PRAISE FOR CAROL HIGGINS CLARK AND

DECKED

“Lively. . . Clark deftly ties the plot playing out on the ocean liner to Athena’s murder in a suspenseful climax.”

—Publishers Weekly

“A wealthy clientele who act differently from you and me in a deliciously revealed way. There are scoundrels, an interesting murder to solve, and the typical sharks swarming around the jewelry of the fabulously wealthy. It all makes for a good tale.”

—Lincoln Journal Star

“A caper novel . . . a funny, light summer’s read.”

—Hartford Courant

“Enjoyable . . . her sense of humor carries the day.”

—Greensboro News & Record

“A superb mystery writer . . . A sleuth who finds herself finagled into a luxury cruise across the Atlantic with a very difficult elderly lady . . . Shades of Nick and Nora and the other greats of the stylish thirties and forties.”

—Washington Times

“Intriguing details . . . chock full of sarcasm and wit . . . her characters are eccentric, loving, brave, and suave . . . This fast-paced story is great escape reading, perfect for a lazy day at the beach.”

—Palm Beach Daily News

“Lots of humor and a brightness that makes the story sparkle from beginning to end.”

—Ocala Star Banner

“A glamorous setting—a cruise ship—and eccentric characters . . . Regan is a good character—a strong, intelligent young woman with a good sense of humor.”

—Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“Carol Higgins Clark tells a fast-paced, suspenseful story, with never a dull moment and a refreshing sense of humor.”

—Mostly Murder

BOOKS BY CAROL HIGGINS CLARK

Decked

Snagged

Iced

Twanged

Fleeced

Jinxed

Popped

Burned

Hitched

Laced

Deck the Halls

(with Mary Higgins Clark)

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping

(with Mary Higgins Clark)

The Christmas Thief

(with Mary Higgins Clark)

Santa Cruise (with Mary Higgins Clark)

For my mother, Mary Higgins Clark, and in memory of my father, Warren F. Clark,

with love.

“Old and young we are all on our last cruise.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

FRIDAY, APRIL 23

OXFORD, ENGLAND

ATHENA RAN BLINDLY down the dark country lane, her breath coming in short, harsh gasps. Her school jacket with the St. Polycarp’s logo sewn on the pocket was no protection against the sudden drenching spring rain. The knapsack strapped to her body impeded her flight. It did not occur to her to discard it.

As the bewildering shock began to wear off, she desperately told herself she was a fool to have come this way. The Oxford police station was so much nearer. Minutes ago she would have reached safety there.

The wet, uneven road was becoming more visible. Trees heavily burdened with thick dripping leaves were no longer silhouettes but three-dimensional objects that beckoned to her.

A car was coming from behind. Athena shrank to the side, instinctively sensing that she must not be seen.

Headlights froze on her. The car raced forward, crunched to a stop inches from her feet. The door opened.