Shark Island Book

This is the second in the Wiki Coffin series - mysteries set against the background of the American Exploration Expedition of 1838-1842. In this one the Expedition's Maori 'linguster' is set to solve a murder among a group of wrecked sealers.

An old flame, buried treasure and a singed parrot all make appearances...

The characters and setting of this series are very interesting - Druett drawing on he considerable knowledge of American seamen in Pacific at this period (though at this rate it'll be another couple of books before we round The Cape!). With this book the series is settling in nicely.

Of course it helps that the solution to the mystery isn't as blindingly obvious as it was in A Watery Grave! Readers of the first Wiki Coffin book who feel anxious on that score can rest assured. All in all, I'd recommend this book without reservation.