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Detective Murdoch #.5
Shipwreck
In 1873, a storm wrecks a ship on the rocks near a tiny fishing village in Nova Scotia. The people in the village, including the parish priest and young Will Murdoch, bravely work to save the ship's crew. Found in the shipwreck is a rich young woman with a newborn baby-and a terrible secret. With the help of the priest, young Will discovers the truth.
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
34 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Jennings
55 books384 followersMaureen Jennings, now a Canadian Citizen, was born on Eastfield Road in Birmingham, England and spent her formative years there until she emigrated to Canada at the age of seventeen with her mother.
This has meant that she still feels a deep connection with her homeland. It has also no doubt been a strong influence in her love for, and her writing about, the Victorian period. She attended the University of Windsor where she attained a BA in philosophy and psychology.
A couple of years trying to decide what she really wanted to do with her life resulted in her returning to university, the University of Toronto, this time where she earned an MA in English literature.For the next eight years, she taught English at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute at a time when the English department seemed to be chock full of writers. Eric Wright, went on to write the highly successful Charlie Salter mystery series, Graeme Gibson, Peter Such, and others were writing both novels and poetry. An exciting time in so many ways but after eight years, another change of direction and in 1972, Maureen left Ryerson to become a psychotherapist, which was a long time interest. She has continued in private practice since then, although nowadays she mostly conducts creative expression groups and writes. Always passionate about dogs, she is happy to own a border collie named Jeremy-Brett and a mixed breed named Varley.
Series:
* Detective Murdoch
* Christine Morris
* Detective Inspector Tom Tyler
This has meant that she still feels a deep connection with her homeland. It has also no doubt been a strong influence in her love for, and her writing about, the Victorian period. She attended the University of Windsor where she attained a BA in philosophy and psychology.
A couple of years trying to decide what she really wanted to do with her life resulted in her returning to university, the University of Toronto, this time where she earned an MA in English literature.For the next eight years, she taught English at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute at a time when the English department seemed to be chock full of writers. Eric Wright, went on to write the highly successful Charlie Salter mystery series, Graeme Gibson, Peter Such, and others were writing both novels and poetry. An exciting time in so many ways but after eight years, another change of direction and in 1972, Maureen left Ryerson to become a psychotherapist, which was a long time interest. She has continued in private practice since then, although nowadays she mostly conducts creative expression groups and writes. Always passionate about dogs, she is happy to own a border collie named Jeremy-Brett and a mixed breed named Varley.
Series:
* Detective Murdoch
* Christine Morris
* Detective Inspector Tom Tyler
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 23, 2021
A short story read before beginning the main series. This certainly piqued my interest in the series, providing an enjoyable mystery that I read in one sitting. I was impressed with the balance struck between keeping the story simple and clear, in keeping with its intended audience of new adult readers, while still presenting an interesting story, one that I think would motivate the reader to want to know what happens next. A part of me wanted more detail, more characterisation, but I also appreciate that that is not the point of this book, and I presume that I will get all of those things from "Except The Dying". Overall I found this a pleasing introduction to Maureen Jennings, and I look forward to reading more by her.
Thank you to Carolyn, who shared this with me, and Shirin who shared it with her!
Thank you to Carolyn, who shared this with me, and Shirin who shared it with her!
September 16, 2021
My parents told me about the television show “Murdoch Mysteries”, knowing I would eventually love it too. It has been airing so long, I want to collect the DVDs from season 1. Goodreads peer, Denise, told me William Murdoch derives from books, so I bought the first few to savour with my New Zealander friend, Kerri and my Iranian friend, Shirin. So popular are they that Shirin was able to read it in Persian!
I am not a historical fiction fan. Canadian work is an exception and loveable characters in whom we easily invest. My tolerances relaxes in the early 1900s when there are telephones, motor vehicles, and the end of the outrageous division of classes. It skyrockets when we are in turn-of-the-century Toronto for a change, instead of England. Maureen Jennings débuted in 1997 and published a seventh mystery in 2007. The television show premiered the next year. In 2010, authors contributed novellas for beginning readers or English speakers, as a literacy initiative. Since we learn as toddlers, adult material was lacking. So Maureen wrote “Shipwreck” with simple vocabulary. She made a memorable series prequel. William is a child in Nova Scotia, 1873. It is sweetly dedicated to Yannick Bisson, who had been magnificently starring in the role for two years.
