September 1907. George Porter Dillman sets sail from Liverpool on the Lusitania's maiden voyage. Hired by the ship's captain to pose as a passenger, George is in fact a private detective for the Cunard Line. In the first days of his voyage, George only has to deal with a few petty crimes. But then an expensive piece of jewelry is reported stolen and a body is found. Working quickly to solve both crimes, George makes an unusual friend, Genevieve Masefield, and the two uncover secrets aboard the ship that prove explosive.
Murder on the Lusitania (Dillman and Masefield)
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From Publishers Weekly
Allen kicks off a projected series of mysteries set on famous ocean liners with this well-crafted high society whodunit. Suave, smart and handsome, George Porter Dillman seems to be the perfect man for his job as the Cunard Line's private detective. Posing as a first-class passenger on the Lusitania's 1907 maiden voyage, he ingratiates himself with ship's surgeon Lionel Osborne, flirts mildly with young Violet Rymer, assists the troubled American Ellen Tolley, befriends the adventurous Genevieve Masefield and keeps an eye on potential card sharks and con men. Meanwhile, pushy journalist Henry Bancroft tries hard to scoop his rivals, and the aristocrats who populate the book's margins pursue their various schemes. It's not long before Dillman discovers difficult puzzles to solve. Someone has snatched the secret diagrams that explain the Lusitania's wiring, and someone--the same culprit?--has stolen a Stradivarius from world-famous violinist Itzak Weiss. When Dillman discovers Bancroft murdered by a grisly blow to the head, only he can find the real killer. Allen won't win awards for his prose ("Having been given so little in the way of evidence, he now felt that he had far too much and it was causing confusion"). He will, however, please some fans of historical drawing-room murder, especially the Anglophiles. With little violence, much description of jewelry, some intrigue and plenty of stiff upper lips, Allen's confection may overcome its predictable elements to find warm admirers. (Dec.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
The year is 1907, and Cunard Line's gleaming luxury liner Lusitania is about to set forth on her maiden voyage, which the British hope will shatter the North Atlantic speed record and provide bragging rights over the Germans. To make certain everything remains swell for the swells in first class, Cunard has yacht-builder-turned-actor-turned-detective George Porter Dillman, a Yank, planted among them. The passenger list is a who's who of the usual suspects, including sporty spinster sisters, some rich folks whose daughter loves a glib Irishman who loves her money, a father-daughter team who are not what they appear to be, a pushy journalist, and a beautiful woman on the make for a nobleman with a beautiful bankroll. Besides the murder in the title, there is enough grand larceny to keep Dillman busy and enough of everything else to keep readers entertained. Allen's writing style harks back to the classic English mysteries of the first half of this century--and that's pretty good harking. Budd Arthur
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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George Porter Dillman caught his first glimpse of her at Euston Station. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By "swartout5"
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is a light and entertaining read perfect for a day at the beach. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. The two main characters, George and Genevieve, remind me of the leads in the Lord Peter Whimsey series. It is so nice to read a mystery that doesn't depend on shock and gore to get its point across.
By Jim T
Format:Hardcover
It's 1907 and the 1st sailing of the Lucy. It is nice to read a new book that is not filled with vulgarities. The author has the period down pat and fortunately there is a second book out and a third in the works. Sit back in a deck chair on the Boat Deck, wrap yourself in a wooly blanket and enjoy the trip..
It is nice to read something set in the period prior to the War to End all Wars. HAH!
It is nice to read something set in the period prior to the War to End all Wars. HAH!
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Murder on the Lusitania is set in 1907 during the maiden voyage of the luxury liner. Undercover detective, George Porter Dillman, easily socializes with the elite first class passengers; while at the same time, keeping a lookout for professional gamblers and thieves who prey on the wealthy.
A violent murder and several thefts send the ship's officers reeling, but the ever calm Mr. Dillman assures them he will have the criminal in hand, discreetly, before the ship reaches New York.
The characters are colorful and the dialogue, reminiscent of the times, sparkles. The red herrings are obvious but doesn't detract from this fast pleasant read. We will definitely recommend Murder on the Lusitania to our customers and are looking forward to the next book in this series.
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4.1 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
An entertaining, splendid little mystery...
Attracted by the cover and the setting of one of the great passenger ships of yesteryear, this was my first Conrad Allen mystery. Read more
Published on Jan 8 2001 by Robert Wade
3.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasant summer reading
The character of George Porter Dillman was quite well-drawn, and I liked the way the plot wasn't telegraphed in the first chapter, which I find to be the case in too many current... Read more
Published on July 25 2000
3.0 out of 5 stars
No frills cruise aboard this Lusitania
Mr. Allen has presented us with a straightfor ward little mystery aboard one of the most famous liners in history. Read more
Published on Feb 14 2000 by will thomas
3.0 out of 5 stars
If only Agatha Christie had written this....
I normally love this type of book. It had a good plot line and characters, with nice twists and turns, but somehow became a chore to read. Read more
Published on Feb 4 2000 by Paula
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic murder mystery
If you are a murder-mystery fan, it does not get any better than "Murder on the Lusitania." The atmosphere, characters, plot, denouement are all just perfect. Read more
Published on Dec 11 1999 by Roger Long
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