Review: A Fatal Crossing by Tom Hindle

First review of 2023 and it's one that should have actually been posted last January... I've got a lot of catching up to do! Classic Crime fans this is one for you... 

November 1924. The Endeavour sets sail for New York, with 2,000 passengers - and a killer - on board.

When a body is found on deck, ship's officer Timothy Birch is ready to declare the death a tragic accident. But Scotland Yard inspector James Temple is certain there's more to this misfortune than meets the eye. Mounting an investigation, the pair uncover the theft of a priceless painting, and encounter a string of suspects with secrets to hide.

Now, with just days remaining until the Endeavour reaches New York, their search for the culprit is fraught with danger. And all the while, the passengers roam the ship with a killer in their midst...

REVIEW

When an old man falls to his death one rainy night aboard The Endeavour, a passenger liner crossing the Atlantic, the ship’s crew are ready to declare it an accident. However James Temple, a Scotland Yard detective who just happens to be a passenger on board, has other ideas. Reluctantly partnered with ship’s officer Timothy Birch to investigate, and with only days until the ship docks in New York, it’s a race against time for the pair to discover what really happened that night before the murderer walks free...

This book is a must read for classic crime fans. With its glamorous 1920s setting, upper class characters and twists and red herrings galore it is clearly inspired by Agatha Christie and other writers in the genre, and yet it still feels fresh and modern. Narrated by Timothy Birch, the ship’s officer assigned to keep James Temple out of trouble, you get a sort of Poirot-Hastings vibe from the pair as they go about their investigation. However, unlike Poirot Temple seems to be hiding some secrets of his own, whilst Birch has his own heartache to bear. They are both a bit of a mystery in themselves, and you are kept guessing right up until the end just what exactly is going on. Christie aficionados may see a few twists coming, but this doesn’t take away from the enjoyment, and once the whole truth is revealed you’ll berate yourself for not spotting the obvious. Tom Hindle is an exciting new voice in a classic genre and I’m looking forward to reading more from him! Thanks to Sarah at Harwood PR for the gorgeous review copy!