This book transports the reader to the opulent world of the first class lounges on what was the most luxurious transatlantic liner of its day - the Lusitania. George Dillman is a passenger, but also much more - employed by Cunard to ensure there are no incidents to mar the maiden voyage. We meet the varied characters who comprise his fellow passengers - the charismatic and beautiful Genevieve Masefield, a fellow American Ellen Tolley, heart-broken Violet Rymer and her parents and the bumptious reporter, Mr Barcroft to name but a few.

The result is a wonderful mix of murder, mayhem and glitter on this maiden voyage in 1907. Dillman is an interesting character, clearly with more of a back story than we have been told. But many of his fellow passengers are not quite as they appear, and when one is killed and items stolen, Dillman has his work cut out to discover the culprit before the ship docks in New York.

I really enjoyed this book, and hope for more in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was entertaining, with two interesting main characters, George Porter Dillman and Genevieve Masefield. He’s an American detective formerly of Pinkerton, employed by Cunard Lines on the 1907 maiden voyage of the massive and prestigious Lusitania, and she’s a young, attractive woman with a secret in her past, looking for a new opportunity in America.
They each meet a number of passengers in First Class, and notice each other while becoming acquainted with others in First Class. George anticipates small theft, perhaps some fighting, but nothing more serious on the voyage, and hopes mostly to be watchful while enjoying the trip. Genevieve turns more than one man’s head, and hopes to make a useful connection to a wealthy man.
When one of the guests on board is murdered, George and the staff on board have their hands full dealing with the situation. To avoid panic and damaging rumours for Cunard, George counsels they keep the murder quiet while investigating. George questions and searches, and gradually Genevieve becomes involved, too, though mostly peripherally till the violent confrontation at the end.
I enjoyed this mystery. The pacing is good, and the text flowed well. I liked George and Genevieve, and found the historical details about the Lusitania interesting. There are also several subplots concerning some of the characters in First Class, giving us a nice choice amongst the passengers to point to as a possible murderer.
I had never heard of this series when it came out originally, and I’m glad I got a chance to read this.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Alison & Busby for this ARC in exchange for this review.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an advance copy of Murder on the Lusitania, the first novel in the Ocean Liner series, originally published in 1999.

The Lusitania is embarking on its maiden voyage to America in September 1907. George Porter Dillman joins an eclectic group of first class passengers, ostensibly returning home to sort out his future, but in reality working as an onboard detective. He expects a quiet journey, but a theft of blueprints and a murder put paid to that notion. His attraction to fellow passenger, Genevieve Masefield, soon finds her helping with his investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed Murder on the Lusitania, which is a light, old fashioned read with a few interesting twists. It is mostly told from Dillman’s point of view with other characters contributing as and when necessary. This is not the distraction it could be, but rather, offers a fuller view of events and rounds out the narrative nicely.

I must admit that I guessed the murderer’s identity early on in the novel. Not that it mattered or spoiled my enjoyment because there are so many other small events to keep the reader occupied and the larger issue of motive. I found the novel engrossing, not just for the interesting plot but for the historical detail and the mores of the time. This latter is explored in the subplot of one of the characters’ illicit love affair. Otherwise I see no point in it and it could be construed as padding.

Murder on the Lusitania is a fun read that I can recommend.

Always love any of Edward Marston's series. Anything by him can be guaranteed an enjoyable read. This is the first in the Ocean Liner series. Not sure why murder on a massive ship seems a lot more glamorous and fun, but it is! Another form of 'locked room' as the murderer cannot escape, short of jumping overboard. Beautiful cover too. Thanks to Netgalley and Allison & Busby.

The year 1907, Liverpool. The occasion, the launching of the maiden voyage of Cunard Lusitania. The characters wonderful and The Who done it?, a page turner. George Porter Dillman Is working undercover as a 1st Class passenger. Assuming petty thief be the most he will need to deal with, he mingles with fellow passengers getting to know them and keeping his cover by making friends, Of course what seems like a strange thief of Lusitania diagrams from the Chief Engineer cabin lead to more mysteries and a dead body of someone everyone loves to hate.
This is a rerelease to capture a new generation of reads and they did get my interest. The storyline is fast paced and keeps you guessing who the villain is. A very enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #MurderontheLusitania

I have always enjoyed reading Edward Marston's mysteries and this one certainly does not disappoint. The story has everything murder and espionage , rolled into a bit of history, cold war and romance. With lots of twist and turns, a Pinkerton operative is hired to make sure the crossing goes smoothly.
When an obnoxious journalist is murdered, plans go missing and cardsharps are at play, there are much to do.are Some wonderful characters and all the fun and romance of a first crossing in a pre- war story.
Loved it

Wonderful Historical Detail…
The first outing in the Ocean Liner Mystery series (previously published under the name Conrad Allen) finds George Dillman setting sail on the maiden voyage of the Lusitania from Liverpool to New York. It’s 1907 and George is, in fact, undercover but posing as a passenger. George is an undercover detective hired by the Cunard Line with an aim of eradicating petty crime aboard ship. Needless to say George is to discover way more than he ever bargained for. As George couples up with, a first class passenger, Genevieve Masefield they are soon to uncover a very worrying scenario indeed. Steeped in wonderful historical detail and with a well crafted and credible cast of often eccentric characters this is a superb, wholly enjoyable read.

A very enjoyable murder mystery. Dillman, employed by Cunard, acts as an undercover detective on the Lusitania. After a passenger is murdered, Dillman only has a few days to solve the crime before they dock in New York. Marston has created a cast of interesting and eccentric characters. This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading the rest. I will also seek out other books written by the author under different pen names.
This is an honest review of a complementary ARC.

