Danger on the Atlantic

In Neubauer’s lively third Jane Wunderly mystery (after 2021’s Murder at Wedgefield Manor), Jane and her sometime investigative associate, Redvers Dibble, seek to uncover the identity of a German spy on a 1926 voyage from Southampton to New York aboard the Olympic, the Titanic’s sister ship. Jane is soon embroiled in the case of the rich Vanessa FitzSimmons, who claims her new husband has disappeared. Though ship officials state that no such person is aboard and cast doubt on Vanessa’s sanity, Jane suspects that Vanessa is being gaslighted, pursues inquiries with Vanessa’s erratic maid, and is distressed when Vanessa is drugged and someone is murdered. Jane and Redvers hunt for a code book, contend with obstructive crew members, dance despite Jane’s two left feet, and confront that most fearsome challenge: the passenger who never stops talking. As Jane and Redvers attempt to chart the direction of their personal and professional partnership, readers will find much to enjoy. The winning team of the smart, compassionate Jane and the resourceful Redvers is guaranteed to please series fans and draw in some new ones. Agent: Ann Collette, Rees Literary. (Apr.)