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Piercing Shadows: A totally addictive cozy murder mystery packed with twists
An exclusive cruise, a chilling blackout, and a celebrity's untimely death.
Everything seems perfect―as the Cruise Director of the Midnight Tide.
Guests are in high spirits, and the sea is calm.
Suddenly, darkness engulfs the voyage.
This plunges the ship into chaos.
Now, I’m drawn into a spine-chilling mystery.
An infamous celebrity is discovered dead in their suite.
I embark on a puzzling investigation―facing the perfect murder.
Suspects are many, and clues are scarce.
With Rex and the crew, we edge closer to the culprit.
Nothing is as it seems.
While the real assassin lurks in the shadows.
A shocking twist brings additional evidence.
I must race against time to reveal the true menace.
The ship nears port.
A killer may escape.
This may… perhaps, leave a mystery unsolved.
Everything seems perfect―as the Cruise Director of the Midnight Tide.
Guests are in high spirits, and the sea is calm.
Suddenly, darkness engulfs the voyage.
This plunges the ship into chaos.
Now, I’m drawn into a spine-chilling mystery.
An infamous celebrity is discovered dead in their suite.
I embark on a puzzling investigation―facing the perfect murder.
Suspects are many, and clues are scarce.
With Rex and the crew, we edge closer to the culprit.
Nothing is as it seems.
While the real assassin lurks in the shadows.
A shocking twist brings additional evidence.
I must race against time to reveal the true menace.
The ship nears port.
A killer may escape.
This may… perhaps, leave a mystery unsolved.
- GenresMurder Mystery
Unknown Binding
Published December 19, 2024
89 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 12, 2025
I discovered this author on audible (beta ) and while I hate the virtual voice the story is top notch. I’ve read two of the books so far and they are very well plotted, the pace moves right on and Rose is a great protagonist Ali g with her pup.m, Rex. The mysteries take place on-a cruise ship and the huge plus for me is that not only is Rose an official investigator/ cruise ship director, the author avoids one of the troupes that authors tend to do with female characters in cozies- she does not make the TO STUPID TO LIVE mistakes. She’s intelligent, cautious, empathetic, can admit when she’s been fooled by a suspect. The book starts if in the past tense about 48 hours before the murder and then the fun begins. While there’s not a ton of fast paced action, the pace is pretty steady throughout and moves along nicely. There are enough twists and red herrings to leave you guessing as to who might be the real culprit/killer. The cruise ship being the sight of the murder during a blackout is similar to a “locked room” murder mystery, just on a larger scale.
January 24, 2025
The Midnight Tide is at sea once more and a death has occurred . It’s an exclusive cruise and quite the celebrity onboard . The guests are ready for the cruise of their lives . But the Infamous Celebrity has met with her untimely demise in their suite. Nothing is as it seems and the ship is in darkness ,with danger lurking in the shadows . It’s spine chilling chaos but with Rex and the crew this sleuth knows what to do.Cruise Director Rose De La Cruz has her work cut out , she has her new assistant Julia Hart to help and of course Captain Ben Anderson her beau and Cole Hester the ship’s head of security when they meet at suite 230 Serena Hampton’s suite and what they find is a terrible scene she’s covered in blood and it’s clear who it is she’s holding close and holding tight with all her might as if this would make her deceased friend alright. Meadow is far past any intervention from her friend . She’s met her untimely end. The crew must follow the clue to find out what’s amiss and all this while still in darkness the ship is . Danger lurking in the shadows. Meadow was an internet sensation but not above her station ,she boarded with three friends ,one at her wit’s end ,the others still trying to make their dividend with content online . It’s quite a strange case and they’re in rather a race to find the culprit behind the deed before they disembark the ship. No clues to follow ,even Rex is hard pressed to impress with his sniffer dog nose. The story ebbs and flows like the ship. One minute they’re up and on the right track and then it sways the other way and they set back. They must be on their guard of anything untoward and strange to find out what’s been happening and why. The blackout .Was it deliberately staged by who and to what purpose was this tied to the murder? All these answers you’ll find on the Midnight Tide where killers may hide in plain sight but there’s a canny ship’s crew they’ll come through as they always do. What super story by Audrey Alden ,she pens these books so well . With interesting and diverse characters that gel . Super storytelling and scenes are realistic and true. I loved every page of this book and I’m looking forward to the next book very much.
