A Shiver on the River: A Kennedy Reeves Mystery

Kennedy Reeves Cozy Cocktail Cruise Mystery #5

by M.J. Mac

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Cruise Director Kennedy Reeves does, and just as she’s about to leave on a much-needed vacation, one presents itself when the man she thought she’d never see again, the one who vanished from her life over a year ago, appears in the lobby of her ship, wanting to talk . This unexpected encounter is just the beginning of the mysteries that await her, including the enigma of why the corporate office is sending Kennedy and the team to work on the company’s latest acquisition, the Soleil, for a VIP cruise featuring the reigning queen of suspense novels, Jill Drake, and her rival, author Blake Duncan.

The journey from Memphis to New Orleans, orchestrated by publicist and plate spinner G.G. Mendoza, is a strategic move after Jill’s latest faux pas on national television, calling Blake “An insect that needs to be squashed!” The cruise, designed for aspiring mystery writers and fans of both authors, promises writing workshops, fan appreciation events, and a blowout party to celebrate Jill’s fortieth birthday and the release of her fortieth novel, Miss Lavender and the Blood-Stained Deck. But like a craftily worded mystery made to keep fans guessing until the end, there’s a skeleton hidden in plain sight and a secret that could result in... murder .

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Ebooks

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

About the author

MJ Mac writes mysteries with a splash of humor, a dash of adventure, and a boatload of intrigue. After decades wrangling deadlines in heels, she traded power suits for cruise ship chaos—and the occasional fictional body count. Her Kennedy Reeves Mystery Series delivers sharp-witted dialogue, quirky characters, and twisty plots perfect for cozy fans who like their mysteries strong… and their cocktails stronger.

Reviews

[Jane C Garmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love the Kennedy Reeves mysteries. This is the best one yet - loves the setting in the South. The scenes in the Library are my favorite. You do want to revisit this boat to find if it is redecorated. She is so believable, you want to go on her cruises and become friends with all crew. The care and camaraderie MJ Mac puts it all in the characters is amazing. You find yourself wanting to hug the murderer and tell them it will be alright after all their victim was really a bad person. I had picked one of the muderers but wasn't sure - Happy to know I was right. Now for the epilogue and the next exciting adventure.
Oh, yes to the flyers (but can't give my choice away) and another Oh, about the cocktails they sound delicious but I do love my vodka and water with a lime in a purple glass.

[Carlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this mystery, my first by this author, although it was #5 of 6 in the series. The regular characters were fun but got me so curious about their back stories, especially Kennedy the cruise director. This book was set on the company's new river boat on a Mississippi River cruise. Billed as a cruise for aspiring authors, with two successful, but deeply rivalous, mystery authors as the main attractions.

My only quibble with the book was the hanging clue at the end (though it did convince me to read the next book in the series).