I read a lot of mysteries, so when I say that “A Fatal Crossing” by Tom Hindle is the type of historical mystery that kept me constantly guessing and engaged this is definitely praise. The many twists and turns coming from a cast of well grafted, opaque characters made for a terrific plot which literally kept me in suspense until nearly the very last page creating a great, entertaining read with memories of Agatha Christie mysteries coming to mind...
When the “Endeavour” sails from Southampton to New York in 1924, no one expects the week long crossing to be very eventful. But it is for an elderly gentleman who is found dead at the bottom of the stairs, everything pointing to an unfortunate slip by accident on a rainy deck at night. James Temple, a moody, mysterious and short tempered Scotland Yard detective who happens to be on board, insists on a more thorough investigation, with the captain and ship officer Timothy Birth much less enthusiastic to have someone stir up what they consider a fateful accident. And so begins the unraveling of a mystery to the identity of the dead man, an art dealer as it turns out, with many colorful protagonists, first class passengers in particular as possible suspects for a less than accidental death and Temple and Birth dueling each other on the search for the truth. Enjoyed “The Fatal Crossing” immensely.

First Class….
1924. The Endeavour sets sail. A spectacular week long voyage planned from Southampton to New York. When a body is discovered early into the sailing Scotland Yard Inspector, James Temple, begins an investigation. He’s certain that there’s a killer in their midst. With a ship full of suspects, the theft of a priceless artwork, and an investigation fraught with danger at every turn can the case be solved before they reach New York? Wonderfully atmospheric and evocative whodunnit with a credible, colourful and well crafted cast of characters. First class.

This is my kind of book. The Endeavour sets off to New York. It is a week-long voyage and there are 2,000 passengers on board. It is November 1924, the weather is unpleasant and the mood on the ship isn’t much better, especially when an elderly man is found dead at the bottom of a staircase. Ship’s officer Timothy Birch – who has so many demons, you feel sorry for him from the off – wants the tragic act declared as an accident (and the captain is happy to go along with it). But when a Scotland Yard inspector makes an appearance, persistent that there’s something nefarious going on, the ship reluctantly agrees to investigate. There’s another layer to the discovery of the body, the theft of priceless artwork; in fact, all of this clever novel feels circular, with several plotlines moving around each other. A wickedly good ending made it for me and I finished this with a knowing smile. Can they find a killer on board such a massive vessel… with less than a week to do so?

#AFatalCrossing #NetGalley
Good read.
When an elderly gentleman is found dead at the foot of a staircase, ship's officer Timothy Birch is ready to declare it a tragic accident. But James Temple, a strong-minded Scotland Yard inspector, is certain there is more to this misfortune than meets the eye.
Birch agrees to investigate, and the trail quickly leads to the theft of a priceless painting. Its very existence is known only to its owner and the dead man.
With just days remaining until they reach New York, and even Temple's purpose on board the Endeavour proving increasingly suspicious, Birch's search for the culprit is fraught with danger.
I think it's a good book. You can read it one time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cornerstone for giving me an advance copy.