Townspeople raced to rescue seafarers. One lady was alive. William and the priest inventoried the passengers and their belongings. They noticed incongruous clues, such as injuries unrelated to water. I enjoyed how they intelligently gleaned the story of clashing passengers, which interested William in law enforcement.
It earns four stars because Maureen spent too long setting up modern descendents. A Granddaughter interrupted the history to an annoying excess. However, this vivid prequel supplied my friends & I with a solid background for starting the series as established fans.
I am not a historical fiction fan. Canadian work is an exception and loveable characters in whom we easily invest. My tolerances relaxes in the early 1900s when there are telephones, motor vehicles, and the end of the outrageous division of classes. It skyrockets when we are in turn-of-the-century Toronto for a change, instead of England. Maureen Jennings débuted in 1997 and published a seventh mystery in 2007. The television show premiered the next year. In 2010, authors contributed novellas for beginning readers or English speakers, as a literacy initiative. Since we learn as toddlers, adult material was lacking. So Maureen wrote “Shipwreck” with simple vocabulary. She made a memorable series prequel. William is a child in Nova Scotia, 1873. It is sweetly dedicated to Yannick Bisson, who had been magnificently starring in the role for two years.
Townspeople raced to rescue seafarers. One lady was alive. William and the priest inventoried the passengers and their belongings. They noticed incongruous clues, such as injuries unrelated to water. I enjoyed how they intelligently gleaned the story of clashing passengers, which interested William in law enforcement.
It earns four stars because Maureen spent too long setting up modern descendents. A Granddaughter interrupted the history to an annoying excess. However, this vivid prequel supplied my friends & I with a solid background for starting the series as established fans.
July 1, 2021
Murdock was on my to-read list for a long time, and I wasn't sure when will start to read it. Thanks to dear Carolyn, we finally start this interesting detective mystery!
May 28, 2019
Prior to reading this novella I have only read one of the Murdoch Novels. I have been a fan of the series for years, and just recently was able to get caught up to day on the show. The novels and the show diverge a bit, from what I have read, and watched. But this interesting story could fit will in either the literary or cinematographic worlds of Murdoch.
This story is a little unusual, in that it is the story in part of the telling of another story. It is being told by Bill Murdoch, at first to his grand daughter and then to his daughter, the story is about his great-grandfather, William Murdoch, who was also a police detective. I could not help but picture Peter Falk, and Bill Murdoch while reading this story. The story takes place on the eve of the anniversary of Bill’s wife’s death. And as part of his work at a support group for grief, he has begun writing stories, and in this story, he shares a tale of young William Murdoch. The story being told took place about 140 years earlier and is in part the story of one of the factors that lead William Murdoch to become a police office and a very good detective at that.
The first part of the story is interrupted often with questions and interjections by Bill’s granddaughter. And the next day he reads the remaining part of the story to his daughter as she is in bed.
This story is fun in imagining William’s grandson, a retired detective having followed in his footsteps, caring for his family, and working out his grief by writing family stories. It is also excellent to see this much younger William, serving at the altar at mass, and helping when a ship is wrecked.
Writing shorter fiction is a very different art than writing the novel. This story is very well crafted. For fans of either the books or the tv show it will be a great read. For others who love shorter form fiction, and enjoy a bit of mystery, it is excellent also. It is a great addition to the canon of work about William Murdoch, and well worth the read!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Maureen Jennings.
This story is a little unusual, in that it is the story in part of the telling of another story. It is being told by Bill Murdoch, at first to his grand daughter and then to his daughter, the story is about his great-grandfather, William Murdoch, who was also a police detective. I could not help but picture Peter Falk, and Bill Murdoch while reading this story. The story takes place on the eve of the anniversary of Bill’s wife’s death. And as part of his work at a support group for grief, he has begun writing stories, and in this story, he shares a tale of young William Murdoch. The story being told took place about 140 years earlier and is in part the story of one of the factors that lead William Murdoch to become a police office and a very good detective at that.
The first part of the story is interrupted often with questions and interjections by Bill’s granddaughter. And the next day he reads the remaining part of the story to his daughter as she is in bed.
This story is fun in imagining William’s grandson, a retired detective having followed in his footsteps, caring for his family, and working out his grief by writing family stories. It is also excellent to see this much younger William, serving at the altar at mass, and helping when a ship is wrecked.