December 30, 2024
During an unprecedented electrical blackout on the cruise ship, Midnight Tide, one of the passengers is murdered. The victim was an internet personality, on board with three friends in a shared cabin. Apparently, she knew no one else on the cruise, and none of her friends were in the cabin with her during the blackout. So who murdered her, and why?
This is a fun mystery, with former private investigator, now cruise director, Rose, in charge of finding out what happened (with a little help from her adorable dog, Rex), preferably before the ship next docks. But with no physical evidence and no obvious motive, she is frustrated at every turn.
Rose tackles this investigation while trying to keep her blossoming relationship with the ship’s handsome captain, Ben, under wraps. Well written and with an interesting mystery, I was able to get past my personal dislike of present tense, and enjoy the book, eager to discover who dunnit and how. The use of the closed environment of a cruise ship adds to the intensity, and the pace is maintained with the deadline of arrival at the next port. This story highlighted the differing attitudes and values of the young, internet-obsessed, from previous generations, and the final solution was cleverly obscured and neatly wrapped up.
I received an ARC from the author, which in no way affected my personal opinion.
This is a fun mystery, with former private investigator, now cruise director, Rose, in charge of finding out what happened (with a little help from her adorable dog, Rex), preferably before the ship next docks. But with no physical evidence and no obvious motive, she is frustrated at every turn.
Rose tackles this investigation while trying to keep her blossoming relationship with the ship’s handsome captain, Ben, under wraps. Well written and with an interesting mystery, I was able to get past my personal dislike of present tense, and enjoy the book, eager to discover who dunnit and how. The use of the closed environment of a cruise ship adds to the intensity, and the pace is maintained with the deadline of arrival at the next port. This story highlighted the differing attitudes and values of the young, internet-obsessed, from previous generations, and the final solution was cleverly obscured and neatly wrapped up.
I received an ARC from the author, which in no way affected my personal opinion.
December 16, 2024
Oh wow.
I didn’t know I would end up loving this book as much as I did!
This is the second book (third if we count the prequel) in the “Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries” series - my first book read from this series - and I am totally in love.
From the moment I opened the book, the writing style and plot had me roped in.
The suspense begins already in the first chapter, and I was glued to the book from the start.
I loved Rose, our main character - Her connection with all the characters, and the way she went about solving the mystery, trying to comfort and help everyone, was heartwarming.
This book had so much; unique and interesting characters, suspense, an intriguing plot, humor, a sprinkle of love - I was utterly captivated.
If there is one thing I would have loved seeing a bit more of, it would have been more scenes with Ben and Rose - I am utterly in love with them and can’t wait to see how their relationship develops!
I’m definitely checking out the two other books in this series as soon as I can!
Audrey Alden, you did an outstanding job with this book, and I can’t wait to read more of your work!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn’t know I would end up loving this book as much as I did!
This is the second book (third if we count the prequel) in the “Rose Cruz Cruise Ship Mysteries” series - my first book read from this series - and I am totally in love.
From the moment I opened the book, the writing style and plot had me roped in.
The suspense begins already in the first chapter, and I was glued to the book from the start.
I loved Rose, our main character - Her connection with all the characters, and the way she went about solving the mystery, trying to comfort and help everyone, was heartwarming.
This book had so much; unique and interesting characters, suspense, an intriguing plot, humor, a sprinkle of love - I was utterly captivated.
If there is one thing I would have loved seeing a bit more of, it would have been more scenes with Ben and Rose - I am utterly in love with them and can’t wait to see how their relationship develops!
I’m definitely checking out the two other books in this series as soon as I can!
