Bert and Mamie Take a Cruise by John Keyse-Walker

 

First Lines: Mamie--February 8, 1939-- At sea. No one was more surprised than me when Bert shot the purser.

 

Who knew that you could get rich by growing tomatoes during the Depression? That's exactly what happened to Bert and Mamie Mason. Well, at least they have enough money to slake Bert's wanderlust and desire for adventure. 

Leaving Hills Corners, Ohio, behind, they've boarded the SS Columbus, a glamorous German-owned ocean liner that is scheduled to take them on a cruise around the continent of Africa.

The gregarious couple quickly make friends among their fellow passengers, but when Mamie witnesses something shocking, the couple finds themselves turning detective, dodging Nazis and learning the deep dark secrets of their newfound friends. Somehow, they've got to find a killer, enjoy their cruise, and make it back to Ohio alive.

~

Married for thirty years, Mamie agreed to this cruise around Africa so that her husband Bert could indulge his lifelong passion for adventure-- something you can't find much of in Hills Corners, Ohio. While Bert is hankering for some rip-roaring tales to tell the folks back home, Mamie is the sort who prefers room service, lounging poolside and dancing in the evenings. They are an outgoing couple who rapidly make friends among the passengers and crew, although they would prefer to avoid the Nazis on board.

When Mamie witnesses a crime, the captain of the ship wants to keep it as quiet as possible and uses Bert's experience as a sheriff's deputy (even though it was only for a year and twenty years ago at that) to avoid bringing in the police when the ship arrives at port. Husband and wife make an interesting investigative team, reminiscent of Hollywood's Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man movies. While Bert tries to keep his wife safe, Mamie gathers many important clues through her girl talk with the friends she's made on board.

Bert and Mamie are a likable pair, and I enjoyed their give and take. The author's setting of an actual ocean liner and cruise just before the start of World War II brought the story to life and made me wish I could travel along with them as they sailed around the continent, stopping several times along the way for "in-country" trips. All in all, a choice investigation for an armchair traveler like me.

 

Bert and Mamie Take a Cruise by John Keyse-Walker

eISBN: 9781448310166

Severn House © 2023

eBook, 224 pages

 

Historical Mystery, Standalone

Rating: B

Source: Net Galley