Liner — Noel B. Gerson

A dramatic blockbuster of a novel that explores the intricate workings of a luxury ocean-going liner and the ambitions, passions and failings of the men and women who sail in her.

David Bowen knew he was the right man to captain the S.S. Columbia, the greatest luxury liner of all time. But retired war hero Commodore John Everett got the coveted job, and Bowen has to swallow his pride.

The situation is ripe for conflict, and the presence on board of Gloria Willoughby and Patsy McLaren does little to loosen the tension. The strain intensifies as Bowen struggles between professional duty and personal judgement, and between the attractions of two desirable women and his strict principles.

Packed with V.I.P. Passengers, and with two hundred million dollars and the future of Columbia Lines at stake, the liner sails on the last of her sea trials. Then disaster threatens and the conflict between Bowen and Everett erupts in a crisis of command and jeopardises the lives of everyone on board