Read time: 3 minutes
Shadow of the Queen
Voyages of the Queen #1
by Scott Finley
📚 Read as a paperback
📃 378 pages
🏷️ Independently Published
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book Blurb
October 1929. On the British luxury liner Queen Victoria, ship’s nurse Maeve Chandler finds herself pulled into a deadly mystery. A passenger dies in plain sight in the first-class dining salon. A millionaire apparently leaps overboard just before the New York stock market crash. Add in an abusive husband pushed down an open lift shaft and a crewman left to cook against a boiler in the engine room, and it’s clear: unless Maeve and her unlikely mentor, Agatha Christie, can piece together the clues, the killer will reach New York unchallenged. With thousands of suspects on board, the clock is ticking with every turn of the ship’s propellers.
Let’s Talk about the book:
Shadow of the Queen feels like being handed a first-class ticket to a 1929 floating city where everyone has secrets and Agatha Christie is casually strolling the decks. Suddenly I wasn’t just reading a cozy mystery, but holding a ticket to board the Queen Victoria myself.
Finley’s attention to historical detail is stellar, from the subtle hints of looming financial disaster to the lavishness of first-class dining, you can practically hear the propellers turning. Maeve Chandler is an engaging lead: curious, smart, and not afraid to bend the rules of propriety in pursuit of answers. Her apprenticeship under Agatha Christie (yes, the real Agatha Christie!) adds a delightful meta twist that fans of classic mysteries will adore.
The plot is layered and keeps the suspense alive, though it occasionally juggles so many passengers and potential suspects that I had to double-check the lexicon Finley thoughtfully provided. That was my only gripe with the story.
The mystery itself is classic and cozy: multiple deaths, a sprawling suspect pool, and that satisfying sense that all the threads will eventually tie into a neat, logical bow. It’s less about shocking gore and more about pattern-spotting and enjoying the interplay between Maeve, Agatha, and the glittering-yet-grim world of the Queen Victoria.
Would I recommend it?
Cozy mystery lovers, historical fiction fans, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of sailing with Agatha Christie: clear shelf space NOW. Mark your calendars, add it to your carts, and prepare to cancel weekend plans.
if you like this…
Then you could also try:
- Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
If you enjoyed the Agatha Christie mentorship in Shadow of the Queen, this iconic classic delivers murder, misdirection, and masterful plotting aboard a luxury riverboat. - Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Another Christie masterpiece featuring a confined setting, a large cast of suspects, and a detective untangling lies at every turn. Ideal for readers who enjoy mysteries in transit. - A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins
A charming historical mystery with humor, danger, and a bold heroine. Great for readers who like a fun, character-forward twist in their historical sleuthing. - The Lindbergh Nanny by Mariah Fredericks
Historical, atmospheric, and richly detailed with real-life figures woven in. Similar to Shadow of the Queen’s blend of fiction and iconic personalities. - A Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys
A glamorous 1930s ocean-liner mystery filled with secrets, tension, and beautifully crafted atmosphere. Perfect if you loved the shipboard setting and slow-building suspense.
Who Signed YOUR Copy?
Tell me in the comments: did you snag a signed edition too, or are you furiously adding this to your wish list? Spill your favorite onboard suspect. I need theories before book two hits!
Book Links:
Consider purchasing your favorite books from bookshop.org. This site works with independent local bookstore owners to fulfill your book orders. #SupportLocal
Bookshop.org link
Goodreads
Visit Scott Finley on his author page and share your support for an indie author
Discover more from Views She Writes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
This is a wonderfully enthusiastic and vivid review—it really captures both the atmosphere of the book and the your delight in it.
Overall, the review communicates excitement, atmosphere, and confidence in the book’s appeal. It’s the kind of commentary that would make a reader curious to step aboard the Queen Victoria themselves.
I couldn’t put this book down! Scott Finley’s attention to detail makes you feel like you on the ship. But his character development is stellar. You can even “hear” the accents of them. I highly recommend Shadow of the Queen! I can’t wait to read Queen of Diamonds!
Agreed. It was a perfect all-round read