R. L. Graham is a writer with a broad range of interests in many periods of history, including the belle époque and the tumultuous years leading up to the First World War and the post-war re-ordering of the world. Very much drawn to the shadowy world of crime, espionage and political intrigue, they are particularly fascinated by historical mysteries: things that have happened but have no apparent explanation. Originally from Canada, they live in a small village in Devon. Marilyn Livingstone, one half of R. L. Graham, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer while this book was being written. She passed away in September 2023.
This outstanding novel is an instant classic * Daily Mail * What's not to love about a fast-paced, richly detailed crime thriller set on the doomed RMS Lusitania? The rich supporting cast, many of whom are suspects, means that this book is unputdownable. A real page turner! -- Ben Kane, the <i>Sunday Times</i> bestselling author An immersive, gripping book, a classic locked room mystery made even more compelling by the real-life story of the ocean liner’s demise and the political intrigues of the time * Historical Novel Society * Set on a doomed ocean liner, this engaging and well researched mystery is perfect for lovers of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers -- Philip Gray, author of <i>Two Storm Wood</I>, <i>The Times</I> Thriller of the Year Very much enjoyed this shipboard murder mystery with an appealing sleuth in Patrick Gallagher and a positive cornucopia of suspects. Totally absorbing! -- Leonora Nattrass, author of <i>Blue Water</i> Masterfully weaves historical detail with an enthralling locked-room mystery. Impeccably researched, the story is not just a great crime tale, with a compelling central character in Patrick Gallagher, but a haunting imagining of the last hours of the Lusitania -- Chris Lloyd, author of <i>Paris Requiem</i>, the Winner of the HWA Gold Crown for Best Historical Fiction A wonderfully gripping read, capturing a vanished age and an enduringly fascinating real-life mystery, with a brilliant cast of characters and mounting tension. I enjoyed it tremendously -- Oliver Harris, author of <i>Ascension</i>, BBC2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick A vivid historical detective mystery coupled with an exciting WWI espionage drama, replete with sinister, devious characters -- Greg Mosse, author of <I>The Coming Darkness</I> Death on the Lusitania is a complex and compelling debut novel, full of interwoven plotlines, snippets of history and unusual, nuanced characters -- Browser Books