Murder on the Mauretania (George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield Mysteries)
Following Murder on the Lusitania, this second of the series set on great ocean liners of the early 20th century is sure to delight nautical history enthusiasts as well as mystery fans. American George Porter Dillman and English beauty Genevieve Masefield are now working for the Cunard Line as detectives on the Mauretania, the largest ship in the world. Setting sail on its maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York, the ship carries more than 2,000 passengers and a record shipment of gold bullion stored in its hold. While Masefield, posing as a first-class passenger, socializes and observes the elite, Dillman seeks the culprit responsible for several silver thefts from second-class passengers. The prime suspect, Max Hirsch, disappears on the day of a violent storm. Did someone push him overboard? And who later steals some of the gold bullion? Dillman and Masefield, innocently helped by eight-year-old Alexandra Jarvis and the ship's mascot, a black cat named Bobo, turn up some truly surprising answers. From the opulent, glittering images of first class to the crowded quarters of the hopeful immigrants in steerage, Allen vividly renders the class structure of the early 20th century. Of particular note are the dialogue and social banter of Masefield's upper-class friends. Combined with the puzzling mystery, the careful attention to historic details and well-developed characters make for first-class entertainment.Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.