"The weak shouldn't have to fear the powerful, and the powerful shouldn't simply be allowed to take what they wanted without consequence. Power should be a burden, not a shield. It should be used to everybody's betterment, not merely for the person who wielded it."
 
It is 1634 and Samuel Pipps, a well known detective, is being transported to Amsterdam for a crime he may or may not have committed. His loyal bodyguard, Arent, travels with him to prove his innocence. As soon as they set sail, devilry occurs on the ship and three passengers are marked for death. Arent must solve a mystery that includes his past before it is too late.
 
Stuart Turton did it again! He weaved together another mystery that had me captivated and perplexed. It was like I was a detective with an outside perspective and, while I had my suspicions, was unable to solve it 😂 As soon as you suspected one person, new clues and revelations were thrown at you to think "wait, it was so and so instead". There were tons of twists and turns that kept me wanting more and I couldn't turn the pages quick enough!
 
There was an abundance of characters that were either liked or disliked, such as the Governor General, the rough around the edges sailors, and other heirs, but I absolutely loved Arent, Sara, and her too smart for her own good daughter, Lia. They worked together so well to put the pieces together before it was too late. And the setting of the ship was wonderful and atmospheric as it created a sense of dread of being trapped on the water.
 
Some sections were a little slow and dragged on, and the ending felt rushed with several reveals, however it did not take away from my overall enjoyment.