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A Cruise to Nowhere: Redbury Junction
Adrift in an endless sapphire sea Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, Rory, and Daisy find themselves onboard The Empress cruise ship with a killer. After 2 passengers are found dead the group offers to help investigate only to be told by First Mate Coral, the ship's head of security, their help is not needed. First Mate Coral believes he has enough evidence to arrest the guilty party. He believes Daisy Greene to be the murderer. Despite the insistence from Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, and Rory trying to reassure First Mate Coral of Daisy's innocence, he refuses to budge on the matter. When Detective Reinfeld finds that Daisy's statement on the murders is lacking in substance he insists that First Mate Coral delve further into the case. Once Detective Reinfeld joins First Mate Coral during the interviews, the two manage to form a professional bond allowing them to look at the murders from different angles. However, Detective Reinfeld feels First Mate Coral is biased towards Daisy being guilty. He knows it will be up to Deputy Sheila, Rory, and him to start their own investigation. Can they find out what really happened to cause the deaths of the two passengers? Can they find physical evidence to present to First Mate Coral so he is convinced Daisy is innocent? With a ship full of people, the killer might be right in front of their faces. As far as the trio believes, anyone can be the murderer. Can Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, and Rory solve the case before the killer strikes again? Will Daisy end up spending the rest of the cruise in the brig? It is a race against time as each day of the cruise passes, and the ship heads home allowing the killer to escape, their crimes unpunished.
364 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2024
3 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 26, 2025
Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, Rory, and Daisy are in desperate need of a vacation after cracking a complex case back in Redbury Junction. A cruise on The Empress seems like the perfect escape for these weary sleuths. As they settle in for ten days of luxury, a new acquaintance, Melody Tanners, a personal shopper for the elite, joins their circle. Though Rory senses something amiss, her kind nature leads her to give Melody a chance.
The cruise promises fun, and Daisy gets excited about an Adult Meet and Greet event that Melody had mentioned. However, feeling a little anxious at the last minute, she chooses a quieter dinner, meeting Grant Crystal over a shared table. Sparks fly, and they plan to dine together the following night. But their plans are shattered when Grant is found lifeless in the hot tub on the pool deck.
First Mate Coral hastily takes charge of the investigation, convinced Daisy is the culprit. After all, initial examination, all evidence seemed to point directly to Daisy. With Daisy locked up, Detective Reinfeld steps in, determined to clear her name and teach Coral a thing or two about real detective work. As the investigation unfolds, Coral becomes a more cooperative ally, just as another murder rocks the ship.
Adrift in the ocean with a murderer among them, the team must race against time to unmask the killer before they dock. Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the murderer cruise away to freedom, leaving chaos in their wake?
As an avid reader of mystery novels, I found "A Cruise to Nowhere" by Jennifer Lynne Roche to be an engaging addition to the Redbury Junction series. This time, the familiar faces of Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, Rory, and Daisy find themselves embroiled in another locked-door mystery. However, the setting—a luxurious cruise ship—adds an intriguing twist. The enclosed environment heightens the suspense, and Roche’s vibrant descriptions of the ship's various locales make the story come alive.
I particularly enjoyed how the group's tight-knit bond shone through when Daisy was accused of a crime she didn't commit. Their loyalty and determination to clear her name are heartwarming, and the dynamic between Detective Reinfeld and First Mate Coral adds an intense layer to the narrative. Their interactions are filled with tension, making their exchanges captivating.
The book employs parallel narratives from each main character's perspective, adding depth to the unfolding mystery. It was fascinating to follow Sheila as she interrogated the bartender, while elsewhere, Detective Reinfeld quizzed the restaurant host, and Rory and Melody sought answers from Rose at the flower shop. These simultaneous investigations create a sense of real-time action that pulls you into the story.
One area that could have been improved is the repetition of certain investigation details. While it helps keep everyone informed and serves as a refresher for the reader, it occasionally felt a bit redundant. I feel a more concise approach could have maintained the story's momentum without sacrificing clarity.
The pacing of the novel was generally well-executed, with the plot picking up speed as the tension escalated. The unconventional methods employed by the group kept me guessing about their next move, injecting unpredictability into the narrative. This unorthodox style makes for an enjoyable read, challenging the reader to anticipate how the team will tackle each twist and turn.
Roche's clever use of character names that reflect their professions adds a whimsical touch to the story, lightening the mood of the murder mystery. The book is filled with suspects, red herrings, and unexpected developments, ensuring that it remains a page-turner. The unpredictable ending and satisfying conclusion are sure to please cozy mystery enthusiasts.
Overall, "A Cruise to Nowhere" offers an entertaining blend of mystery, friendship, and clever storytelling. If you're looking for a clever locked-room whodunit, this book is a voyage worth embarking on. Grab a copy and join Detective Reinfeld and his friends on their thrilling cruise adventure—just be prepared for a few surprises along the way!
