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Cruise Director Millie Mysteries #1

Millie's Cruise Ship Mysteries: Christmas Cruise Crisis

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Millie’s inaugural voyage as Siren of the Seas’ cruise director is off to a rocky start after Danielle is attacked and found unconscious inside the cargo storage area; meanwhile, a suitcase delivered to her is confiscated by ship’s security. Millie and friends jump in to clear Danielle’s name and track down her attacker, who will stop at nothing to get the contents of the mysterious suitcase.

Cruise Director Millie Mystery Series is the new spin-off series from the wildly popular Millie’s Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries by Author Hope Callaghan.

Recipe Included!

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It’s all aboard for Millie’s inaugural voyage as Siren of the Seas’ cruise director! With her entertainment staff in place, it’s full steam ahead for their Christmas cruise to the Leeward Islands. With Danielle Kneldon, the newly minted assistant cruise director by her side, Millie’s certain she can handle whatever is thrown her way.

But the voyage is off to a rocky start when Danielle is attacked inside the cargo storage area before the ship departs. When questioned, Danielle strikes Millie as evasive about the reason why she was there, other than to pick up a suitcase sent to her by a “friend.”

Millie offers to track it down, but trouble is brewing when the contents are red flagged by none other than super-sniffer cat, Fin.

Danielle insists she had no idea what was inside and Millie believes her. Unfortunately, her friend is on the hook until they can verify the contents’ real owner. The only problem is, someone else is after it. That someone is on board Siren of the Seas and they’ll stop at nothing to get it.

Will Millie and friends be able to clear Danielle’s name and track down her attacker, or will Millie be looking for a new assistant cruise director before her first season wraps up?

Find out when you grab your copy of Christmas Cruise Crisis today!

359 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2023

449 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

Hope Callaghan

189 books770 followers
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★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★

Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.

She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.

Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.

When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for January.
2,894 reviews123 followers
December 26, 2025
Christmas Cruise Crisis by Hope Callaghan (2023)
Cruise Director Millie Mystery Series/Millie's Cruise Ship Mystery #1
Spin-off of - Cruise Ship Christian Cozy Mystery series
+356-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-347

Genre: Inspirational, Cozy Mystery > Christian Cozy Mysteries, Mystery Suspense, Holiday > Christmas

Featuring: Author's Links, Cast of Characters, Epigraph, Spoilers for Cruise Ship Christian Cozy Mystery Series, Cruise Director, Captain, Mega Cruise Ship, Director of Food and Beverage, Friends, Detective, Guests, Assault, Doctor, Cruise Staff, Murder Investigation, Praying, Drugs, Drug Addict, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Wedding Planning, Sting Operation, Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Ventriloquist, Teacup Yorkshire Terrier, Cat Feline Drug Detection Link to Bamboozled in Bimini - Book 2; Letter From Author, Link to The Original Millie’s Cruise Ship Series, Link to Newsletter, Link to Bibliography for Hope Callaghan, Bibliography of Series by Hope Callaghan with Blurbs, Author's Links, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Recipe

Rating as a movie: PG-13

Songs for the soundtrack: "Jingle Bell Cruise" by Hope Callaghan, "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner

Books and Authors mentioned: 2 Corinthians by Paul the Apostle and Timothy

My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️💼🐈 🏝🚢✝️🎄

My thoughts: I started this story just after midnight and fell asleep during Chapter 8. I restarted the book as I was confused during my first reading as to what happened to Danielle. I had to read it a few times, and my conclusion was that the event and plot are pretty thin and unrealistic. This is typical for this genre, especially when you go this deep into a series. This is a spin-off series, so there are a lot of spoilers for the previous series, and they expect you to already be familiar with these characters. The character descriptions at the front of the book were very helpful, but you are still in the middle of a cozy series where the characters have run out of ideas, and it becomes repetitive. I have had Starboard Secrets on my TBR for nearly 3 years, and after reading this, I'm considering removing it. I was wearing my sitcom glasses while reading this, but I still had a hard time taking the characters seriously as the over-the-top events weren't funny to me. I think a drug-sniffing cat is about as funny as this story got; the rest was just cheesy and repetitive. However, there is still some comfort in that, so I might give it 6 more months before I decide. I could say the same for the Hannah Swinton series, which, even though I was annoyed with it, I continued reading because I'm invested. Cozies are good for fillers in between traumatic books. My biggest issue with this story is I originally put this on my TBR because it was set on a cruise ship and although she is the director of cruises I felt like there wasn't enough cruising in the book. My second biggest issue is that I started this book instead of the original series because it was a Christmas book, but there wasn't much Christmas here either. Overall, it was just okay.

