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The Cruise
Twenty years ago, I lost my father on a Caribbean cruise. Now I’ve booked the same ship, the same cabin, the same everything. I need to figure out what happened — and why I’ve been having blackouts ever since.
But I hadn’t planned on my control-freak mother coming along too. Here she is, carrying a suitcase full of secrets.
They say my father went overboard. I don’t believe them. And I know my mother knows the truth.
I was nine years old when it happened. But I’ve managed to get my life on track and become a successful travel writer.
Just maybe, by recreating the original trip, I’ll discover what really happened.
I catch Gabe, the handsome crew member, looking at me strangely. Like he wants to tell me something.
And now I discover that someone on board will kill to keep the truth from me.
AN EXHILARATING BLEND OF BREATHTAKING SUSPENSE AND NAIL-BITING TENSION WITH A SHOCKING FINAL TWIST.
Please note this book was previously published as Down Down Deep.
But I hadn’t planned on my control-freak mother coming along too. Here she is, carrying a suitcase full of secrets.
They say my father went overboard. I don’t believe them. And I know my mother knows the truth.
I was nine years old when it happened. But I’ve managed to get my life on track and become a successful travel writer.
Just maybe, by recreating the original trip, I’ll discover what really happened.
I catch Gabe, the handsome crew member, looking at me strangely. Like he wants to tell me something.
And now I discover that someone on board will kill to keep the truth from me.
AN EXHILARATING BLEND OF BREATHTAKING SUSPENSE AND NAIL-BITING TENSION WITH A SHOCKING FINAL TWIST.
Please note this book was previously published as Down Down Deep.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
351 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Christina Delay
4 books44 followersChristina Delay is an award-winning author of psychological suspense, as well as young adult fantasy written under the pen name Kris Faryn.
A wanderer by heart, Christina’s latest adventure has led her and her family—a supremely patient husband, two adorable patooties, and mischievous, senior citizen cat—to the southwest of France.
When not planning their next quest, Christina can be found writing in her garden, hosting writing retreats in the Caribbean and other exotic places, sneaking in a nap, or convincing her patooties to call her Empress.
If you love books about complex characters who never know when to quit, with a good bit of will-they or won’t-they tension, sign up for her newsletter.
A wanderer by heart, Christina’s latest adventure has led her and her family—a supremely patient husband, two adorable patooties, and mischievous, senior citizen cat—to the southwest of France.
When not planning their next quest, Christina can be found writing in her garden, hosting writing retreats in the Caribbean and other exotic places, sneaking in a nap, or convincing her patooties to call her Empress.
If you love books about complex characters who never know when to quit, with a good bit of will-they or won’t-they tension, sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
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February 18, 2025Dnf at 40%. Wasn’t feeling this but because of something happening can’t continue this.
November 6, 2024
Travel writer, Jesse, joins a cruise; the same cruise that she was on 20 years previously, when her father drowned. Now she wants to recreate the scenario and try to uncover the truth.
Since the death of her father, Jesse has suffered from blackouts and she is clearly a very disturbed young woman. I found it hard to connect with Jesse, as well as the other two main characters, Jesse's mother, who was really nasty, and Gabriel, one of the ship's stewards who is obsessed with Jesse. The story was quite strange, almost supernatural, with Jesse believing her father's voice is in her head, but none of the events really matched up with her behaviour, unless she is just totally doolally? But I don't think that was the intention! Gabriel is also haunted by the death of his own father and I didn't find the story or the characters meshed together well.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Christina Delay and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Since the death of her father, Jesse has suffered from blackouts and she is clearly a very disturbed young woman. I found it hard to connect with Jesse, as well as the other two main characters, Jesse's mother, who was really nasty, and Gabriel, one of the ship's stewards who is obsessed with Jesse. The story was quite strange, almost supernatural, with Jesse believing her father's voice is in her head, but none of the events really matched up with her behaviour, unless she is just totally doolally? But I don't think that was the intention! Gabriel is also haunted by the death of his own father and I didn't find the story or the characters meshed together well.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Christina Delay and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 26, 2025
This story has an interesting plot, but is written a bit juvenile in language. The protagonist is a sad soul, and her mother is a hateful, abusive woman. The cruise is meant to be a way to come to terms with her father’s death on the same cruse twenty years before. There is also the staff captain who has been in love with her for years.
April 19, 2024
In Down Down Deep, this is a psychological thriller about Jesse, a travel writer who has experienced blackouts ever since her father died tragically when she was 9 years old.