Audrey Alden, you did an outstanding job with this book, and I can’t wait to read more of your work!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 19, 2024
Murder in the Dark . . .
Rose Dela Cruz, Cruise Director of the Midnight Tide, hears the phone ring 3 times as the lights flicker off and on and covers them in darkness. Something about this stirs an unsettling instinct inside her, a tension that won’t ease. She answers the phone and a voice urges her to hurry because her best friend is dead! Rose’s history as a private investigator has pulled her into other such situations. She calls Captain Ben Anderson to alert him to the problem and asks him to come to Serena Hampton’s suite with her, and he and Cole Hester, the ship’s head of security, will meet her. Two figures are huddled on the bathroom floor when they arrive. Serena Hampton holds the dead body of Meadow Dunn, a well-known internet personality on social media, across her lap. There is blood all over Serena’s shirt. The bloody wounds are obvious on Meadow’s face and throat. Cole takes Serena out of the room so they can begin investigating the death. Rose sees something glinting on the body and discovers a strange metallic shape embedded in the victim’s skin -- metal nails. Rose, her dog Rex, Captain Anderson, and Cole must now solve this case before they get to land or the killer could escape. Will they be able to find justice for the murdered Meadow Dunn?
Rose Dela Cruz, Cruise Director of the Midnight Tide, hears the phone ring 3 times as the lights flicker off and on and covers them in darkness. Something about this stirs an unsettling instinct inside her, a tension that won’t ease. She answers the phone and a voice urges her to hurry because her best friend is dead! Rose’s history as a private investigator has pulled her into other such situations. She calls Captain Ben Anderson to alert him to the problem and asks him to come to Serena Hampton’s suite with her, and he and Cole Hester, the ship’s head of security, will meet her. Two figures are huddled on the bathroom floor when they arrive. Serena Hampton holds the dead body of Meadow Dunn, a well-known internet personality on social media, across her lap. There is blood all over Serena’s shirt. The bloody wounds are obvious on Meadow’s face and throat. Cole takes Serena out of the room so they can begin investigating the death. Rose sees something glinting on the body and discovers a strange metallic shape embedded in the victim’s skin -- metal nails. Rose, her dog Rex, Captain Anderson, and Cole must now solve this case before they get to land or the killer could escape. Will they be able to find justice for the murdered Meadow Dunn?
December 19, 2024
Just after leaving port on the cruise ship Midnight Sun, Cruise Director and former PI, Rosa Dela Cruz is called to the scene of a murder.
The victim, Meadow Dunn, an Internet influencer and thoroughly unlikeable person, is found dead in her bathroom, after a brief blackout on the ship.
With a very unusual murder weapon involved and Meadow's entourage acting very strangely, Rosa begins her investigation.
Feeling like she'll never solve this case, and with the help of her new assistant, Julie, and other crew members, Rosa doesn't give up until the case comes to a shocking conclusion.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I’m really impressed! I’ll definitely be reading more of her work. She does a great job of character development and I can't wait to see how Rosa and Captain Anderson’s relationship blossoms. And then there's Rosa's trusty beagle, Rex, who always knows when there's a clue to be found.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and am happy to leave this voluntary review.
The victim, Meadow Dunn, an Internet influencer and thoroughly unlikeable person, is found dead in her bathroom, after a brief blackout on the ship.
With a very unusual murder weapon involved and Meadow's entourage acting very strangely, Rosa begins her investigation.
Feeling like she'll never solve this case, and with the help of her new assistant, Julie, and other crew members, Rosa doesn't give up until the case comes to a shocking conclusion.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I’m really impressed! I’ll definitely be reading more of her work. She does a great job of character development and I can't wait to see how Rosa and Captain Anderson’s relationship blossoms. And then there's Rosa's trusty beagle, Rex, who always knows when there's a clue to be found.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and am happy to leave this voluntary review.