Book Rating:
Originality: 4.75/5.0
Plot Structure: 4.25/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 4.75/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5/5.0
Cover Design: 4.5/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 4.65/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)
The cruise promises fun, and Daisy gets excited about an Adult Meet and Greet event that Melody had mentioned. However, feeling a little anxious at the last minute, she chooses a quieter dinner, meeting Grant Crystal over a shared table. Sparks fly, and they plan to dine together the following night. But their plans are shattered when Grant is found lifeless in the hot tub on the pool deck.
First Mate Coral hastily takes charge of the investigation, convinced Daisy is the culprit. After all, initial examination, all evidence seemed to point directly to Daisy. With Daisy locked up, Detective Reinfeld steps in, determined to clear her name and teach Coral a thing or two about real detective work. As the investigation unfolds, Coral becomes a more cooperative ally, just as another murder rocks the ship.
Adrift in the ocean with a murderer among them, the team must race against time to unmask the killer before they dock. Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the murderer cruise away to freedom, leaving chaos in their wake?
As an avid reader of mystery novels, I found "A Cruise to Nowhere" by Jennifer Lynne Roche to be an engaging addition to the Redbury Junction series. This time, the familiar faces of Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, Rory, and Daisy find themselves embroiled in another locked-door mystery. However, the setting—a luxurious cruise ship—adds an intriguing twist. The enclosed environment heightens the suspense, and Roche’s vibrant descriptions of the ship's various locales make the story come alive.
I particularly enjoyed how the group's tight-knit bond shone through when Daisy was accused of a crime she didn't commit. Their loyalty and determination to clear her name are heartwarming, and the dynamic between Detective Reinfeld and First Mate Coral adds an intense layer to the narrative. Their interactions are filled with tension, making their exchanges captivating.
The book employs parallel narratives from each main character's perspective, adding depth to the unfolding mystery. It was fascinating to follow Sheila as she interrogated the bartender, while elsewhere, Detective Reinfeld quizzed the restaurant host, and Rory and Melody sought answers from Rose at the flower shop. These simultaneous investigations create a sense of real-time action that pulls you into the story.
One area that could have been improved is the repetition of certain investigation details. While it helps keep everyone informed and serves as a refresher for the reader, it occasionally felt a bit redundant. I feel a more concise approach could have maintained the story's momentum without sacrificing clarity.
The pacing of the novel was generally well-executed, with the plot picking up speed as the tension escalated. The unconventional methods employed by the group kept me guessing about their next move, injecting unpredictability into the narrative. This unorthodox style makes for an enjoyable read, challenging the reader to anticipate how the team will tackle each twist and turn.
Roche's clever use of character names that reflect their professions adds a whimsical touch to the story, lightening the mood of the murder mystery. The book is filled with suspects, red herrings, and unexpected developments, ensuring that it remains a page-turner. The unpredictable ending and satisfying conclusion are sure to please cozy mystery enthusiasts.
Overall, "A Cruise to Nowhere" offers an entertaining blend of mystery, friendship, and clever storytelling. If you're looking for a clever locked-room whodunit, this book is a voyage worth embarking on. Grab a copy and join Detective Reinfeld and his friends on their thrilling cruise adventure—just be prepared for a few surprises along the way!
Book Rating:
Originality: 4.75/5.0
Plot Structure: 4.25/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 4.75/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5/5.0
Cover Design: 4.5/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 4.65/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)
August 19, 2024
Redbury Junctions Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, Rory and Daisy take some time off after working several crimes and take a cruise. They soon meet Melody; she becomes friendly with Daisy and invites her to an Adult Meet and Greet on the ship. Daisy meets Grant at the Meet and Greet, and they immediately hit it off. The next day Grant is found dead in the hot tub. Daisy is the last person to see Grant alive, so First Mate Coral arrests Daisy and she is put in the brig. Daisy is released later when the tops of daisies are determined to be Grant's cause of death. Her friends find out that three bouquets of daisies had been sold and delivered to passengers on the ship. Detective Reinfeld, Deputy Sheila, Rory, along with Melodys and First Mate Corals help decide Daisy isn't the killer. First Mate Coral releases Daisy from the brig. A few hours later, while everyone is searching for the real killer, Melody is found dead. First Mate Coral arrests Daisy again, stating she is the only suspect, and he had made a mistake by letting her out of the brig. It is up to her three friends to find the real killer and free Daisy. After a few clues are discovered, and Melody's cause of death is revealed, Daisy is released again. The friends are on the trail of the killer. There is a twist to their discovery that changes their suspicions of who the suspect is. Then another twist. A page turning cozy mystery. Yummy bonus recipe.
