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St. Martin's, Jan 2002, 24.95, 336 pp. ISBN: 0312280912 In 1908, the Cariona's purser informs Cunard Line detectives Genevieve Masefield and George Dillman that rumors of illegal drug smuggling exist. Also two Scotland Yard police officers escort two murderers on board to return them to England. Outside of that, George and Genevieve need to do their usual observations to insure no cons or stealing occur. This is a simple task for the two undercover sleuths as there are only two thousand plus passengers sailing from New York to Liverpool. As Genevieve and George “patrol” separately except at night when they share a cabin, someone steals jewelry from a passenger. They begin to investigate the theft, when someone murders one of the British coppers. Meanwhile Genevieve tries to get the female prisoner Carrie Peterson to confess that she poisoned the wife of her lover and the duo tries to stop drug smugglers tainting the reputation of this glorious liner. As when they sailed on the Lusitania, Mauretania, and Minnesota, Genevieve and George work several cases at the same time to insure the safety of the law-abiding people traveling by sea. The fourth sea voyage starring Dillman and Masefield is a delightful historical mystery that showcases the period as much as the lead detectives are. The era comes across in full detail, but the load of data is cleverly interwoven into taut story line even with several subplots on going at the same time that smoothly merges into a taut tale that readers will want to go on this sea cruise. Harriet Klausner | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of story - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) How difficult to spot villain? - Difficult, but some clues given Time/era of story: What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 60% Kind of investigator Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Any non-mystery subplot? descript. of violence and chases - 10 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 60 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 10 % Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - money/treasure How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting Water? Yes Water: - pleasure/love boat Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Amount of dialog - mostly dialog |
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