This historic mystery novel is an absolute corker! It’s set in 1927, onboard the magnificent RMS Aquitania, sailing from Britain to New York. Pepper Stark has always dreamed of this journey, finally being allowed to join her father, the Captain! Her mother died when she was a babe in arms, and her father has always kept her at arms length. She yearns for his love.

When the priceless Saffron Diamond is stolen, Pepper and her new found friends set out to solve the mystery. As they scurry through the myriad of passageways and traverse the different decks, the reader finds themselves immersed in the life of the ship. Without being didactic, Greenberg shows us the different lives lived by those passengers who aren’t travelling ‘first class’.

Greenberg has written a perfect mystery novel for readers in upper-primary school. Pepper Stark is a plucky heroine, who makes new friends without bias, and who is prepared to listen to them as they work together to solve the mystery. I’m looking forward to reading her next adventure, [b:The Detective’s Guide to New York City|62038189|The Detective’s Guide to New York City|Nicki Greenberg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661076648l/62038189.SY75.jpg|97796481].