December 29, 2024
Rose Cruz is a former PI and is hired by the cruise ship, Midnight Sun as cruise director. Lights began to blink and the ship went dark for a bit. Rose gets a phone call telling her Meadow Dunn, an Internet influencer is found dead in her bathroom, being held by her friend, Serena. After contacting the Captain, Ben Anderson and the head of security,, Cole Hester to meet her at the room, Rose notices something weird sticking out of Meadow. Is this what killed her? What could it be? With the help of Rose's assistant, Julia, the captain and Cole, the investigation begins with the adorable assist by her beagle, Rex. Could it be one of her friends who are on the cruise with her? This is a fast paced fun and twisted read that takes you to a surprising end. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
February 2, 2025
Piercing Shadows by Audrey Alden is a much better-than-average cozy mystery. I’ll admit I was a bit off at the beginning—there’s a shift between present-time activity and past events, and while this usually doesn’t confuse me, I found myself a little lost at first. That said, once the story settled into a more straightforward narrative, I was immediately drawn in.
The mystery unfolds on a cruise, where a well-known social media influencer is murdered. Our cruise director, Rose, dives headfirst into solving the case. I loved how the red herrings were entirely believable, keeping me guessing until the very end.
I’ve often been highly critical of cozy mysteries, as they typically lack character development and have flimsy plotlines. So when I say I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars, that is high praise indeed.
The mystery unfolds on a cruise, where a well-known social media influencer is murdered. Our cruise director, Rose, dives headfirst into solving the case. I loved how the red herrings were entirely believable, keeping me guessing until the very end.
I’ve often been highly critical of cozy mysteries, as they typically lack character development and have flimsy plotlines. So when I say I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars, that is high praise indeed.
December 18, 2024
Surprising investigation
I love reading Audrey Alden's Rose Cruise Murder Series. This is the third book in the series, and it didn't let me down of the fun and enjoyable continuing story the series provides. The protagonist, Rose Dela Cruise, is the new cruise director and part-time private detective that, along with her acquired beagle, solves murders sometimes on the cruises.
Rex, the beagle, adds a touch of fun and adventure to the story.
I would love to read more from this author and from this series, but I don't see another book to read after this one, but hopefully, in the future, the next one in the series will be out.
Though I have left this review on goodreads, the book has not yet been released on Amazon until December 19. I will then leave my review with them for Booksprout.
I love reading Audrey Alden's Rose Cruise Murder Series. This is the third book in the series, and it didn't let me down of the fun and enjoyable continuing story the series provides. The protagonist, Rose Dela Cruise, is the new cruise director and part-time private detective that, along with her acquired beagle, solves murders sometimes on the cruises.
Rex, the beagle, adds a touch of fun and adventure to the story.
I would love to read more from this author and from this series, but I don't see another book to read after this one, but hopefully, in the future, the next one in the series will be out.
Though I have left this review on goodreads, the book has not yet been released on Amazon until December 19. I will then leave my review with them for Booksprout.
December 19, 2024
Cruise director Rose is talking with her new assistant Julie when the lights go out. When it takes an unusually long three minutes to restore lights she has a bad feeling. When her phone rings a few minutes later her premonition is proved right. A client of the cruise ship has been murdered in her cabin. An indepth investigation keeps turning up no leads and the murder weapon can't be found. Has someone committed the perfect crime? Read and find out. A strong mystery, well crafted with many interesting characters. A fine read that mystery lovers will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2024
Absolutely stunning! This book kept me up all night, I couldn’t put it down. From the moment Rose and Ben dove into the investigation, I was completely hooked.
The twists were mind-blowing, especially when the truth about the murder started to unravel. I honestly never saw it coming! And the dynamic between Rose and Rex? I mean, who knew a dog could bring so much heart to a mystery? Plus, watching Rose grow as a sleuth was so satisfying and the addition of Julia was very nice.
This book has everything from suspense, emotion, and those unexpected moments that leave you speechless. Highly recommend
The twists were mind-blowing, especially when the truth about the murder started to unravel. I honestly never saw it coming! And the dynamic between Rose and Rex? I mean, who knew a dog could bring so much heart to a mystery? Plus, watching Rose grow as a sleuth was so satisfying and the addition of Julia was very nice.