The second POV is from Gabe, the Cruise Ship Director, who works on the cruise line that Jesse frequents often. Jesse’s dad died while on a cruise on this very same ship. Jesse and Gabe have developed a close friendship throughout the past 20 years even if only from a distance through text or as guest and cruise ship employee.
I loved the fact that this story takes place on a cruise ship. I’ve never been on a cruise like this so it was nice to learn the daily ins and outs of being a cruise ship passenger. I’ve been to a couple of the exotic locales where the ship docked at so it was fun to recognize some of the ports.
The rest of the story was not so fun. I found Jesse and her mother a little terrifying. Especially the mother. The more the story unfolded, the more unhinged these people became.
In true psychological thriller fashion, there were some great twists that were revealed slowly. I was thinking about this book while at work and couldn’t wait to jump back in each night.
*Thanks so much to the author Christina Delay and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and for including me on the book tour!*
The second POV is from Gabe, the Cruise Ship Director, who works on the cruise line that Jesse frequents often. Jesse’s dad died while on a cruise on this very same ship. Jesse and Gabe have developed a close friendship throughout the past 20 years even if only from a distance through text or as guest and cruise ship employee.
I loved the fact that this story takes place on a cruise ship. I’ve never been on a cruise like this so it was nice to learn the daily ins and outs of being a cruise ship passenger. I’ve been to a couple of the exotic locales where the ship docked at so it was fun to recognize some of the ports.
The rest of the story was not so fun. I found Jesse and her mother a little terrifying. Especially the mother. The more the story unfolded, the more unhinged these people became.
In true psychological thriller fashion, there were some great twists that were revealed slowly. I was thinking about this book while at work and couldn’t wait to jump back in each night.
*Thanks so much to the author Christina Delay and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and for including me on the book tour!*
March 22, 2024
A thriller set on a cruise ship..yep, I’m in.
This one is twisty, a little dark, and one I couldn’t put down.
It’s told in two points of view Jesse and Gabriel.
Jesse has blackouts. She has booked a spot on a cruise to try to remember what happened 20 years ago when her dad died (on the same boat with the same route).
Gabriel works on the cruise ship and was there 20 years ago when Jesse’s dad died.
Jesse and Gabriel have a friendly relationship because Jesse is a VIP guest since she is a well known travel writer. BUT Jesse doesn’t know that Gabriel was working that cruise 20 years ago.
Jesse’s mom (who is actually the worst) has wormed her way on this cruise with Jesse.
As Jesse’s blackouts continue, there are some problems on board this current cruise and Jesse may be to blame for the past and present crimes.
I like the way this one unfolds. I liked the way that Jesse is portrayed..Is she a killer? Is she innocent?
This definitely had me locked in to see how everything and everyone fit together.
This one is twisty, a little dark, and one I couldn’t put down.
It’s told in two points of view Jesse and Gabriel.
Jesse has blackouts. She has booked a spot on a cruise to try to remember what happened 20 years ago when her dad died (on the same boat with the same route).
Gabriel works on the cruise ship and was there 20 years ago when Jesse’s dad died.
Jesse and Gabriel have a friendly relationship because Jesse is a VIP guest since she is a well known travel writer. BUT Jesse doesn’t know that Gabriel was working that cruise 20 years ago.
Jesse’s mom (who is actually the worst) has wormed her way on this cruise with Jesse.
As Jesse’s blackouts continue, there are some problems on board this current cruise and Jesse may be to blame for the past and present crimes.
I like the way this one unfolds. I liked the way that Jesse is portrayed..Is she a killer? Is she innocent?
This definitely had me locked in to see how everything and everyone fit together.
May 31, 2024
This was my first book by Christina Delay and I found it to be intriguing, thrilling and creepy at the same time. I enjoyed the suspense and blackouts storyline. I loved the clues in the past and present and how it kept me guessing from start to finish. I liked how fast paced this book was and enjoyed that it held my attention.
July 12, 2025
This was fine. I knew what was happening and why pretty much the entire time which was annoying. This is another thriller where you totally hate everyone.
November 5, 2024
Twenty years ago, Jesse’s father disappeared on a cruise, and she has never been able to move past this terrible event in her life. She decides to book the same cruise to try and see if she can find answers, even after all this time. Jesse even books the same room; she wants to try to see things from the same perspective as all that time ago.
Not only is she looking for these answers she is also having to deal with her mother now accompanying her, they have a quite a fractured relationship where Jesse has always felt dominated by her mother’s ways.
On the cruise is Gabe, an employee of the ship that Jesse becomes close to, will Gabe have some answers for her in her quest to find out what really happened to her dad?
