Published by Usborne, 2023.

Peril on the Atlantic is an intricately plotted mystery-adventure set on board a magnificent ocean liner in the 1930s. As the Queen Mary sets sail across the Atlantic, 12-year-old Alice can’t wait for a summer of adventure spent exploring. However, not long into the voyage, Alice witnesses a shocking attack and soon she and her new friend Sonny are embroiled in a dangerous mission to uncover the culprit.

It’s an exciting fast-paced story with lots of drama and tension. As the ship races towards its destination the children (and the reader) are very aware that time is running out. We watch the children use their wits to uncover clues and trail suspects. Secrets in Alice and Sonny’s own lives gradually come to the surface too giving us a second mystery that runs parallel with the main plot.

I absolutely loved the detailed descriptions of the boat. A. M. Howell takes us from the sun decks to the engine rooms, via the splendour of the first class cabins and the hustle and bustle of second class. We, like Alice, marvel at the opulent dining room and the ornate swimming pool. We get a glimpse at 1930s fashion too – effortlessly chic daywear and elegant silk evening dresses – and there’s even a lovely cameo from Fred Astaire! I also liked the historical context; the book is set firmly within the 1930s with references to the Great Depression, the persecution of the Jews in Nazi Germany, and the looming threat of war.

Friendship and loyalty are the book’s central themes and the four children at the heart of the story are brilliant: plucky and resourceful with a dash of rebellion. Their developing friendships really were a joy to witness.

Happily there’s more to come as this is the first book in a new series. The second of the Mysteries at Sea books, The Royal Jewel Plot, will see Alice and Sonny on board a luxury yacht with none other than King Edward VIII.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 8+

Thank you to Usborne for sending me this book to review. I reviewed this book as part of the Peril on the Atlantic blog tour. Check out all the other posts on the tour for more exclusive content.