Recommend to others: Sure, I think this book would be great for an older audience who wants a wholesome sitcom-like story and doesn't mind prayer. My mom would eat this up as an audiobook.

Millie's Cruise Ship Mystery
1. Christmas Cruise Crisis (2023)
2. Bamboozled in Bimini (2024)
3. Ketchikan Killer (2024)
4. Skagway Sleuths (2024)
5. Waylaid in Whittier (2025)
6. Tiki Hut Tragedy (2025)
7. High Seas Hijinks (2026)

Cruise Ship Christian Cozy Mystery
1. Starboard Secrets (2015)
2. Portside Peril (2015)
3. Lethal Lobster (2015)
4. Deadly Deception (2015)
5. Vanishing Vacationers (2016)
6. Cruise Control (2016)
7. Killer Karaoke (2016)
8. Suite Revenge (2016)
9. Cruisin' for a Bruisin' (2017)
10. High Seas Heist (2017)
11. Family, Friends, and Foes (2017)
12. Murder on Main (2017)
13. Fatal Flirtation (2018)
14. Deadly Delivery (2018)
15. Reindeer & Robberies (2018)
16. Transatlantic Tragedy (2019)
17. Southampton Stalker (2019)
18. Peculiar Poison (2020)
19. Mischief and Mutiny (2020)
20. Dog-Gone Cruise Director (2020)
21. Southampton Strangler (2021)
22. Rendezvous and Revenge (2021)
23. Cruising Cowboys (2022)
24. Cruising Cold Turkey (2023)

Memorable Quotes: “What is it?” “I…I’m not sure if it’s because of the head injury, but Danielle is giving me conflicting stories about what happened to her.” “Conflicting stories?” “She claims she was taking a shortcut through a storage building, and then she said she went in there to search for a bag that belonged to her.” “She had a suitcase with her,” Millie said. “Maybe she was doing both…cutting through the building and looking for the bag.”

“I think someone on board this ship is after that suitcase.” “Me too. I hate to sleuth and run, but I’m hosting the champagne art auction.” “And I’m on schedule for a mix and mingles singles party.” “Which is down the corridor from my next event. We’ll run up there together,” Millie said.

The group bowed their heads as she began, “Dear Heavenly Father, we say a special prayer today for Danielle. Lord, you know she’s still saddened by the death of her brother and was hoping to have small mementos of him returned to her, but it hasn’t turned out that way.”
Annette picked up. “We pray for [retracted's] family, that you bring them comfort in their time of grief. In our busy, chaotic world on board this ship, may we always be mindful you are the calm in our daily storms and our only hope for eternal life. Thank you for this food, for the friends gathered around this table, and for your help in figuring out who is now targeting Danielle. We thank you for our Savior, Jesus and in his name we pray, amen.”

“I hate to gobble up my food and run, but I need to head upstairs for my boot stompin’ boogie class.” Felix tossed his paper bag and wrappers in the recycle bin and hugged Danielle. “Hang in there, girlfriend. We’re gonna get to the bottom of this.”
69 reviews
October 15, 2023
MILLIE'S PROMOTION TO CRUISE DIRECTOR

After Andy is diagnosed with serious heart problems, Millie is promoted to Cruise Director! This is her initial Cruise as Cruise Director & she is anxious for everything to go well! Danielle, one of her best friends on Board is acting oddly. When they are getting ready to sail, Danielle is knocked out in the Storage Warehouse on shore & Sharks brings her back to the Ship! She is taken to Medical. Danielle has been promoted to Assistant Cruise Director so with her out of commission, Millie is even more stressed. Making it all worse, Danielle won't talk to Millie about what happened! Add a crazy Ventriloquist whose dummy talks for both of them & his act consists of making nasty remarks to cast members, crew, & the audience! Millie tells him to submit his material from now on in advance to her or he can't perform, his dummy gets really hateful. He even threatens to go to the Captain! When Millie tells him that the Captain is her husband, he backs off & returns with scripts a few hours later. All the cast & crew pull together to help Millie with Danielle out of commission!