This was a quick read that held my attention, but I found it very hard to warm to any of the characters, even Jesse so I think this did take down a little the level of my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Not only is she looking for these answers she is also having to deal with her mother now accompanying her, they have a quite a fractured relationship where Jesse has always felt dominated by her mother’s ways.
On the cruise is Gabe, an employee of the ship that Jesse becomes close to, will Gabe have some answers for her in her quest to find out what really happened to her dad?
This was a quick read that held my attention, but I found it very hard to warm to any of the characters, even Jesse so I think this did take down a little the level of my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
September 12, 2025
One star given because I couldn’t give less than that.
I rarely dnf and though I was bored with the feeble attempt at a plot, I made it to 43% before slamming it shut for the last time.
I read a lot of thrillers and murder mysteries and didn’t think I had any “triggers”, but this morbid storyline revealed my disgust for unnecessary gruesome topics.
I rarely dnf and though I was bored with the feeble attempt at a plot, I made it to 43% before slamming it shut for the last time.
I read a lot of thrillers and murder mysteries and didn’t think I had any “triggers”, but this morbid storyline revealed my disgust for unnecessary gruesome topics.
April 11, 2025
Sadly, not for me. I started this one over 2 weeks ago while on an actual cruise but it was confusing at times and the different points of view were put in places that didn’t make sense. The plot just didn’t properly fit together . This one was drawn out and didn’t keep me engaged. Almost a DNF for me. It wasn’t until I was about 90% done with the book that it started to keep me a little interested but then the ending was so underwhelming and left me with so many questions.
That was it? That’s how it ended? Was my reaction 😣
It just did not tie up not one loose end.
That was it? That’s how it ended? Was my reaction 😣
It just did not tie up not one loose end.
December 10, 2024
Hate to diss someone else's novel, as I know how much sweat and tears go into writing one, but this one did not hit the mark for me at all. The characters were creepily weird, the plot did not hang together, the "blackouts" conveniently covered multitude of sins, and nothing about it was enjoyable. So sorry, but not one for me.
March 21, 2025
DNF. I tried to get into this book but at 45% just didn’t want to read more of it. Thought it sounded like a good story line yet sadly this book is a pass.
January 31, 2024
Christina Delay’s novel “Down Down Deep” is a gripping psychological drama that pulls the readers into the troubled lives of its two very complex central characters. The story centers on Jesse David, a travel writer struggling with the worsening blackouts and also memories of her father’s death. When Jesse’s abusive mother insists on joining her on a cruise, the tensions rise, and then dark secrets begin to surface.
On board the cruise ship is director Gabriel Gutierrez, a man haunted by the guilt over past family tragedies. When Gabriel and Jesse cross paths, their painful histories intertwine. The past weighs down both and must confront the many buried truths before it’s too late.
Delay does an excellent job developing her flawed yet very sympathetic characters. As Jesse’s blackouts worsen, the tension becomes a lot too unbearable. The author deftly balances revealing backstory details with building suspense in the present-day drama.
The setting of the cruise ship proves an apt and claustrophobic backdrop, heightening the sense of inescapable secrets that Jesse and Gabriel carry. By the novel’s conclusion, the truth rises to the surface in an emotionally powerful climax.
With the themes of guilt, grief, and also the power of truth, “Down Down Deep” sucks the readers into its swirling dramatic depths. Delay has crafted an engaging, character-driven psychological thriller filled with intrigue. This fast-paced, compulsive read will keep you gripped until the final page.
Thank you to the author, and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
On board the cruise ship is director Gabriel Gutierrez, a man haunted by the guilt over past family tragedies. When Gabriel and Jesse cross paths, their painful histories intertwine. The past weighs down both and must confront the many buried truths before it’s too late.
Delay does an excellent job developing her flawed yet very sympathetic characters. As Jesse’s blackouts worsen, the tension becomes a lot too unbearable. The author deftly balances revealing backstory details with building suspense in the present-day drama.
The setting of the cruise ship proves an apt and claustrophobic backdrop, heightening the sense of inescapable secrets that Jesse and Gabriel carry. By the novel’s conclusion, the truth rises to the surface in an emotionally powerful climax.
With the themes of guilt, grief, and also the power of truth, “Down Down Deep” sucks the readers into its swirling dramatic depths. Delay has crafted an engaging, character-driven psychological thriller filled with intrigue. This fast-paced, compulsive read will keep you gripped until the final page.
Thank you to the author, and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
April 15, 2024
Down, down deep,
In the big ocean blue,
You should read this book,
It’ll be a great one for you.
