Murder on the Prince Regent (Tate and Bell Mystery #6) by Irina Shapiro
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Gemma and Sebastian’s pleasant day’s outing is interrupted by a death that involves a foreign nation.
Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell is called to investigate a murder that’s taken place on an American packet ship, the Prince Regent, currently anchored on the Thames near the Isle of Dogs, awaiting the police.
Sebastian faces the possibility of political tensions. The murder victim is an english lord, Lord Anthony Blackstock, who’s being considered for a diplomatic post as Ambassador to the United States. Alarmingly, Lord Anthony’s wife has disappeared.
Gemma Tate of cause becomes involved. They were enjoying some time together when Sebastian is recalled to duty. Sebastian had been about to ask Gemma to marry him, but once again his responsibilities get in the way.
Gemma refuses to be left behind and accompanies Sebastian, along with a young, and very unhappy constable.
The climb up the ship’s side using a rope ladder is not for the faint hearted. I was exhausted by the description of Gemma’s ascendancy travails.
Sebastian is glad to have Gemma with him. She can question the female passengers more easily than him.
Of course the situation is not easy. Things become more complicated and urgent as time marches on. Sebastian can only hold the ship up for so long.
I didn’t see the end coming until it was on top of me.
Another great read from Shapiro with fascinating facts about how the ships ploughed their way between New York and London, the various steerage fares and practices, such as who could go on deck, the sleeping arrangements, passenger interactions, and the importance of shortening times the voyage takes.
Shapiro certainly knows how to capture her reader’s attention.
A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
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