February 24, 2024
What a page turner! Daisy, Adam, Sheila and Rory decide to take a cruise after solving back to back crimes. What they don’t expect is what happens while on the cruise. It all starts with a girl they meet-Melody. She invites them to the Adult Meet and Greet on the ship. Daisy meets Grant at said event. What happens next is a snowball of events! Grant ends up dead. Melody also winds up dead. Daisy is the accused person. Can her friends clear her name? Who is the real killer or killers? Why did these murders happen? Wait til you find out! It looks like this cruise is turning out to be a nightmare! Will it turn around for Daisy and her friends? The words flowed and it took me back to being on a cruise and how much fun they actually are!
March 1, 2024
I received an Author Copy of this book in exchange for a review. This is my own opinion. I was not paid for this review (other than the copy of the book)
Great story. This is book 4 of the Redbury Junction Series. I have only read book 1 prior. I was familiar with the main characters in this book. Could be read as a stand alone. You would not feel like something was missing.
4 friends go on a cruise to relax and and up working a murder case , where one friend is the suspect. The other 3 have to work to prove her innocence. Then another murder occurs and once again she becomes the suspect. Back to square one with proving her innocence.
I enjoyed the book! It's a quick easy read! I highly recommend this book and the others in the series as well!
Great story. This is book 4 of the Redbury Junction Series. I have only read book 1 prior. I was familiar with the main characters in this book. Could be read as a stand alone. You would not feel like something was missing.
4 friends go on a cruise to relax and and up working a murder case , where one friend is the suspect. The other 3 have to work to prove her innocence. Then another murder occurs and once again she becomes the suspect. Back to square one with proving her innocence.
I enjoyed the book! It's a quick easy read! I highly recommend this book and the others in the series as well!
March 10, 2024
A Cruise To Nowhere is book four the the Redbury Junction series. The wonderful characters Rory, Daisy, Detective Reinfield, and Deputy Sheila need to get away for a little rest and relaxation after the last few cases they have solved. A cruise will be the perfect vacation to forget about the lastest murder cases in their hometown of Redbury Junction. However, once the ship has sailed,the unthinkable happens, when a body is found in the hot tub. They think, they should leave it to the ship’s security…until one of their own becomes the main suspect, and they once again find themselves in the middle of the investigation. Can they find the answers needed to save their friend and find the real killer? I loved this cozy mystery and definitely recommend it and all of the Redbury Junction series
July 6, 2024
This book kept my mind off of all the firework noise outdoors this first week of July! The vacation started off slowly and raced ahead quickly. Everyone played a role in solving the murder(s)! I felt like I was traveling along with these folks. There were times when I was sure I knew what was going on and then there were times when I was quite surprised by the turn of events. A perfect book for those who are familiar with cruising and just as nice for those who want to learn more about how people behave while on board a cruise! 4 stars
March 25, 2025
Book review:
A Cruise to Nowhere by Jennifer Lynn Roche
I was so happy to see these characters going on a vacation. They definitely deserved it after the last 3 books and the murders they solved. They were having fun until one of them gets accused of murder right on the ship. I always try to figure out who could have done it, if the person accused doesn't seem guilty, but it always ends up being someone I would never guess. I just really love this series. Thanks Jennifer for another 5 star read !!!
A Cruise to Nowhere by Jennifer Lynn Roche
I was so happy to see these characters going on a vacation. They definitely deserved it after the last 3 books and the murders they solved. They were having fun until one of them gets accused of murder right on the ship. I always try to figure out who could have done it, if the person accused doesn't seem guilty, but it always ends up being someone I would never guess. I just really love this series. Thanks Jennifer for another 5 star read !!!
March 9, 2024
A Cruise to Nowhere is the 4th book in the Redbury Junction Series . It is a cute cozy mystery that takes place on a cruise ship . The story keeps you entertained and engaged until the end. Jennifer Roche is an up and coming author that is sure to keep delighting in the future.
June 10, 2024
Awesome
Only Rory and company can get themselves involved in a murder while on a cruise to get away from it all. Bad luck was in store for Daisy as the victims were both people she had befriended on the cruise. In the end all is solved and the gang gets back home.
Only Rory and company can get themselves involved in a murder while on a cruise to get away from it all. Bad luck was in store for Daisy as the victims were both people she had befriended on the cruise. In the end all is solved and the gang gets back home.
October 10, 2024
Entertaining
Daisy and her friends are on a fun cruise ,when THE unexpected happens and Daisy finds herself spending time alone .Mystery and murder a floats .,good storyline .fun series .
Daisy and her friends are on a fun cruise ,when THE unexpected happens and Daisy finds herself spending time alone .Mystery and murder a floats .,good storyline .fun series .
August 18, 2024
A cruise to relax after their last case turns out to be another nightmare for our group of Detective / Deputies. These characters and their storyline are enough to keep you turning the pages.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews