Publishers Weekly
07/31/2023
Anglo-Indian private investigator Jim Agnihotri and his wife, Lady Diana, have their 19th-century ocean liner journey from the U.S. to England interrupted by theft and murder in March’s convoluted sequel to 2022’s Peril at the Exposition. With only a week until the ship reaches port and no plausible way on or off, guests are rattled when the Spanish ambassador to the U.S., Don Juan Nepomuceno, is found murdered and missing a case of jewels. A short time later, young Alice Fry also turns up dead, an apparent suicide—though some traveling with her insist she was the victim of a supernatural curse—and Jim and Diana decide to investigate. March provides a classic locked-room mystery setup, but fails to winnow down the suspects early enough, causing the plot to drag—Jim reiterates his purpose (“My mind returned to my present conundrum; who’d murdered the Spanish don, and why?”) one too many times as he wades through a sea of red herrings. He’s an amiable hero, with a rich backstory as a soldier in the British Indian army, but Diana is unevenly drawn, by turns an overeager partner (“We have to catch this maniac!”) and a woman prone to “dark malaise.” Still, historical mystery fans will relish March’s well-integrated maritime research and echoes of such Christie classics as Murder on the Orient Express. Despite this lackluster entry, there’s hope for the series yet. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
March’s gift for elevated language nicely supports the period setting. . . Familiar mystery tropes are skillfully woven into an entertaining vintage whodunit.” –Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Nev March and the Captain Jim and Lady Diana Mysteries
"An instantly likeable character whose good heart and endearing ways make him an ideal narrator.” —The New York Times Book Review on Murder in Old Bombay
“If historical fiction and mystery appeal to you, don’t miss this series.” —Jersey’s Best
“Definitely recommended.” —Historical Novel Society
“Fans of Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy series will find plenty to like.” —Publishers Weekly
“March has created the perfect armchair escape from the summer blues in Peril at the Exposition.” –BookTrib
NOVEMBER 2023 - AudioFile
Vikas Adam transports listeners back to 1894 as Jim Agnihotri, an investigator, and his wife, Lady Diana Framji, travel to England by ship. When a passenger is murdered, the ship's captain calls upon Jim to identify the killer. Adam's outstanding portrayals of both Jim and Diana create highly believable characters. His depiction of Diana is particularly strong, injecting just the right amount of inflection to represent a woman of her background. His talent for accents is highlighted as he voices the key characters, and his pacing builds the tension as the race is on to solve the murder before the ship docks. K.J.P. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-07-13
Murder on a trans-Atlantic ship, with a luxe collection of suspects.
As his wife, Lady Diana Framji, twirls around the ballroom, former Indian soldier and occasional sleuth James Agnihotri, aka Jim O’Trey, is vomiting his rich dinner over the rail of the HMS Etruria. He’s approached by a concerned military veteran who turns out to be the eponymous diplomat. It’s 1894, and the “floating fortress” has an international guest list on its journey from Boston to Liverpool. James senses mystery and tension beneath the surface of the passengers, even Diana. His suspicions are confirmed when, shortly after he receives a note from the Spanish gentleman, who identifies himself as J. Nepomuceno and requests a meeting, the man is found garroted in his stateroom. Fearing that the ship will be detained in Liverpool until the killer is found, Capt. Hawley requests Jim’s assistance in solving the crime. The flow of the investigation and the circle of suspects have a classic feel right down to the characters’ names, from stewardess Edna Pickle and Dr. Witherspoon to guests Evangeline Pontin, Beau Lattibeaudiere, and Palmer Bly, and waiflike maid Dora Zu. March’s gift for elevated language nicely supports the period setting, and this third book in the series advances the core relationship between newlyweds Diana and James. Along the way to solving the intricate mystery, they banter like a shipboard Nick and Nora, and he eventually learns the source of her initial unease.
Familiar mystery tropes are skillfully woven into an entertaining vintage whodunit.