I really liked this book. When reading the description, I was not sure how I was going to be with a “psychological thriller,” however, this book really pulled me in. The story wrapped around my legs like a cattleman’s rope at the rodeo. There are only three main characters. Each chapter is written from the perspective of either Jesse or Gabriel. The third main character is Jesse’s momma and she appears in both Jesse and Gabriel chapters.
The writing is crisp and the characters are well developed. Most of the action takes place on the cruise ship and Gabriel is a Staff Captain. He is a workaholic trapped in a hamster wheel of memories and career aspirations. Jesse is troubled with her own baggage, (not her cruise luggage!) and as the book progresses, Delay pulls us deeper and deeper into her tormented mind.
The oddities which occur onboard keep the reader guessing and the story moves at an aggressive pace. There were a few times when I found the lines of reality blurred and was not sure if the actions were plausible, but as a whole, the story was solid and quite enjoyable.
Delay builds suspense throughout the entire book and weaves a great romance along the way. I really enjoyed the way this book unfolded and I look forward to more books written by Christina Delay. Thanks for a great read!!
I received an advanced review copy of “Down, Down Deep” for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily!
In the big ocean blue,
You should read this book,
It’ll be a great one for you.
I really liked this book. When reading the description, I was not sure how I was going to be with a “psychological thriller,” however, this book really pulled me in. The story wrapped around my legs like a cattleman’s rope at the rodeo. There are only three main characters. Each chapter is written from the perspective of either Jesse or Gabriel. The third main character is Jesse’s momma and she appears in both Jesse and Gabriel chapters.
The writing is crisp and the characters are well developed. Most of the action takes place on the cruise ship and Gabriel is a Staff Captain. He is a workaholic trapped in a hamster wheel of memories and career aspirations. Jesse is troubled with her own baggage, (not her cruise luggage!) and as the book progresses, Delay pulls us deeper and deeper into her tormented mind.
The oddities which occur onboard keep the reader guessing and the story moves at an aggressive pace. There were a few times when I found the lines of reality blurred and was not sure if the actions were plausible, but as a whole, the story was solid and quite enjoyable.
Delay builds suspense throughout the entire book and weaves a great romance along the way. I really enjoyed the way this book unfolded and I look forward to more books written by Christina Delay. Thanks for a great read!!
I received an advanced review copy of “Down, Down Deep” for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily!
June 21, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Down Down Deep by Christina Delay is absolutely a mental psychological thriller!
! Please be mindful that a toxic daughter-mother relationship could be a trigger! In this case, the mother is manipulating her daughter and is verbally abusive.
I just finished a book that felt incredibly original! The background story, the setting, and the final twist all felt fresh and new. However, I think the narrative could have benefitted from more information about Jesse's blackouts and some flashbacks to when she was 9 years old. It's like a puzzle with missing pieces that left me wanting to see the full picture.
The book delves into mystery, trauma, secrets, and manipulation, with a focus on the impact of childhood traumatic events on mental health.
Jesse, a professional travel writer, is important to the tourism industry because her articles influence travellers' decisions. When Gabriel, the cruise ship director, sees Jesse's name on the guest list, he is not just excited for business reasons. There's a past between them that involves some deep secrets and an unmistakable strong attraction.
Jesse is on the cruise as part of her mental health therapy treatment, trying to remember the events surrounding her father's death when she was nine, which happened during a family holiday on the same cruise ship.
The final twist of the story completely shocked me! It was unexpected in the best way possible.
I'd like to thank BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book!
Down Down Deep by Christina Delay is absolutely a mental psychological thriller!
! Please be mindful that a toxic daughter-mother relationship could be a trigger! In this case, the mother is manipulating her daughter and is verbally abusive.
I just finished a book that felt incredibly original! The background story, the setting, and the final twist all felt fresh and new. However, I think the narrative could have benefitted from more information about Jesse's blackouts and some flashbacks to when she was 9 years old. It's like a puzzle with missing pieces that left me wanting to see the full picture.
The book delves into mystery, trauma, secrets, and manipulation, with a focus on the impact of childhood traumatic events on mental health.
Jesse, a professional travel writer, is important to the tourism industry because her articles influence travellers' decisions. When Gabriel, the cruise ship director, sees Jesse's name on the guest list, he is not just excited for business reasons. There's a past between them that involves some deep secrets and an unmistakable strong attraction.
Jesse is on the cruise as part of her mental health therapy treatment, trying to remember the events surrounding her father's death when she was nine, which happened during a family holiday on the same cruise ship.
The final twist of the story completely shocked me! It was unexpected in the best way possible.
I'd like to thank BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book!
