4 out of 5 stars

Mystery and crime readers who have wished for a return to Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle style novels, you have caught a lucky break. Mystery of L’Inconnu by Dan Grylles is a well-researched, well-developed novel about tragedy on the high seas and how Lt. Detective Remington Ferguson and his team attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding the ill-fated cruise.

From Grylles’ introduction of characters (you must include the yacht as one of those characters) to his character and setting developments, the reader will be reminded of the intelligent writing of the aforementioned staple crime writers. Grylles adds his own touch of technological panache that brings the mystery and crime genre into the 21st century.

L’Inconnu is a luxury yacht from the Royal Knight Cruise Line, which caters to the very wealthy who might like to purchase their own luxury yacht. The esteemed guests are invited to enjoy a five-day trip showcasing the possible life aboard a yacht that leaves its passengers wanting for nothing. Each crew member is selected by Royal Knight Cruise Line for their singular expertise to enhance the passengers’ experiences from cuisine to marine life to social excursions.

Throughout the four parts of the novel (The Discovery, The Deception, The Detection, and The Disclosure), the reader learns about what it takes to run and maintain a yacht such as L’Inconnu as secrets about its crew and its guests are unraveled. Nothing is what it seems as what starts off as a sales pitch for a beautiful yacht turns into a nightmarish fight for survival for all involved. The guests and crew start turning against one another, and what is left for Lt. Detective Remy to figure out once the yacht is discovered will take all the expertise of his crime scene team and help from the US Coast Guard.

While a lengthy read, the story is intriguing enough to keep your attention and wanting for a little more at the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.