Dead Man in Malta

The seventh Dead Man In . . . mystery, featuring Seymour of the Foreign Office.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2017
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

In 1913, Malta experienced a remarkable event as hot air balloons soared over the Grand Harbour. However, tragedy struck when one of the balloons descended into the water, causing no harm to the passengers. Tragically, the balloonist later passed away while undergoing a check-up at the Naval Hospital. This incident was not isolated, as a letter to The Times revealed that there had been other unexpected deaths in Malta. Consequently, the Foreign Office dispatched a special investigator named Seymour to investigate the matter.

Malta, at that time, was a British protectorate, governed by the British. It exuded a sense of exotic Little Britain, with its red postboxes, English beer, and English language. However, beneath the surface, the rumblings of war were reaching out to the small island in the Mediterranean. Many of the old Maltese families were divided in their loyalties, torn between their steadfast support for the British and their growing concerns about Malta's subordinate status and the possibility of seeking independence.

The letter to The Times had struck a raw nerve, as Seymour soon discovered. Was it merely a critique of poor nursing practices? Or was there a more sinister explanation behind these sudden deaths? As Seymour delved deeper into the investigation, he unraveled a complex web of secrets and lies that threatened to shake the foundations of Malta's society.

Michael Pearce's A Dead Man in Malta series is praised for its steady pace, atmospheric design, and detailed description of a complicated city. The series is highly recommended for historical enthusiasts, as it re-creates the atmosphere of a bygone era with impeccable historical detail. The characters are well-developed, and the entertaining dialogue adds to the overall enjoyment of the reading experience.

In conclusion, Malta, 1913, was a time of transition and uncertainty as the island grappled with the rumblings of war and the desire for independence. The sudden deaths of the balloonist and others in Malta led to a special investigation, which uncovered a web of secrets and lies that threatened to shake the foundations of the society. Michael Pearce's A Dead Man in Malta series is a captivating portrayal of this period, offering a detailed and entertaining journey into the past.

Weight: 158g
Dimension: 198 x 134 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472126139