Writing shorter fiction is a very different art than writing the novel. This story is very well crafted. For fans of either the books or the tv show it will be a great read. For others who love shorter form fiction, and enjoy a bit of mystery, it is excellent also. It is a great addition to the canon of work about William Murdoch, and well worth the read!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Maureen Jennings.
April 25, 2022
For a long time I never realized that the television show "Murdoch Mysteries" was actually based on a book series. I've sporadically seen some of the episodes from various seasons and I've always enjoyed what I saw. However, I wasn't really sure about starting the novels because I've heard that fans of the show were upset by some of the changes in the book. Though this seems a little backwards, since the books were written before the show started, I was still wary of the books. My friend Carolyn convinced me to try her PDF of this prequel, "Shipwreck", and I'm happy to say I enjoyed it!
I was a bit confused in the beginning until I figured out that Bill Murdoch is not the William Murdoch that the rest of the series is about. I don’t know if the rest of the books are written as if Bill is telling his great-grandfather’s story or not, but that is how this prequel went. Once I figured out the difference between the two William Murdochs I really started to enjoy this. I immediately liked young Will and Father Keegan. They’re both very bright, and I loved how Father Keegan guided Will as they worked out the mystery.
The mystery was enjoyable and refreshingly different. There wasn't really anyone to interview for information, so Father Keegan and Will had to put together small clues that could have been easily missed by anyone else, in order to figure out what happened on the boat before it shipwrecked.
I wish the modern Murdoch’s hadn’t interrupted the story as often, particularly little Amy. It jolted me out of the mystery every time and made the story feel a bit broken up. I liked Bill and didn't mind Wendy, but Amy got quite annoying after a bit.
I want to write a quick thank you to my friend Carolyn for sending the PDF of this story to me, and for Shirin who sent it to her! Also, for encouraging me to try this series at all! You were right in believing that I would enjoy this, Carolyn.
It’s wonderful to know how this great detective started out and this short story has effectively gotten me hooked on the series. I’m excited to meet Will again as an older man in Toronto in the first book, "Except the Dying".
I was a bit confused in the beginning until I figured out that Bill Murdoch is not the William Murdoch that the rest of the series is about. I don’t know if the rest of the books are written as if Bill is telling his great-grandfather’s story or not, but that is how this prequel went. Once I figured out the difference between the two William Murdochs I really started to enjoy this. I immediately liked young Will and Father Keegan. They’re both very bright, and I loved how Father Keegan guided Will as they worked out the mystery.
The mystery was enjoyable and refreshingly different. There wasn't really anyone to interview for information, so Father Keegan and Will had to put together small clues that could have been easily missed by anyone else, in order to figure out what happened on the boat before it shipwrecked.
I wish the modern Murdoch’s hadn’t interrupted the story as often, particularly little Amy. It jolted me out of the mystery every time and made the story feel a bit broken up. I liked Bill and didn't mind Wendy, but Amy got quite annoying after a bit.
I want to write a quick thank you to my friend Carolyn for sending the PDF of this story to me, and for Shirin who sent it to her! Also, for encouraging me to try this series at all! You were right in believing that I would enjoy this, Carolyn.
It’s wonderful to know how this great detective started out and this short story has effectively gotten me hooked on the series. I’m excited to meet Will again as an older man in Toronto in the first book, "Except the Dying".
July 17, 2016
Who was Detective Murdoch? Readers of Maureen Jenning's series (and of the Canadian television series based on those novels) know the answer, BUT not how he got interested in detective work. As part of a series of novellas written by famous Canadians, Ms. Jennings tells the story of Murdock's first mystery. THIS one occurred when he was an adolescent in Nova Scotia, and involved a shipwreck on Christmas morning, in which the victims may not have all died as a result of the accident.
This book reminds me of Stephen King's “The Colorado Kid”, in that the story is being told by someone who was not present – in this case, Murdoch's descendant to his daughter & granddaughter. It also reminds us that some mysteries, especially those from long ago, may never be entirely solved, and even the solutions may be intelligent and logical speculation without the “YES, I DID IT AND I'M GLAD” pronouncement from the antagonist as at the end of a Perry Mason television episode.
It should also be stated that this novella is entirely standalone. The reader does not need any prior (or even subsequent) knowledge of the Detective Murdoch series in order to read and enjoy this book.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars where 1/2 stars are not allowed.
This book reminds me of Stephen King's “The Colorado Kid”, in that the story is being told by someone who was not present – in this case, Murdoch's descendant to his daughter & granddaughter. It also reminds us that some mysteries, especially those from long ago, may never be entirely solved, and even the solutions may be intelligent and logical speculation without the “YES, I DID IT AND I'M GLAD” pronouncement from the antagonist as at the end of a Perry Mason television episode.