I am a fan of both the author, Edward Marston, and the publisher, Allison & Busby, so when the latter decided to start republishing the Ocean Liner series that were previously published under the name Conrad Allen I was looking forward to reading them and I’m glad to say that the first book, Murder on the Lusitania, is a very enjoyable historical murder mystery.

The book introduces the private detective George Dillman who is another traditional Marston character who I look forward to meeting in future books.

Definitely recommended.

A most enjoyable murder mystery. Plenty of twists and turns to keep it interesting as so much is not what it seems. Detective George Dillman is a charming leading man and although I had managed to work out, almost from the beginning,, whodunnit, the motivation was a little less clear.

The historical perspective added depth and some insights into the times and made for a lovely backdrop to the story.

With thanks to Netgalley, the publisher Allison & Busby and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley # netgalley

I love a good historical mystery and this one really hit the spot.

This is the first in a series of books written by Keith Miles and now published under the pseudonym of Edward Marston. These were previously published under the name of Conrad Allen, but presumably Edward Marston is better known, being used for many popular series, including that of the Railway Detective mysteries. This series features George Porter Dillman and the enigmatic and beautiful Genevieve Masefield and all are set aboard cruise ships in the heyday of the great liners. In order, the books are as follows:

1. Murder on the Lusitania
2. Murder On the Mauretania
3. Murder On the Minnesota
4. Murder on the Caronia
5. Murder on the Marmora
6. Murder on the Salsette
7. Murder on the Oceanic
8. Murder on the Celtic

The first two have appeared for order with nice, new covers, and hopefully the rest of the series will follow.

It is September, 1907 and the Lusitania is sailing her maiden voyage to New York. This novel introduces American George Porter Dillman, a detective who is usually called upon to keep an eye on professional card sharps, or some thieving. However, this voyage offers more than the usual excitement - and romance. From the time Dillman boards the train from Euston to Liverpool, Lime Street, he feels that things are not right. He is intrigued by Mr and Mrs Rymer, whose daughter Violet seems sad and listless for such an exciting event as a trip on such a wonderful liner and is further concerned about the oily journalist Henry Barcroft, who bothers the passengers and crew alike. When there is murder onboard, his detective skills are put to the test.

This is a cosy mystery, with a touch of romance and the bonus of the shipboard location. If you enjoy this kind of story, then I am sure you will like this series and, in my opinion, it is best to start with the first book where the two main characters first meet.

I am a fan of Edward Marston's Railway Detective and Home Front Detectives series so I was excited to read his new Ocean liner series. George Dillman is undercover on the maiden voyage of the Lusitania from England to New York City. Once underway, he meets several fascinating characters that turn in to suspects when an annoying reporter is found dead.

This new series has a bit of a different feel from the other two I have read but I thoroughly enjoyed it. As always, the plot was gripping and the characters all interesting. There was enough shared about the main character(s) to grab your interest but a little mystery to keep you guessing until future books. I loved the setting on the Lusitania and the lush descriptions of the ship.

I am already looking forward to the next book. Which characters will carry over to future stories, what is the scoop on Dillman's family, can a shipboard romance last once on land? Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #MurderontheLusitania.

This was so fun! Honestly reminded me of a classic, good ol'-fashioned whodunnit mysteries like those of Agatha Christie. The whole setting was surprisingly immersive, not to mention the mystery as well. Romance fell a bit flat, though, along with character developments. But apart from that, I recommend you check this out.

I loved this book so much! Every time I was about to put it down I just had to turn to the next page! Loved all the characters so! Definitely a book everyone should read!

An enjoyable Agatha Christie-like whodunit, the first book in the Ocean Liner Mysteries series. The luxurious atmosphere of a cruiser, its diverse passengers, an undercover detective, and of course, crime.

The beginning of the 20th century is an interesting period both in terms of politics and culture, and the author spoils us with characters from a broad palette of society. Marston has an entertaining style which makes this a pleasant and quick read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for an Advance Reading Copy.

Murder on the Lusitania was a most delightful read. Highly entertaining, wonderful characters and plots twist to keep you guessing right till the end. I would highly recommend this book.

Set in 1907 on board the illustrious Lusitania, this charming mystery is the first in the Ocean Liner series and resplendent with twists and turns, romance, family drama, theft and murder. The sendoff of the maiden voyage from Liverpool to New York is full of pomp and excitement and the ending is satisfying, Locked room mysteries are amongst my favourites and this massive floating "room" just happens to contain well over a thousand people from three classes. Such scope for fun!

George Dillman (my favourite character) is an undercover detective from the infamous Pinkerton Agency. He gets acquainted with many passengers, ingratiates and solves mysteries within mysteries in his calm way, with some help. Some characters are very likeable, others not, making for a delectable read.

Humming with historical details from the sumptuous gleaming wood interior to the luxurious clothing to the social class divisions and mores of the time, the story is a splendid voyage of rollicking fun. It was so easy to envision the details in their entirety.

Cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy this time era, do not miss this. Do read the postscript as well.

My sincere thank you to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this delightful book! Edward Marston is an incredible author and I am eager to read the next in the series.

I havent read many books that are set on or centred around a ship and that was one of the reasons that I enjoyed this book. The writing and setting were great, the characters were well developed and I loved the storyline. It was unpredictable and left me guessing which I also loved. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Series debut originally published in 1999 by prolific author Edward Marston (under the name Conrad Allen) featuring undercover detective George Dillman in a pre-World War I setting. The magnificent new ocean liner Lusitania is on her maiden voyage and Dillman is helping insure there are no scandals or problems. But there are incidents: thefts of ship electrical details, card sharks, and a murder.

The details about the Lusitania are interesting. This has a fairly superficial feel with not a lot of character development. Dillman is a bit of a mystery, and the erstwhile romance is a bit of a puzzler. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.