The Girl from Malta

"The Girl from Malta" by Fergus Hume is a suspenseful novel set in the 1800s, weaving a tale of mystery and human drama on a steamship bound for Malta, where a murder occurs. The story is about Lionel Ventin, a man haunted by his past, whose destiny becomes entwined with a web of romance, societal pressures, and looming danger onboard the steamship Neptune. Ventin, burdened by lost love and a troubled marriage, finds himself amidst fellow travelers, including the youthful Ronald Monteith, revealing portions of his painful history foreshadowing tragedy. This sets the stage for a narrative emphasizing character interactions and the escalating tension as the ship approaches its destination, promising readers a journey filled with secrets and suspense.