June 24, 2024
A psychological thriller that will keep you wondering who the real threat is. Jesse is a journalist that travels often for work and is well respected, but lives locked away like her memories of the day her father died. Therapy is doing little to control her blackouts but maybe things will change with a return to the cruise where it all began. Gabriel is the staff captain of a cruise line, hoping that all his sacrifices will finally lead to captaining his own ship. Jesse and Gabe met many years ago and now they have become friends, but he worries that his secret will destroy a chance for them. Now he’s wondering why she’s on the ship with her mother whom she dislikes and if his life’s choices are more important than Jesse. Craziness ensues as the ship sails when a service dog goes missing, Jesse is attacked and then nearly drowns, she saves a little girl from drowning and a passenger dies. Will secrets emerge, will the blackouts stop and will questions be answered before time runs out for them and the ship when a bomb threat is called in?
This was a new author to me, and I enjoyed the story. It had some twists and turns that leave you questioning the identity of the villain. The characters each had their demons that helped you understand them, their faults and actions and the end leaves you with a moral dilemma about whether vigilantism is justice or murder in disguise. Overall, a good read and an author that I look forward to reading more by. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a new author to me, and I enjoyed the story. It had some twists and turns that leave you questioning the identity of the villain. The characters each had their demons that helped you understand them, their faults and actions and the end leaves you with a moral dilemma about whether vigilantism is justice or murder in disguise. Overall, a good read and an author that I look forward to reading more by. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2024
The Cruise by Christina Delay was a brilliant psychological thriller, this book is about Jesse, who is a travel writer and she has experienced blackouts ever since her father died tragically when she was just 9 years old which was 20 years ago, Now, after all these years Jesse wants to find out what really happened, especially why she has been having blackouts ever since. They say her father went over board on a cruise, but, Jesse does not believe them.
So she books up to go on the same cruise her father, mother and her went on all those years ago.
She knows her mother knows what happened but she will not tell Jesse what happened.........
But Why is she not telling her?
Now, on the cruise ship and her control-freak mother has come along too.
Jesse is a VIP guest on the cruise ship, as she is a well known travel writer. she becomes friendly with a handsome crew member called Gabriel. But, Jesse doesn’t know that Gabriel was working that cruise 20 years ago, when her dad died.
Jesse’s blackouts continue, there are some problems on board this current cruise and Jesse may be to blame for the past and present crimes that are happening around her.
I love the way the author portrays Jesse throughout this book and writes in a few red herrings that will have you thinking.......Is Jesse the Killer? Hang on........ is she innocent in this?
This is a book that is full of twists and turns that will have you guessing and then re guessing till the very end. Very Clever!!!!
So she books up to go on the same cruise her father, mother and her went on all those years ago.
She knows her mother knows what happened but she will not tell Jesse what happened.........
But Why is she not telling her?
Now, on the cruise ship and her control-freak mother has come along too.
Jesse is a VIP guest on the cruise ship, as she is a well known travel writer. she becomes friendly with a handsome crew member called Gabriel. But, Jesse doesn’t know that Gabriel was working that cruise 20 years ago, when her dad died.
Jesse’s blackouts continue, there are some problems on board this current cruise and Jesse may be to blame for the past and present crimes that are happening around her.
I love the way the author portrays Jesse throughout this book and writes in a few red herrings that will have you thinking.......Is Jesse the Killer? Hang on........ is she innocent in this?
This is a book that is full of twists and turns that will have you guessing and then re guessing till the very end. Very Clever!!!!
February 28, 2024
I read this book as a free review copy from BookSirens and this review is based on my reading of the book.
Christina's novel packs a nice punch. The story is nice and this is a tough psychological drama which unfolds with the lead characters very well written with fractured backgrounds.
Jesse is a writer with memory issues and constant blackouts and her mom joining her for a journey brings up even wilder issues. Her fractured relationship with her mom combined with her own issues compound matters.
Several such characters all stacked up in a closeted area of a cruise ship creates a brooding backdrop for the story.
What I loved about the story was the way the characters have been written with some back stories to explain the current situation but not dwelling too much on that. The focus is very much on what's happening now and Jesse provides a perfect foil for the authors maneuvers in the story.
Christina has also left breadcrumbs for the discerning reader to make an attempt to unravel the puzzle and that got me more involved in the story. The ending left me desiring for more so all in all great book and have discovered a new writer to add to my author list whose books I would love to add to my collection. I am definitely looking out for Christina's next story.
Recommended.
Christina's novel packs a nice punch. The story is nice and this is a tough psychological drama which unfolds with the lead characters very well written with fractured backgrounds.
