Sam and Maggie head off on a cruise. He is hoping to kindle a romance in the sun while she wants to head to the Nordic countries. Then the pair spot some familiar faces and death isn’t far behind…
Death on the High Seas is the 4th book in the Shires Mysteries series to feature amateur sleuths Sam and Maggie. I have previously read and reviewed the 2nd book in the series, At Death’s Door.
The book is written from Maggie’s first person via journal entriees as well as third person narrative to show the plot developments. Her personality really shines through (I described her as eccentric in my last review but would perhaps update this to vivacious) which contrasts with the more reticent Sam.
I found it really interesting that the author has chosen to depart from the usual setting and supporting characters. I have always wanted to go on a cruise and felt immersed in the setting, however I am afraid I agree with Sam and would want a warmer one!
The mystery side of the book has several layers and I wasn’t sure which direction the book was going to take. Maggie can see spirits which adds another dimension to her character and the plot. Maggie and Sam spot a mother and son with a criminal background from their hometown, Maggie meets up with an old flame, and the cruise ship picks up a distress signal from a fishing boat with injured people onboard.
Death on the High Seas is an entertaining cosy mystery and I love the dynamic between the two main characters.
Death on the High Seas
Maggie and Sam take a break from the murder and mayhem of Bishops Well and embark on a relaxing mid-winter cruise across the northern seas. The brochure promises smooth sailing, good food and dazzling entertainment. Sam is hoping to sprinkle the mix with romance.
But nothing goes to plan.
Maggie runs into an old lover, the mesmerising Benedict Rawbotham, who goes out of his way to sweep her off her feet. Sam is left seething with jealousy.
A mayday signal sent by a fishing boat forces the cruise liner off course. But there is something fishy about the rescued crew and Maggie insists that two young women have died on that boat. Alas, no one believes her.
Soon one of the alleged fishermen is also dead and so is one of the cruise passengers. Cordelia Conti Lang, nicknamed the Bitcoin Queen, with links to London’s criminal underworld, is found in her cabin, stabbed to death.
In pursuit of the killer, Maggie hurtles from one disaster to another and Sam begins to fear for her life. Has he taken her on a cruise to hell?
Author Bio – Although she writes in a wide range of genres, Anna Legat is best known for her DI Gillian Marsh detective series and The Shires, her cosy murder mysteries. Anna is also the author of the historical thriller, Buried in the Past. She lives near Bath.
