The False Inspector Dew

The False Inspector Dew is a 1982 crime novel set aboard the ocean liner Mauretania in 1921. The book won the prestigious CWA Gold Dagger award and appears on numerous "best of" lists for crime fiction. The plot centers on Walter Baranov, a dentist, and Alma Webster, who devise a scheme that requires Walter to assume the identity of Inspector Walter Dew - the real-life detective who caught notorious murderer Dr. Crippen. When a murder occurs on the ship, the impersonating Walter must step into the role of detective more literally than planned. The story builds on the historical Dr. Crippen case, weaving together elements of romance, deception, and investigation on the confined setting of an ocean voyage. The novel garnered high praise from crime fiction luminaries including Ruth Rendell and Julian Symons. The False Inspector Dew explores themes of identity, performance, and the fine line between reality and fantasy, all while playing with the conventions of traditional detective fiction in unexpected ways.

Readers praise the clever plot twists, historical accuracy of the 1921 ocean liner setting, and dark humor throughout. Many reviews note the book starts slowly but builds to an engaging second half. The character development and period details receive frequent mentions in positive reviews. Liked: - Multiple layers of deception that pay off - Balance of suspense and humor - Authentic portrayal of life aboard ocean liners Disliked: - Slow first third of the book - Some found the ending too complex - Main character's motivations unclear at times Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (120+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (90+ ratings) "The plot mechanics are brilliant but it takes patience to get there," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Multiple Amazon reviews call it a "clever homage to golden age detective fiction." Some readers report needing to re-read the ending to fully grasp all the revelations.

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The List of 7 by Mark Frost Set in Victorian London, this thriller follows Arthur Conan Doyle himself as he becomes entangled in a real-life mystery that mirrors his fiction.

The Blackhouse by Peter May A detective must assume his former identity when he returns to his childhood home to investigate a murder that connects to his past.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson This true-crime narrative weaves together the stories of an architect and a serial killer during the 1893 World's Fair, drawing parallels to the Crippen case.

🚢 The RMS Mauretania, where the novel is set, held the Blue Riband for fastest Atlantic crossing from 1907 to 1929, with a record speed of 26.06 knots. ⚖️ Dr. Hawley Crippen, who inspired the plot, was the first criminal caught using wireless telegraphy after fleeing to Canada aboard the SS Montrose in 1910. 🏆 The Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger Award, which this book won in 1982, is one of the most prestigious honors in crime fiction, established in 1955. 🎭 The novel's title plays on the real Inspector Walter Dew, who famously arrested Dr. Crippen and was one of Scotland Yard's most celebrated detectives. ⚓ Ocean liners of the 1920s were famous for their strict social hierarchies, with first-class passengers completely separated from other classes by elaborate barriers and protocols.