Peril on the Atlantic by A.M. Howell

August 2023

Secrets and sabotage, danger and deception: Peril on the Atlantic is the first in a gripping new Mysteries at Sea series by historical fiction master A.M. Howell.

Join Alice onboard the Queen Mary for the adventure of a lifetime. It’s 1936 and she’s spending part of her summer holiday with her father, Staff Captain of this impressive ship. As second in charge, he has many responsibilities and is determined to help the ship win the coveted Blue Riband race (the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing from Southampton to New York).

Alice is keen to explore the ship and make new friends. Sneaking out when her father is busy, she finds herself witness to a shocking attack and wrapped up in a terrible plot. Lives are in danger and reputations at stake. Joined by new friends Sonny and Miriam, Alice’s summer of adventure quickly turns into a summer of mystery.

Alice, Sonny and Miriam make a wonderful trio. Intelligent and curious, they guide readers to clues and suspects in a multi-layered mystery. Living onboard the ship for weeks at a time, Sonny leads an unusual life. He’s accepting of everyone and a caring friend. Miriam’s family is leaving Germany in the hopes of a better life where they won’t be persecuted for being Jewish. Her bravery knows no bounds and she will do anything for her new friends. Together they learn to never stop asking questions.

Alice keeps track of every step of the mystery in her adventures scrapbook. This model of purposeful, personal writing is absolutely wonderful for children. Teachers and parents can encourage their children to keep track of their own adventures in a scrapbook with writing, sketches, leaflets and photographs.

Peril on the Atlantic is perfect for fans of the Adventures on Trains series by M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman. There’s something special about a mystery on a journey, confined to a ship or train. There’s nowhere for suspects to hide and so many aspects of society are recreated in miniature. The additional layer of the historical setting with references to well-known events like the sinking of the Titanic heightens the mystyery. A.M Howell finishes off this first story perfectly with hints about what’s to come in book two and characters ready to embark on another adventure together.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for this brilliant book!

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