While reading this novel, it becomes clear early on that the author himself is a lover of detective fiction. In my Penzler edition, Ray Betzner writes the introduction and reminds us that Starrett was one of the world’s experts on Sherlock Holmes while he was alive, and his published work on the fictional detective continues to be utilized as a key reference. The reason I find Murder on “B” Deck to be such a fun ode to the genre is its many nods and witty callbacks to classic detective fiction tropes. 

The playful self-awareness of the characters exists from the very beginning after mystery novelist Dunsten Mollock accidentally remains on board the Latakia as it departs from New York. He decides to take advantage of the mishap and begins writing a murder mystery set on a transatlantic ship much like the one he finds himself on. As Mollock reads the first chapter of this new story to friends and family on board, he is about to name a fictional baroness as his murder victim. He is interrupted, however, when the countess on board the Latakia – the woman he based his story on – is found dead in her stateroom. A chaotic investigation ensues as another guest goes overboard, a drunken fist fight occurs in the smoke room, and the leading amateur detective – Mollock’s friend Mr. Walter Ghost – is attacked himself. 

I really enjoyed the opening chapters of the book. They set the nautical atmosphere and introduced our main characters beautifully. The banter and conversation between Mollock and Ghost were especially fun because as true friends, they did not fit the traditional extremes of detecting duos like Holmes and Watson, or Poirot and Hastings. Yes, Mollock is more passionate and Ghost more methodical, but they were both fallible characters thoroughly enjoying themselves in the thrill of chasing a murderer. 

While I loved the mystery, I was a bit disappointed by its solution. The culprit, once revealed, was someone that was never really on the reader’s radar. I would have liked this person to be a bit more involved in the narrative, so that the surprise was more satisfying. I barely remembered the character at the reveal if I am being honest, and I don’t think a lack of attention on my part is to blame. The reasons for the murderer’s initial acts of violence also felt weak to me. With that said, it did seem to reflect what might happen in reality. And, as I adored most of the characters and the overall narrative, I will 100% be reading this author’s mysteries again in the future!