A murder on shore shakes everyone up & as always, Millie with Sharks & Finn's help are investigating! As always, thus is a great Series with Millie & the Siren of the Seas crew!
Author 16 books2 followers
August 5, 2023
This is the first in the series of Cruise Director Millie Mysteries, and I'll have to say I was disappointed. The story begins with one of the crew members being assaulted while trying to retrieve a bag prior to a cruise. That crew member's brother died previously, and a person connected with his death had sent the bag. Two mysteries develop: the mystery of the bag, and later a murder. Both are intertwined with superficial discussions of onboard activities. There were many characters, and I didn't find them explained or developed enough to follow. In the end, the mystery of the bag was solved, but the murder was explained away. The story was simple and easy to follow, but I won't be reading any more of the series.
Profile Image for VICTORIA STEWART.
152 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2023
Loved loved loved it!! This is my favorite series and with every book I’m hanging onto my seat as the adventure with Millie unfolds. It’s so hard to put down! I really enjoy the mystery and adventure done in a clean, refreshing way. A fun story is told without inappropriate language or gore. I love that just a hint of God is put into each book.

This installment really was great. We get to find out a little more about Danielle and her background, her brother. We get to explore the new roles some of the crew members have stepped into. While some of the roles have changed the same great crew, more like family, are still there.

Already excited for the next adventure with Millie and crew of Siren of the Seas!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
96 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2023
Cruise Director Millie

I truly enjoyed reading this book. Hope Callaghan definitely keeps you enthralled in her mysteries. This one had everything. It was Funny, Sad and Very Entertaining. I Love when her characters interact with each other and the shenanigans they get theirselves into. As for the mystery itself. Well it goes without saying that just when you are sure that you know the answer. Well think again. LoL
136 reviews
August 4, 2023
A great start to another series!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first book featuring Millie's new job as cruise director of Siren of the Seas and eagerly look forward to book #2!! There is always something to be excited about with Millie and the crew she works hand and hand with! It's fun to know most of her crew are still going to be around in the next book!! Anyone who loves all of Hope's books will love this new series as well!!
14 reviews
December 25, 2023
History or rather Mysteries repeat themselves in a most delightful way. Thanks Hope!!!!

Anyone who has enjoyed Hope's last Millie series. Could hardly wait for each book to come out. These books are clean mysteries with engaging plots that make you want to read the whole book at one sitting....real page turners. The romances are sweet as is Millie's
marriage to Nic. The cruise details are right on as well and make me want to cruise again. Such fun!!
Profile Image for Terri Borkgren.
794 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2024
Millie Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 1

Millie is promoted to cruise director after Andy with health issues steps down to another position.On the first day before the ship takes on the cruise Danielle received a suitcase and discovers something she didn't imagine. On a trip in Port Millie, Danielle and her buddies come across a dead man that had sent her the suitcase. Read how Millie and her friends solve this adventure.
2 reviews
June 10, 2024
Love Millie and the crew!

I am so happy Millie's adventures are continuing. I love cruising and love that the details of the ship, the activities, the crew and onboard life are relatively accurate based on my experiences. With a son that works in the cruise entertainment industry, I have some "inside" info to compare; Hope has done her research well!
Excited to join the next adventure!
Profile Image for Polina Posner.
159 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2023
Millie and Danielle start their brand new promotions with a bang! Someone from Danielle's past brings back memories and heartache - and lands her in a heap of trouble. It's up to Millie and her friends to work together to bring the guilty to justice. All while navigating her new role as the cruise director, which in itself is a 25 hour per day job.
Wonderful read!
57 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2023
Millie the Cruise Director

I love cozy cruise ship mysteries! I thoroughly enjoyed every cozy cruise ship mystery starring Millie as the assistant cruise ship director. Now I'm looking forward to reading the new series after her well deserved promotion. I love all the recurring characters, especially Fin & Scout. I highly recommend this book and new series.
128 reviews
November 3, 2024
Happy and Sad

Bad things happen when Millies friend is contacted by a drug dealer friend
of her dead brother.
All of Millies friends come together to help Danielle.
It gets a little hairy, but all works out in the end.
They catch the drug dealer and Danielle gets some personal
items returned of her brothers.
Good story!!
75 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2025
I had low expectations for this novel. It was a fun Christmas gift to tie into our family cruise around the holidays. However, it definitely exceeded my expectations. There are plenty of exciting twists and turns throughout the novel. If I saw another one of her novels, I would definitely consider picking it up.
Profile Image for Kay.
507 reviews13 followers
February 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this first book in the new Millie series. She’s been promoted and has moved up from Assistant Cruise Director to the Cruise Director, so she’s busier than ever--looking into situations that need attention. I am quite a fan of cozy mysteries, since they are light and fun reads. This one is no exception. If you like cozy mysteries, I’m sure you will enjoy this one.
93 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2023
Another great Millie story

I have read all of the "Millie" stories and always look forward to the next one. The characters are very believable and over the course of all these stories you can imagine them as real people.
Profile Image for Christine W  Cruess.
4 reviews
July 26, 2023
Mollies Cruise Ship Mysteries A New Series

A New Series!!! Addventure for Millie and the gang as they cruise the seas and once again insinuate themselves in the middle of unlawful deeds.
364 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2023
Good book

I loved the previous books with Millie as assistant cruise director. Now as the promotion to Cruise Director, the book seemed much better. It seems as if the whole crew is being seen as helpers to security instead of problems. So glad this series continues.
7 reviews
August 1, 2023
More Millie Adventures

So happy there is a new series with Millie and her friends. The original series was a great read and I've grown to love the characters. I'm happy this new series will take them on new adventures together and can't wait to see what's next.
162 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2023
Cruise Director Millie at your service

With a new promotion comes new responsibility and Millie is up for the challenge. Whether friends, crew, or passengers, you can count on Millie to get the job done, with some chaos thrown in!
40 reviews
August 8, 2023
Again, Thanks!

Having read the first of this new series, I cannot wait for the next one. Entertaining and in a new direction, almost. Millie is such a treat. She feels like an old friend. Again, thanks.
2 reviews
August 14, 2023
Brilliant as always

Can't say anymore about the book and new series but brilliant exciting as always.

What a marvellous adventure

Complete admiration of the author and her brilliant ideas and words
132 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2023
Millie never disappoints

This. Adventure kept me reading until the Kindle battery died. I am always delighted when a new Millie adventure is released. I love every single one. Thank You Hope Callaghan
139 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2023
helping a friend

As usual Hope has brought to life Millie and her friends. I thoroughly enjoy each book, because I have fallen in love with all the characters, to the point they feel like old friends to me. I look forward to their next adventure.
9 reviews
Read
February 7, 2024
New position, same Millie

Liked how it transition Millie to Cruise Director and still keep Andy included in the ship's list of characters. The story develops to unravel the mystery with Millie leading the way.
3 reviews
March 26, 2024
Fun Read!

I love the Millie Mysteries! So nice to read a Christian mystery with no foul language or R-rated content. Great story lines, too. Thanks, Hope, for writing these great cozies!
50 reviews
November 22, 2024
I have loved all of Hope Callahan’s books except this one. There are far too many characters. I found myself bored and just hoping it would get better. It didn’t. I won’t be reading anymore in this series.
74 reviews
April 8, 2025
Heatbreaking

Millie and the gang are involved in another mystery surrounding the attack of a trusted crew member. This mystery highlighted the deep bonds they have and the heartbreaking past of one of their own.
38 reviews
August 4, 2023
Excellent

Another exception book! Millie is doing wonderful in her new position. I thought
that Mervin was faking it. It was awesome figuring both criminals.
4 reviews
August 4, 2023
Another fun book

I love Hope's books. As they come out, I get them. I'm never disappointed and have read all her books so far. Hope she continues writing

Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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