Commander Kieron Phillips is very much looking forward to holidaying on the ocean waves and the chance to catch up with his adapted Syrian daughter, a dancer onboard the cruise ship. However, he realises all too quickly that there was nothing coincidental about him being on board this specific voyage on this exact week, and he has no idea who to trust.
From the official 5* bookclub review - Awarded 'Book of the Day' and a glowing official 5-star review by the American OnlineBookClub.org. Multi-award-winning screenwriter and movie director Stuart St Paul delivers a crime drama set at sea that feels frighteningly real.
… The plot of the story was complex and had much depth to it; it presented this giant riddle with many unpredictable facets. The story carried intrigue right from when Commander Kieron Philips was introduced at the airport. His character gave off waves of mystery and intrigue with the peculiar situation in which he found himself… Kieron was the tangy combination of the good cop and the bad cop. He was the guy you wanted in your corner when things got ugly because he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. His character stood out because of his keen eye for foul play, bravery, and kindness. More so, the author gave a lot of insight into Kieron's thoughts and the complicated mental process of solving the mystery that lived on the cruise ship. Another impressive character was Hunter Witowski, the cruise ship's head of security. He had a dry humour that belied his tough exterior. He was one character I didn't expect to like, but he became one of my favourites.
It was fun to see the wordplay between the characters. Cruise Ship Heist was action-packed, suffused with danger, murder, and unpredictability. This was one of those stories that would stay with you for a while, as it delivered mystery and intrigue. The book was fun to read; there was no dull moment, and the entire experience was a rollercoaster ride. I enjoyed every part of Cruise Ship Heist. It was professionally edited, and I disliked nothing in it.
Therefore, I'd rate it five out of five stars. Cruise Ship Heist would be appreciated by lovers of mystery and thrillers. Full review by Bibliophile onlinebookclub.org
Cruise Ship Heist - second edition. Stuart St Paul won Best Director in the USA, a Silver Palm in Mexico, was nominated for a Star & Screen in Mumbai, and his movie Scarlet Tunic was selected in Cannes for official selection at both Cabourg and Verona.
Stuart St Paul’s storytelling mastery—honed through his years as a director—delivers a gripping blend of humour, action, and suspense in the Cruise Ship Crime Investigators (CSCI) series. His narratives keep readers on the edge of their seats, weaving unpredictable twists with a touch of romance, much like his celebrated film The Thomas Hardy story, The Scarlet Tunic.
Stuart St. Paul’s exceptional directorial talent earned him a nomination for Best Director at the prestigious Cabourg Romantic Film Festival (France) and the Verona Shermi D’Amour (Italy). He went on to win Best Director in the USA, secure a Silver Palm at Mexico’s MIFF, and receive over 20 international awards—from Mumbai to Canada. His expertise was further recognised by Pierre-Henri Deleau, longtime director of Cannes' Directors' Fortnight, who handpicked him as the UK film representative and jury member for the Millennial European Film Awards in Stuttgart. Originally trained by the BBC, Stuart built a remarkable career as a stuntman and action director, choreographing fight sequences for Jean-Claude Van Damme and even performing as The Queen Alien in James Cameron’s Aliens. His work spans both high-octane action and critically acclaimed cinema, collaborating with legendary filmmakers such as Merchant Ivory and Ken Russell. Now an accomplished author, he has turned his storytelling skills to cruise crime fiction, penning the gripping nine-book CSCI series. The first instalment, Cruise Ship Heist, has repeatedly topped multiple Amazon charts, cementing his success in the literary world. Beyond filmmaking and writing, Stuart captivates audiences with his engaging and humorous lectures, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the real movie industry. From navigating legal and insurance challenges while orchestrating controlled chaos on set to working alongside major sports stars, actors, and celebrities in war zones and cyclones, his stories bring the thrilling and unpredictable world of filmmaking to life.
The story is about Commander Kieron Philips, a military veteran turned speaker, as he goes on a voyage aboard the MV Lady Diana, to give a series of lectures and reconnect with his adopted daughter, who is a dancer on the cruise ship. However, when he landed on the aeroplane, he started observing strange things happening around him. This started a chain of events happening around him, where he was at the wrong place and at the wrong time.
The plot is paced well, with a balance between moments of tension and periods of investigative depth. The author skillfully introduces twists and turns, keeping readers guessing about the true motives behind the heist.
This books a little different from the ones I usually read but it’s written to suck you in. The characters aren’t described in depth like I’m use to and it felt very autonomic, however the suspense is my typical read and it had a mafia aspect (kinda) to it which intrigued me the most.
Also not my preferred POV I got a free review copy but this certainly wasn’t my vibe.
Ughhh, maybe I’m not familiar with this genre, but it did not impress. The ending was nonsense, the writing mediocre, and plot not believable. Action packed it was and while limited character development I did like the main character.
"Embarking as a passenger on a cruise ship or being a member of its crew feels worlds apart, but this book transcends those boundaries, taking you on a journey soaring $20,000,000 levels higher.
It all begins with a mysterious death aboard a plane and the presence of an enchanting woman. However, that's where the similarities with other tales cease, and the true adventure unfolds.
A high-octane narrative unfurls, introducing heroes and villains, including a few intriguing female characters. Its numerous twists continually engage you, just when you believe you've unraveled the story, an even more captivating turn emerges.
This book delves into the realms of crime, criminals, wealth, familial ties, romance, and the pursuit of riches."