Jesse is a writer with memory issues and constant blackouts and her mom joining her for a journey brings up even wilder issues. Her fractured relationship with her mom combined with her own issues compound matters.
Several such characters all stacked up in a closeted area of a cruise ship creates a brooding backdrop for the story.
What I loved about the story was the way the characters have been written with some back stories to explain the current situation but not dwelling too much on that. The focus is very much on what's happening now and Jesse provides a perfect foil for the authors maneuvers in the story.
Christina has also left breadcrumbs for the discerning reader to make an attempt to unravel the puzzle and that got me more involved in the story. The ending left me desiring for more so all in all great book and have discovered a new writer to add to my author list whose books I would love to add to my collection. I am definitely looking out for Christina's next story.
Recommended.
November 14, 2024
Down Down Deep, Indeed. For those unaware, this book was previously titled Down Down Deep, and that may actually be a superior title to its more generic one it currently has (The Cruise).
Here we get a psychological, almost supernatural, thriller that becomes all too human indeed. The tension ratchets up as weird things start happening on this sailing of this cruise ship, and there are quite a few even horror elements to be had here.
There are twists a plenty, so much so that it sometimes feels like you're on Velocicoaster - they're coming so hard and so fast, and yet you're enjoying every freaking second of it. And, like Velocicoaster, as fun and intense as this read is... it is also fairly shortish, at just around 250 pages. Meaning it is yet again great for those with limited amounts of reading time.
Definitely one of the more inventive books within its space I've encountered, so much so that when I saw that this is actually in a series of sorts and that the other book is currently, as I write this review on November 14, 2024, just $0.99... yeah, I picked it up immediately just on the strength of this book. (Fwiw, that book - The Best Friends - is also a reprint/ retitle, formerly called Truth Truth Lie.)
One warning: There is a fair amount of pretty brutal action in this book at times, and it *does* deal in certain assaults that some may find more troubling than others. So be aware of that going in... and read it anyway. Yes, it really is that good.
Very much recommended.
Here we get a psychological, almost supernatural, thriller that becomes all too human indeed. The tension ratchets up as weird things start happening on this sailing of this cruise ship, and there are quite a few even horror elements to be had here.
There are twists a plenty, so much so that it sometimes feels like you're on Velocicoaster - they're coming so hard and so fast, and yet you're enjoying every freaking second of it. And, like Velocicoaster, as fun and intense as this read is... it is also fairly shortish, at just around 250 pages. Meaning it is yet again great for those with limited amounts of reading time.
Definitely one of the more inventive books within its space I've encountered, so much so that when I saw that this is actually in a series of sorts and that the other book is currently, as I write this review on November 14, 2024, just $0.99... yeah, I picked it up immediately just on the strength of this book. (Fwiw, that book - The Best Friends - is also a reprint/ retitle, formerly called Truth Truth Lie.)
One warning: There is a fair amount of pretty brutal action in this book at times, and it *does* deal in certain assaults that some may find more troubling than others. So be aware of that going in... and read it anyway. Yes, it really is that good.
Very much recommended.
April 24, 2024
You’ll need your lifevest for this psychological thriller set on board a cruise ship - things definitely get rocky.
Jesse is a travel writer who suffers from blackouts. Now, as the 20th anniversary of her father’s death approaches, she books a cruise on the same ship, following the same route as the one her father died on. Jesse is hoping for answers and peace, but then her abusive mother announces that she’ll be joining her.
Gabriel is the cruise ship director, and he and Jesse hit it off immediately. But Jesse doesn’t know that Gabriel was working on the ship 20 years ago when her father died.
First off, I loved the cruise ship setting. But I also enjoyed how the writing was terse and clipped, creating an aura of tension and impending danger. The story offers suspense, mystery, drama, and romance. I constantly questioned all these flawed characters—especially Jesse—right up to the shocking end.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @authorchristinadelay for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Jesse is a travel writer who suffers from blackouts. Now, as the 20th anniversary of her father’s death approaches, she books a cruise on the same ship, following the same route as the one her father died on. Jesse is hoping for answers and peace, but then her abusive mother announces that she’ll be joining her.
Gabriel is the cruise ship director, and he and Jesse hit it off immediately. But Jesse doesn’t know that Gabriel was working on the ship 20 years ago when her father died.
First off, I loved the cruise ship setting. But I also enjoyed how the writing was terse and clipped, creating an aura of tension and impending danger. The story offers suspense, mystery, drama, and romance. I constantly questioned all these flawed characters—especially Jesse—right up to the shocking end.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @authorchristinadelay for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
November 26, 2024
20 years ago, Jesse lost her father while on a Caribbean cruise. Fast forward to the present, where Jesse books the exact same cruise in order to figure out what happened to her father. Unfortunately for Jesse, her control freak mother decides to join her. Jesse is convinced that her mother knows more about her father's supposed drowning than she says. Jesse's friend Gabe is also on the cruise. Jesse is a VIP travel writer and has become friends with Gabe through her job. But why does it seem that Gabe is also hiding something?
