happens to be involved with the captain, and employs a young man with Down’s Syndrome as an assistant. This cruise involves a dead body far below decks with gems in its stomach, and a gigolo that is involved with a little old lady , dead in her bed, carefully arranged. Oh, yes, there is also a very physically fit butler and yoga instructor that work with Patricia, and a mysterious redhead that threatens her.
December 23, 2021
Keeps you on your toes!
Great read and more! Love the humor, the characters,the backdrops. I was literally laughing out loud as Patricia was taking her another swan dive into the pool. I certainly could relate. Alistair gives her a sumptuous present and that leads to a different kind of theft. Then we have Sam's granny getting action--well kind of. And there's more intrigue to boot! You'll just have to read it and make some time, because once you start, you won't be able to put it down!
Great read and more! Love the humor, the characters,the backdrops. I was literally laughing out loud as Patricia was taking her another swan dive into the pool. I certainly could relate. Alistair gives her a sumptuous present and that leads to a different kind of theft. Then we have Sam's granny getting action--well kind of. And there's more intrigue to boot! You'll just have to read it and make some time, because once you start, you won't be able to put it down!
December 24, 2021
Wild adventure this one, two mystery's solved. One mystery to go. Patricia and her crew have their hands full, and a barrel of "rock apes" to tame, and remove off the ship.
Is someone out to ruin Patricia's new job before the 1st month begains?
Does someone have a grudge, or another motive for all the accusations?
Does the Captain have her back, or will he take a risk of losing his..... sorry no spoilers.
Read all of the Patricia Fisher Adventures, you will love the back story of how this got started!
Is someone out to ruin Patricia's new job before the 1st month begains?
Does someone have a grudge, or another motive for all the accusations?
Does the Captain have her back, or will he take a risk of losing his..... sorry no spoilers.
Read all of the Patricia Fisher Adventures, you will love the back story of how this got started!
January 6, 2022
How many bodies?!
Fifty-three year old Patricia is starting her new official job as Ship Detective, and her first day is a doozy! Watching Patricia try to solve a number of “problems” can be dangerous to her health. At least twice she winds up in the pool, fully clothed, but she does have an uncanny way of stumbling onto clues and figuring out what’s going on! This is a light and often funny book, and I am looking forward to reading more of the adventures of Patricia and her team!
Fifty-three year old Patricia is starting her new official job as Ship Detective, and her first day is a doozy! Watching Patricia try to solve a number of “problems” can be dangerous to her health. At least twice she winds up in the pool, fully clothed, but she does have an uncanny way of stumbling onto clues and figuring out what’s going on! This is a light and often funny book, and I am looking forward to reading more of the adventures of Patricia and her team!
May 17, 2022
This starts a continuing story line of a treasure fanatic. He isn't yet, but sure to become, nearly as deadly as The Godmother to Doreen. The team is faced with 3 cases plus removing apes from the ship. Doreen does go a little too far in violating passenger privacy in her haste to find evidence. There is also a strange red-head that is out to destroy her life, love, and reputation. A few too many references to cruisers who saved for years for the trip vs rich people who don't even have to think of the cost.
January 20, 2023
I have enjoyed the other Higgs series that stars Patricia Fisher, and I enjoyed this first of new series as well. After being a passenger on many cruises, she has now been hired as the ship’s detective and there are several mysteries for her to solve - a gigolo is stealing money from old ladies, a young woman is thought to be using an old man as her sugar daddy, and someone is messing with the reputation of Patricia herself. Patricia is very busy solving the various crimes and we get to go along for the ride.
May 20, 2023
The Ship’s Detective by Steve Higgs. Book 1 of 7. These are not War and Peace (think goodness). These books are pleasant and about people most readers can related to. I’ve read the first 20 books in the 2 box sets. This book starts a new series of seven. I will be reading them all. Mrs. Fisher is a magnet for trouble, usually with dead people involved. Lots of fun. Treat yourself. The author has a way with words and every book is a new adventure BUT you’ll enjoy them more if you have the background so start with Book 1 and binge.
October 3, 2023
A fun read even though I dislike cruises.
Not my usual read, but a good author will take you out of your box. Having just finished Steve Higgs' Albert and Rex series, I was looking for a new read. Enjoying Higgs ' writing as much as I do, I decided to try another series. This is the first with this character and I like Patricia Fisher. A shipboard detective isn't very hard to imagine either. And it is a grown-up non-slapstick humor that I really enjoy. So I have no reservations about recommending this author and series. Thank you, Mr. Higgs!
Not my usual read, but a good author will take you out of your box. Having just finished Steve Higgs' Albert and Rex series, I was looking for a new read. Enjoying Higgs ' writing as much as I do, I decided to try another series. This is the first with this character and I like Patricia Fisher. A shipboard detective isn't very hard to imagine either. And it is a grown-up non-slapstick humor that I really enjoy. So I have no reservations about recommending this author and series. Thank you, Mr. Higgs!
April 18, 2024
I would have given this book 5 stars but I couldn't as the ending was unfinished/unresolved. The author may think it provides continuity between books but I would have read the next one anyway. Now I'm concerned that more of these book's will stop abruptly as well. Trust the strength of your writing Mr. Higgs because this is unacceptable. I also don't appreciate the extra chapter tease on BookFunnel. That is a cumbersome process so now I'm left wondering what I missed and if the story will include that in a future book. It's all so unnecessary.
December 10, 2021
Con-men, jewel thieves, murder, and dead bodies bring a lively Patricia and her ship-board friends together for a frightening, exciting and humor filled adventure. There are mysteries you will try to unravel but I doubt you can. And then there's the question of who wants to destroy Patricia's reputation? A superbly written novel that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Very Highly Recommended.
Very Highly Recommended.
December 10, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
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 suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
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 suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 12, 2021
Patricia is at her full swing now as the head of a team in charge of a ship's security. The reader has to be prepared for lots of fun, as some situations are beyond hilarious and our loved detective does not lose her charm or her drive. As always, the story is really entertaining and well written. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
As a member of the author's ARC team, I downloaded a free copy of this book through Bookfunnel and this is my unbiased opinion.
As a member of the author's ARC team, I downloaded a free copy of this book through Bookfunnel and this is my unbiased opinion.
June 19, 2022
Another book full of Patty's adventures. It's a good thing that I take notes when I read books because I needed to keep all of her cases straight. I laughed at Patty's antics. She is so good getting herself into situations. It's a good thing she has good friends and a team to help her out of her scrapes.
Solving a gigolo situation, passbook thefts, jewelry and money thefts and Gibralter Apes who jump on board the ship are just a few of Patty's cases.
Solving a gigolo situation, passbook thefts, jewelry and money thefts and Gibralter Apes who jump on board the ship are just a few of Patty's cases.
April 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book UNTIL The End. I was suppose to do this and then this and this and this. I was unable to understand all the sites I was sent to. So now I don't know who the murderer is or who is seeking revenge on Patrica Fisher.
SO while I truly liked this book, I don't believe I'll get sucked into another because I don't have an ending. The story line was good but left readers hanging
SO while I truly liked this book, I don't believe I'll get sucked into another because I don't have an ending. The story line was good but left readers hanging
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
Patricia Fisher Ship’s Detective
Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to read the free chapter of the next book! Mr Higgs is an amazing writer. He has left us hanging on two more stories! I’m excited to see where Patricia ends the exciting story of the sunken ship and the scorned woman!
Oh my gosh! I can’t wait to read the free chapter of the next book! Mr Higgs is an amazing writer. He has left us hanging on two more stories! I’m excited to see where Patricia ends the exciting story of the sunken ship and the scorned woman!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews