There is, in fact, a mystery here, though it takes second place to a series of parodies of major figures in crime detection novels. In my view, the spoof of Nero Wolfe is the best of the series, and one of the most recognizable. The Jane Marple spoof and Hercule Poirot ones are also well done. The other ones are somewhat lesser, but on the other hand, since this book was written, they've faded away; the Lord Peter Wimsey one was a bit disappointing. I did get a bit of savage satisfaction as to what happened to the Mike Hammer analogue, and I suspect that was deliberate by the author. Recommended. ( )

A superb pastiche which takes place on R.M.S. Florabunda,which happens to have nine famous detectives on board. These are Atlas Poireau ; Sir Jon Nappleby ; Jerry Pason : Broderick Tourneur ; Trajan Beare ; Miss Fan Sliver ; Spike Bludgeon ; Mallory King ; and Lord Simon Quinsey. Shortly after the voyage begins, the dead body of a man is found and each detective investigates the crime using their own unique methods.
The whole concept is extremely amusing and for anyone at all interested in crime fiction,makes for a wonderful outing into the lighted side of the genre. ( )

I nominate this best detective pastiche. ( )