The ending of this book was super wild and took a turn that I did not expect! I really enjoyed how the author portrayed our MC, Jesse. There were clues that she may be an unreliable narrator, but the clues never push too far in one direction, leaving the reader wondering more about Jesse. Although this isn't a vacation thriller per se, I loved all the cruise ship imagery!
A quick, easy, and crazy read. Recommend for thriller lovers!
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The ending of this book was super wild and took a turn that I did not expect! I really enjoyed how the author portrayed our MC, Jesse. There were clues that she may be an unreliable narrator, but the clues never push too far in one direction, leaving the reader wondering more about Jesse. Although this isn't a vacation thriller per se, I loved all the cruise ship imagery!
A quick, easy, and crazy read. Recommend for thriller lovers!
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2024
Jesse's life went to pieces when she was just 9 years old, after her father fell overboard during a Caribbean cruise. She has managed to glue herself back together, but after the tragedy she suffered from blackouts for many years.
Now, she is determine to get to the truth of what happened to her father. Her method of doing so is to recreate the original cruise, including not only the same route, and the same ship, but even staying in the same cabin.
But what is her mother not telling her? And why? Most importantly, does Jesse really want to know the truth of events, or is ignorance actually bliss...?
This is an entertaining thriller, which maintains its pace throughout and delivers on the entertainment promised.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Now, she is determine to get to the truth of what happened to her father. Her method of doing so is to recreate the original cruise, including not only the same route, and the same ship, but even staying in the same cabin.
But what is her mother not telling her? And why? Most importantly, does Jesse really want to know the truth of events, or is ignorance actually bliss...?
This is an entertaining thriller, which maintains its pace throughout and delivers on the entertainment promised.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
October 24, 2025
🚢 The Cruise by Christina Delay is a haunting, twist-filled psychological thriller that drips with suspense, secrets, and sun-soaked tension. Twenty years after her father mysteriously “fell overboard,” a woman returns to the same Caribbean cruise to uncover the truth — but the closer she gets, the more dangerous the waters become.
Delay masterfully blends tropical luxury with chilling paranoia, creating a gripping story where every wave hides a secret and every smile could mask a lie. As buried memories resurface and danger closes in, The Cruise proves that some vacations are anything but relaxing.
Rating: ★★★★★
Perfect for fans of: Freida McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and twisty thrillers set in glamorous, claustrophobic locations.
Hashtags:
#TheCruise #ChristinaDelay #PsychologicalThriller #TwistyMystery #PageTurner #DarkThriller #SuspenseReads #BookRecommendation #EdgeOfYourSeat
Delay masterfully blends tropical luxury with chilling paranoia, creating a gripping story where every wave hides a secret and every smile could mask a lie. As buried memories resurface and danger closes in, The Cruise proves that some vacations are anything but relaxing.
Rating: ★★★★★
Perfect for fans of: Freida McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and twisty thrillers set in glamorous, claustrophobic locations.
Hashtags:
#TheCruise #ChristinaDelay #PsychologicalThriller #TwistyMystery #PageTurner #DarkThriller #SuspenseReads #BookRecommendation #EdgeOfYourSeat
November 22, 2024
The Cruise by Christina Delay is an absolute psychological thriller. All throughout the book. I changed my mind as to who was doing what. What is wrong with Jesse? What did her father do to her? Why did she want to find out about his death? Does she have severe mental issues as her mother claims? Why does her mother treat her so badly? Why did Gab wait so long to declare his love? How involved was Gabriel with the death of Jesse’s father or his own father? I could go on and on about the many questions this novel provokes. All three of the main characters have strong mental and emotional issues. This emotional baggage that each character carries is a constant in the book. This is a thriller which will stay with you.
December 2, 2024
Jesse lost her father 20 years ago on a cruise in the Caribbean.
Now she needs to lay those ghosts to rest.
She has blackouts and has so many questions about that time.
But her overbearing, bully of a mother has inveigled her way onto the cruise with her.
If she recreates the right atmosphere, even down to the same destination can she ever make sense of that day?
Gabe, one of the crew is her only hope of help but someone wants to spoil her plans to keep her from discovering the truth.
Someone willing to kill to keep their secrets.
This was a tense and claustrophobic shipboard thriller.
