Due to problems with the netgalley cellphone app I was not able to download this before they suddenly archived it with no warning so I have had to go out and buy the hardback in order to review this book. Very enjoyable and from what I heard from the audible sample, very pleasing narration. The same narrator does an excellent job on the new Poirot novels too.

Audio review first - really enjoyed the narrator. He brought vitality to his narration and distinct voices to the characters. The only draw back is that I have difficulty hearing the lower end of the register when someone with a deep voice speaks very softly, especially when listening in my car, so there were times when I found him too softly spoken.





I haven't read the Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (although I do have the audiobook!) so this was my first foray into the author's work. I was pleasantly surprised by this historical mystery set on the high seas during the seventeenth century. It appears that the East India Company ship, Saardam, is not just conveying the usual crew and passengers to Batavia. The devil himself may have stowed away. Amongst the crew are the infamous 'detective' duo Samuel Pipps (travelling in chains since he is accused of treason and being conveyed to his execution) and Arant, his friend and career mercenary who nevertheless has a heart of gold. In addition, the Saardam also contains the odious governor general and his clever wife, Sarah, with Leah, their daughter, and Lucrezia - his mistress - with her two sons. Sundry other passengers also appear on the manifest. What follos is a taut, intelligent plot full of twists and turns as 'Old Tom' stalks invisible amongst the crew and passengers, whispering temptation.



Packed with characters you'll engage with - both to love and to hate - this is historical mystery at its finest with a hint of the ghost story about it, twisting towards a very satisfying conclusion. The historical detail is spot on and the unusual setting (for a whodunnit) adds an extra dimension of interest. Highly recommend.

This audiobook is set in 1634 aboard the merchant ship The Saardam leaving Batavia and heading for Amsterdam.
What a tapestry of characters! - a prisoner named Samuel Pipps (who was inspired by Sherlock Holmes) and his bodyguard Arent Hayes, The Governor General and his wife Sara plus lepers, devils and thief takers to name but a few. Turton weaves them into the most amazing backdrop of the boat itself. Upon departure a message is given to The Saardam that it will be in great danger on its journey but the boat still decides to set sail. Lined up is a dramatic story line, danger in abundance, atmosphere galore and creepy high sea incidents!! This is a murder mystery which is very enjoyable and I loved it!!
This audio book is narrated by Julian Rhind-Tutt who adds to the sinister charm! My thanks to Netgalley and to Bloomsbury publishing for my gifted book and my ghostly galleon experience.

This is a review of the audiobook. I have already reviewed the text version of this book. I thought the narrator did a great job of bringing the different characters (of which there are many!) to life. It is a long book but has a good balance of mystery, and suspense to keep you reading (or listening!)

Very clever. Very different to anything I’ve read before or anything I’d usually read - but I loved it. Totally whisked me away from the troubles of 2020 and made my brain heart a bit as I tried to figure it out. Who was behind the crazy events happening on board. I think I’d guessed most of the characters at some point.
I really liked the strong female characters in this book- they were clever and sassy, but as always in history- repressed. I loved the audio version of this. The voices really brought the book to life.