It should also be stated that this novella is entirely standalone. The reader does not need any prior (or even subsequent) knowledge of the Detective Murdoch series in order to read and enjoy this book.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars where 1/2 stars are not allowed.
May 2, 2023
First part made me think I was mislead by GoodReads marking this as part 0.5, as if being before all other book having detective Murdoch as the main character: it starts with a detective Bill Murdoch as being retired and his wife July just died and let him grieving hard !
Only to learn the time is today more or less (2011, actually) and this Bill Murdoch is the descendant (like 3 generations down) of that detective Murdoch from 1890s ... what a dynasty he established :-)
And the story actually is a story inside a story, with some ancient story from the early youth of William; he witness a shipwreck and under guidance from the priest of the parish he was member of they find who was who among the dead people from that shipwreck, especially the young girl who only survived for giving birth to her child.
Short, but likeable book.
Only to learn the time is today more or less (2011, actually) and this Bill Murdoch is the descendant (like 3 generations down) of that detective Murdoch from 1890s ... what a dynasty he established :-)
And the story actually is a story inside a story, with some ancient story from the early youth of William; he witness a shipwreck and under guidance from the priest of the parish he was member of they find who was who among the dead people from that shipwreck, especially the young girl who only survived for giving birth to her child.
Short, but likeable book.
April 1, 2019
"Shipwreck" is a novella that shows us how William Murdoch becomes interested in detective work. When he is an altar boy in his Nova Scotia hometown, a ship wrecks on the nearby rocks. Father Keegan, his mentor, brings him along while last rites are performed so that Will can record details about each person.
In the process, they find a survivor who is in active labor -- and a man whom they presume to be her husband. Who among the victims are what they seem?
This is a quick and entertaining read that was created specifically for ESL readers or those with literacy challenges. Still, it's a delightful look into the origins of one of the best detectives in literature. Highly recommended.
In the process, they find a survivor who is in active labor -- and a man whom they presume to be her husband. Who among the victims are what they seem?
This is a quick and entertaining read that was created specifically for ESL readers or those with literacy challenges. Still, it's a delightful look into the origins of one of the best detectives in literature. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2024
Ok story. I listened to an audiobook edition. The narrator was not very good.
January 30, 2014
A story-within-a-story structure that doesn't really work. Bill Murdoch, a recently widowed police officer, has taken up writing in his retirement. His first piece is about his great grandfather's first detective case, which centres around a shipwreck. He reads the story, partly to his daughter and partly to his granddaughter. The two narratives don't really seem connected, and the "mystery" consists largely of several pages of speculation.
July 19, 2021
This is a quick read and it is very charming little story. I really did like it a lot. However, It was missing all my favorite elements from a Maureen Jennings novel. But then again it is not a Detective Murdoch Mystery, it is about his life through the eyes of his grandson (or great-great grandson). Either way, it is a charming story but does not have the historical details of a period piece written by Jennings. There were not the levels of intrigue. Although it was less than 1/3 the size. It was a good book and I did enjoy it, but not to the level of a five star.
November 23, 2024
I was shocked to discover that the author of this Hi-Lo novel was a famous and accomplished writer. this was the worst Hi-Lo I have read so far. It was uncomfortable to read out loud to adults because of the granddaughter character who proclaimed, "That's what mommy says!" after almost every line the protagonist uttered. Cringey and patronizing.
June 23, 2025
A short read that’s an introduction into Jenning’s Detective Murdoch series.
The novel does a great job at introducing the character and showing the qualities that likely make him a great detective in the series.
I appreciated the POV the story was told from and the blend of present day and past. Makes a great read/listen.
The novel does a great job at introducing the character and showing the qualities that likely make him a great detective in the series.
I appreciated the POV the story was told from and the blend of present day and past. Makes a great read/listen.
October 25, 2017
This is part of a literacy series with novelettes written by famous Canadian authors. This particular one would be of interest to those who enjoy the Detective Murdoch tv show because it tells how he first got interested in detective work as a twelve year old boy.
February 23, 2018
This book fallows pretty closely one of the episodes of the Murdoch Mysteries episodes; the tale of when Murdoch was a child. Does not really fit into the series of Murdoch Mystery books, but is good to see his roots.
