Murder at Sea by Helena Dixon is a charming historical mystery that combines murder, secrets, romance, and a touch of espionage. Set in 1938, the story follows private investigators Kitty Underhay Bryant and her husband, Matt Bryant, as they find themselves caught up in a dangerous mystery aboard a luxurious ocean liner sailing toward New York. This is the 23rd book in the Miss Underhay series. I do think it can be read as a standalone as well.

The story begins when Kitty’s cousin, Hattie, comes to her for help. Hattie’s gentleman friend, Richard Westonholme, has disappeared, apparently taking her valuable jewelry and money with him. Naturally, Hattie is worried and wants to know what has happened to him. Kitty and Matt figure out that Richard Westonholme is actually Revers Palmerston, a former soldier with Matt in the Great War, whom they have been trying to track down. What initially appears to be a case of a dishonest man taking advantage of a woman soon becomes something much more complicated.

Kitty and Matt decide to pursue the matter, and their investigation leads them aboard an ocean liner bound for America. However, the couple isn’t simply embarking on an ordinary journey. Matt has also been entrusted with a sensitive assignment involving information from a potential German defector. With Europe edging closer to another war, the mission carries serious consequences, adding an extra layer of suspense to their travels.

Things take a dark turn when Richard Westonholme, a.k.a. Redvers, is found dead in a lifeboat. Suddenly, the search for a missing man becomes a murder investigation, and Kitty and Matt must figure out what really happened. The ship’s confined setting makes the investigation particularly challenging. With the ocean stretching out in every direction, the murderer is almost certainly still on board. Kitty and Matt must question passengers and crew members, examine the available clues, and try to separate the truth from the lies.

There is certainly no shortage of suspicious characters. Redvers’ wife has questions to answer, while a wealthy heiress and her guardian also attract attention. Even a steward’s behavior raises doubts. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and the detectives must work out which secrets are connected to the murder and which are simply distractions.

Meanwhile, Matt’s secret assignment continues to complicate matters. The political tensions of the late 1930s provide a reminder that the murder may not be the only danger aboard the ship. As the voyage progresses and the liner gets closer to New York, Kitty and Matt must put the pieces together before the killer has another opportunity to strike.

With several possible suspects, hidden motives, and more than one mystery to solve, the couple faces a challenging case that tests their investigative skills and their ability to trust the people around them.

I really like the premise of Murder at Sea. A murder aboard a luxury ocean liner is such a good setup for a traditional whodunit. Everyone is confined to the same ship, the list of suspects is limited, and there’s nowhere for the murderer to disappear once the investigation gets underway. It creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that works especially well for a historical mystery.

One of the things that appeals to me most about Helena Dixon’s writing is the combination of an interesting historical setting and an engaging mystery. The story takes place in 1938, a time when the world was becoming increasingly unsettled, and that background adds an extra layer of tension. The glamour of transatlantic travel contrasts nicely with the danger and uncertainty surrounding the murder. The ocean liner is also a wonderful setting for this kind of story. There’s something particularly enjoyable about a mystery that takes place in an enclosed environment. Every passenger could potentially be involved, and even seemingly innocent characters may have secrets they would rather keep hidden. The setting gives the investigation a sense of urgency because Kitty and Matt know they cannot simply follow suspects wherever they please or rely on outside help whenever they need it.

I also enjoyed the way the story brings together several different elements. There’s the original mystery involving Hattie’s missing gentleman friend, the discovery of Redvers’ body, and Matt’s sensitive assignment connected to the political situation in Europe. These different threads give the story more depth than a straightforward murder investigation. They also create questions about how much the various characters know and whether their secrets are connected.

Kitty and Matt are another reason the story is appealing. They make an engaging investigative team, and their partnership gives the book a comfortable familiarity. Kitty’s determination and Matt’s involvement in the more sensitive side of the investigation help keep the story moving. Readers who have followed their adventures in earlier books will likely enjoy seeing them tackle another complicated case together. The supporting characters add plenty of possibilities for speculation. With Redvers’ wife, a wealthy heiress, her guardian, and a suspicious steward among the people who attract attention, there are several directions the investigation could take. I enjoy mysteries that give readers an opportunity to consider different motives and try to identify the guilty party before the detectives do. The challenge is working out which details matter and which are simply there to lead you down the wrong path.

Another aspect I appreciate is the way the historical setting contributes to the atmosphere without making the story solely about history. The approaching war provides a sense of unease, while the ship’s luxurious surroundings offer a glimpse into a very different era of travel. This balance should appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction but still want the mystery to remain the main attraction.

Of course, the story may not appeal to absolutely everyone. There are several characters and overlapping plotlines to keep track of, so readers who prefer a very straightforward mystery might occasionally find themselves juggling a few too many details. The pace may also feel a little slower for those who prefer modern thrillers filled with constant action. However, readers who enjoy traditional detective stories will probably appreciate having time to consider the clues and suspects.

I would also say that the book is likely to be particularly enjoyable for readers who already know Kitty and Matt. Their continuing story adds another dimension to the investigation, although the central murder mystery should still appeal to readers who are relatively new to the series.

Overall, Murder at Sea has many of the ingredients I look for in a historical cozy mystery: an intriguing setting, a suspicious death, a group of potential suspects, secrets waiting to be uncovered, and an appealing detective partnership. The added espionage element makes the story more interesting, while the ocean liner provides an atmospheric backdrop for the investigation.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author Helena Dixon for the advance reader copy of this book. This review will also be posted on NetGalley. This has been my unbiased review of the book.

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