Great story but trigger warning for those of a sensitive nature, there is graphic animal cruelty.
For this reason as this is a sensitive issue for me I am marking down my rating.
Now she needs to lay those ghosts to rest.
She has blackouts and has so many questions about that time.
But her overbearing, bully of a mother has inveigled her way onto the cruise with her.
If she recreates the right atmosphere, even down to the same destination can she ever make sense of that day?
Gabe, one of the crew is her only hope of help but someone wants to spoil her plans to keep her from discovering the truth.
Someone willing to kill to keep their secrets.
This was a tense and claustrophobic shipboard thriller.
Great story but trigger warning for those of a sensitive nature, there is graphic animal cruelty.
For this reason as this is a sensitive issue for me I am marking down my rating.
February 5, 2025
Wow! That was quite the ride.
I felt like something was always off with the father-daughter relationship, but the author didn't really elaborate other than to hint at it. From what I concluded, I think that Gabe knew about it, and figured out that the little girl attacked him in the water because of it which is why he suggested they call off the search. Then years later he admitted to having them call off the search back then, but didn't tell her the details so she wasn't more emotionally scarred than she already was.
Alls well that ends well, the evil characters were dealt with, and I was glad.
That being said, it took me a long time to get through this story. It was worth the read but was a very slow burn.
I felt like something was always off with the father-daughter relationship, but the author didn't really elaborate other than to hint at it. From what I concluded, I think that Gabe knew about it, and figured out that the little girl attacked him in the water because of it which is why he suggested they call off the search. Then years later he admitted to having them call off the search back then, but didn't tell her the details so she wasn't more emotionally scarred than she already was.
Alls well that ends well, the evil characters were dealt with, and I was glad.
That being said, it took me a long time to get through this story. It was worth the read but was a very slow burn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
Right away this book grabbed my attention. It confuses the reader at the start but in the best way. I kept turning page after page to figure out what the hell was going on. I loved all the little hints Christina put throughout the book. It was a wonderful puzzle I had a great time trying to decipher. Was Jesse bad or good? What happened (or what did she do) when she blacked out? Sometimes you got the answer and sometimes you didn’t. The ending was fantastic as it explained most things but still left some up to the reader’s interpretation. I love these Twisted Texas thrillers and cannot wait to read the next one.
December 15, 2024
I got this from Joffe as an arc
I thinks some parts of this were interesting and kept me reading but trigger warning it eludes to child SA by a parent and it is just a bit much for me
I don’t want to spoil anything so it is hard to really explain my rating - it wasn’t horrible by any means I think it is just the topic and they way it is addressed idk in theory I like the book and it is a fresh concept but also it could have been anything else but the underlying YUCK and repeated insinuations just a bit to much for my preferences
If you can get past that then this would likely be a great book for your if you like whodunit or psycho thrillers
I thinks some parts of this were interesting and kept me reading but trigger warning it eludes to child SA by a parent and it is just a bit much for me
I don’t want to spoil anything so it is hard to really explain my rating - it wasn’t horrible by any means I think it is just the topic and they way it is addressed idk in theory I like the book and it is a fresh concept but also it could have been anything else but the underlying YUCK and repeated insinuations just a bit to much for my preferences
If you can get past that then this would likely be a great book for your if you like whodunit or psycho thrillers
March 5, 2024
Down Down Deep is an INCREDIBLE psychological thriller by Christina Delay.
This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go.
The protagonist, Jesse has been suffering with blackouts for 20 years since her father died on a cruise.
Jesse has a broken relationship with her mother, which heightens the suspense in the book.
The characters were complex and well written. I love the little breadcrumbs that were dropped throughout the story. When you thought you knew what was going to happen, bang, twist!
I couldn't put this incredible book down; it was so good!
This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go.
The protagonist, Jesse has been suffering with blackouts for 20 years since her father died on a cruise.
Jesse has a broken relationship with her mother, which heightens the suspense in the book.
The characters were complex and well written. I love the little breadcrumbs that were dropped throughout the story. When you thought you knew what was going to happen, bang, twist!
I couldn't put this incredible book down; it was so good!
April 16, 2024
This is another fabulously twisty thriller from Christina Delay. I love her writing style and the way I'm transported into the book and the story as I read. Also, the settings. Marrakech and a cruise ship? Yes, please. I enjoyed being kept off guard and not knowing if one or both viewpoints was an unreliable narrator. Jesse's job as a travel writer is an occupation that I find intriguing and I loved learning more about it as well as Gabe's position on the ship. This is a fantastic suspenseful mystery that you don't want to miss!
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
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