The Vermilion Sea was an interesting change of scenery for me. The story takes place largely aboard a ship on a scientific expedition in the 1920s, which immediately caught my attention. There’s something about stories set at sea that always adds an extra sense of mystery — perhaps because once you’re out on the water, there’s nowhere else to go.
At the centre of the story is Billie McKennan, a marine biologist who is determined to prove herself in a field where women are often overlooked. I found her to be an engaging main character. She’s intelligent, curious, and quietly determined, which made it easy to root for her as the story unfolded.
As the voyage progresses, tensions begin to grow among the passengers and crew. There are secrets, hidden motives, and discoveries that begin to challenge what the characters think they understand about the world around them. The confined setting of the ship gives the story a slightly claustrophobic feeling, which works very well for the mystery.
What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. The combination of the ocean setting, the historical time period, and the underlying sense that something unusual may be happening kept me turning the pages.
The book blends historical fiction with elements of suspense and a touch of the unknown. It’s not a fast-paced thriller, but rather a story that gradually builds tension as the characters — and the reader — begin to realise that this voyage may not go according to plan.
Overall, I found it an engaging and slightly eerie read.
I’d give The Vermilion Sea ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5.
If you enjoy:
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Historical fiction set in unusual locations
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Stories at sea
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Strong, determined female characters
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Mysteries with an atmospheric edge
…then this could be a book worth picking up.
Thirteen reviews now — and I’m still very happily working my way through my reading pile.
Victoria š
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