January 10, 2023
An interesting short story, though the writing style annoyed me a little bit. Would’ve liked it more if sentences were a little bit longer. It is, however, a good book to introduce you to the Detective Murdoch books series, and fans of the TV show Murdoch Mysteries will find it compelling.
July 2, 2023
I am a huge fan of the Canadian TV series "Murdoch Mysteries". The series is based on the authors books. "Shipwreck" is a very short 28 page novella about Dective Murdoch's first case when he was a child. This was also part of the series. It is told by his great-grandson.
September 3, 2019
Good short. Gives some background on Murdoch.
Want to read
October 18, 2019How to summarize chapter 10 shipWreck
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
Short and nice. Watch Murdock quite often and enjoy the kind of quirky characters. Good to have a bit of background about William.
October 18, 2021
Murdock's first case at 12 years old.
A short novel.
A short novel.
December 17, 2021
2.5 stars. This was just okay for me as a prequel to the popular Murdoch mystery television series.
July 12, 2022
Short and sweet story about a young Willam Murdoch
March 14, 2023
Good backstory and introduction to a young Detective Murdoch.
September 12, 2023
Part of the Good Reads project.
January 23, 2024
An excellent short story in the Inspector Murdoch series.
Read
December 31, 2023Surprised to find out this is the creator of Detective William Murdoch...
March 26, 2012
When I first read the synopsis, I was wondering whether it had anything in common with the tv series 'Murdoch Mysteries'. Once I read the dedication at the beginning of the book, I was sure, And this is the story of how it all began ...
The actual Shipwreck story is very interesting and intriguing at the same time but it is combined with the writer and storyteller who appears to be struggling with life after suddenly losing his wife and essentially losing touch with family and friends over it. And, yes, all that is cramped into 78pages. Would I have preferred those to be two separate books/stories? Get the extended version and/or being able to concentrate on one issue and then the other? Maybe. However, Maureen Jennings does make it work and even if the interruptions here and there pull you somewhat out of the story, it is easy to get back into it again.
Both intertwining stories are well written and the reader does get all the information necessary to understand what is going on, however, the characters are somewhat stereotyped and not fleshed out as well as could be. Mind you, this is a book out of the Good Reads Series with on-line exercises available for downloading used to tutor non-English speakers, for example. The writing is quite straight-forward and an easy and straight-forward read, making this a good tool to learn reading and understanding.
The actual Shipwreck story is very interesting and intriguing at the same time but it is combined with the writer and storyteller who appears to be struggling with life after suddenly losing his wife and essentially losing touch with family and friends over it. And, yes, all that is cramped into 78pages. Would I have preferred those to be two separate books/stories? Get the extended version and/or being able to concentrate on one issue and then the other? Maybe. However, Maureen Jennings does make it work and even if the interruptions here and there pull you somewhat out of the story, it is easy to get back into it again.
Both intertwining stories are well written and the reader does get all the information necessary to understand what is going on, however, the characters are somewhat stereotyped and not fleshed out as well as could be. Mind you, this is a book out of the Good Reads Series with on-line exercises available for downloading used to tutor non-English speakers, for example. The writing is quite straight-forward and an easy and straight-forward read, making this a good tool to learn reading and understanding.
November 2, 2016
This short story is part of the Good Reads series funded in part by the Government of Canada's Office of Literacy and Essential Skills. The intent is for various authors to write stories with limited vocabulary in order to provide interesting literature for those who are just starting their reading adventures. I just saw Maureen at Magna Cum Murder this last weekend and she screened the last episode of Season 9 of The Murdoch Mysteries for the group and this is based on that episode. I loved the screening and this book, although the main time frame was more current with a flashback being shared as a type of "bedtime" telling, followed one of the main story lines very closely. It is basically the tale of why William Murdoch eventually became a detective. I'm glad I read it.
May 24, 2012
Shipwreck by Maureen Jennings was a quick, easy read. I didn't want to put it down. Looking forward to reading more stories by this author.
Book Summary
Just before he is to retire, Bill Murdoch suffers the sudden loss of Julie, his beloved wife
of over 30 years, and withdraws from friends and family. When Bill is encouraged by the
leader of his grief support group to write down memories of Julie, he eventually finds
himself writing a story about his great-grandfather, William Murdoch. The story involves a
shipwreck, a mystery, faith, and the coming together of a community. Through sharing the
story with his daughter and granddaughter, Bill learns that he has a lot to live for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews