Pleasant mystery set on the Lusitania’s maiden voyage in 1907. George Porter Dillman is the ship’s detective working incognito as a first class passenger. As he observes the characters, several of them come to his notice, including the glamorous Genevieve Masefield and a persistent reporter called Henry Barcroft. Then some important plans go missing from the Chief Engineer’s room, and Barcroft is found murdered. Dillman must solve the murder before the ship reaches New York, without alarming the passengers. 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.

Dillman finally has a personality and allows his passions to shine through. He's intelligent and thoughtful as well as caring. I liked how he handled Polly's crush with a delicate touch, not wanting to hurt her. I also liked knowing about what interests him. The ending absolutely surprised and delighted me. 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. They each meet a number of passengers in First Class, and notice each other while becoming acquainted with others in First Class. George anticipates small theft, perhaps some fighting, but nothing more serious on the voyage, and hopes mostly to be watchful while enjoying the trip. Genevieve turns more than one man’s head, and hopes to make a useful connection to a wealthy man. I liked the stronger focus on George and Genevieve this time around, with fewer unnecessary side jaunts following unpleasant or irrelevant supporting characters. This, plus the smaller size of the Marmora, allowed them to work in closer proximity and I actually felt like they were a pair, despite them continuing to work separately undercover.The mystery is well-plotted, and like other classic mysteries, you discover most of the clues at the same time as George does, so you can "sleuth" along with him. I really enjoyed this element, particularly after having read a number of cozy mysteries recently featuring amateur detectives who stumble their way onto the truth more than using any real brain work. In contrast, George is refreshingly competent, intelligent and clearly experienced in his line of work. When one of the guests on board is murdered, George and the staff on board have their hands full dealing with the situation. To avoid panic and damaging rumours for Cunard, George counsels they keep the murder quiet while investigating. George questions and searches, and gradually Genevieve becomes involved, too, though mostly peripherally till the violent confrontation at the end. 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.

If you're following the series, then you'll like this book; if you're at all interested in ocean liners from the past you'll also like it. I would definitely not use this book as your entry to the or you might be lost. The action - a murder, assorted burglaries, a financial scam - takes place during the England to Egypt leg of the voyage.I had never heard of this series when it came out originally, and I’m glad I got a chance to read this. The Domesday series, featuring Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, commissioners appointed by William the Conqueror, to look into the serious irregularities that come to light during the compilation of the Domesday Book, the great survey of England: George continues to be charming and intelligent, handling difficult situations adeptly and with grace without letting himself get trampled on. His constant professionalism and inward aloofness made him feel distant in past books, but he forms an actual friendship with the Egyptologist Mr. Goss and his family this time around that made him feel more human. We find out more about Genevieve this time as well, and finally know the story of her past.

Search the Edgar Award Winners And Nominees". Mystery Writers of America. Archived from the original on 27 September 2018 . Retrieved 14 December 2010.The Dillman and Masefield series, featuring private detectives George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield, and set on board ocean liners of the early 1900s. This series has subsequently been reprinted credited to Edward Marston: 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.