In 1960, fifteen-year-old Francesca “Frankie” Moretti's life is upended when her mother dies and she's forced to live with her disapproving aunt and uncle in Baltimore. When they threaten to send her away, Frankie sees only one escape—joining her Italian sea captain father aboard his cargo freighter, Il Destino.

Life at sea brings unexpected freedom, but Frankie's adventure takes a terrifying turn when she discovers a crew member has been murdered. Worse, she overhears the Baltimore police believe the killer is still aboard. When her father plans to send her away for her safety, Frankie launches her own investigation, determined to catch the murderer before reaching Naples.

As Il Destino crosses the Atlantic, Frankie navigates the male-dominated world of merchant seamen, befriending some while questioning others. But when she gets too close to the truth, she finds herself attacked, bound, and hidden in a forgotten compartment beneath the engine room. With time running out and international espionage at stake, Frankie must escape and expose the killer before she becomes the next victim.

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, “Captain Moretti's Daughter” is a thrilling historical mystery that explores the complexities of family, belonging, and finding courage when it matters most. With its unique maritime setting and determined teenage detective, this seafaring adventure captures the spirit of a young woman finding her place in a world much larger than she ever imagined.

If you enjoyed “The Book Thief,” “Code Name Verity,” and “The Night Diary,” you'll love “Captain Moretti's Daughter.”

Sally DiPaula

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