This book has everything from suspense, emotion, and those unexpected moments that leave you speechless. Highly recommend
December 29, 2024
This was an entertaining mystery by a talented author. Rose Dela Cruz, the cruise director aboard the ship Midnight Tide, attempts to discover who killed internet personality, Meadow Dunn, with a nail gun. She gets help from her fellow ship employees. There are many suspects, including three of Meadow's friends and fellow passengers. This mystery had many twists and turns as well as surprises. This was the first Rose Dela Cruz mystery I've read, and I look forward to reading more. I highly recommend this book to other mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
December 22, 2024
The second book in this series finds PI-turned-cruise-director Rose ready for another sailing on the Midnight Tide. Her beagle Rex is along, and also an internet personality with a small entourage. When this personality is found dead in an odd manner, Rose and the security team have their work cut out! There are lots of clues to help you along, but I bet you won't figure it out. But you'll also enjoy the characters and the budding romance between Rose and the captain, Ben. - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.
January 7, 2025
This one left me feeling extra sad and a bit empty inside. Losing a young life never makes sense to me, but this was extremely sad because of why the murder took place-
so unnecessary! I liked Rose's perseverance and going over clues with a fine tooth comb just to be sure nothing was missed. I liked that she took her job so seriously and didn't want to miss one clue. I never would have put 2 and 2 together to figure this one out. It was a long crooked road to the truth. Enjoyable read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion .
so unnecessary! I liked Rose's perseverance and going over clues with a fine tooth comb just to be sure nothing was missed. I liked that she took her job so seriously and didn't want to miss one clue. I never would have put 2 and 2 together to figure this one out. It was a long crooked road to the truth. Enjoyable read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion .
January 31, 2025
I liked the setting of being a cruise very much. However, it was a little much how the captain offers a job to Rose as the cruise director without any training or education. Then after the murder happens, she basically is bossing the captain around as well as the head of security. I enjoyed the book and the storyline is good but I really think Rose needs to back it down just a tad and not be so "take over everything". I will continue to read the series just to see what happens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2024
Intriguing story.
A very intriguing story about a murder aboard a cruise ship with a very unusual weapon. I really enjoyed this story as Rose, the cruise ship director, leads the investigation based on her experience as a private investigator. Some obvious choices for the murderer, but some twists and turns are inevitable!
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.
A very intriguing story about a murder aboard a cruise ship with a very unusual weapon. I really enjoyed this story as Rose, the cruise ship director, leads the investigation based on her experience as a private investigator. Some obvious choices for the murderer, but some twists and turns are inevitable!
I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.
December 16, 2024
My rating is actually a 3.5 but half stars are not available. This was an interesting story. The murder weapon was unusual especially on a cruise ship. I was frustrated with the investigation process as it pertained to the interviewing of individuals. I did like the main characters and Rex, Rose's dog. The story was a quick read.
I received a free advance copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free advance copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 17, 2024
Rose Dela Cruz is the cruise director of the Midnight Tide cruise ship. They have 500 passengers and a lot of crew. everything is going great until Rose gets a call that someone is dead. She, Captain Anderson, and Cole the security officer must solve the murder before the passengers disembark. Lots of hours spent looking through crew and passenger information before they end up with the right suspect.
December 19, 2024
Meadow Woods is an internet influencer who is beautiful and intelligent with a very large fan following. Meadow is on the Midnight Cruise with her friends and the Cruise Director, Rose de la Cruz ensures they are well looked after. Then Meadow is murdered and Rose is bent on finding the killer. Was it one of the girls who resnted being in her shadow? One of the crew members? A suspense filled thriller which had me captivated with its various twists
December 19, 2024
Rose Dela Cruz is the Entainting Director of The Midnight Tide, and an ex PI. When she is called to a luxury cabin, she finds one of the occupants has been killed in a gruesome way. A long search through social media (the murdered woman, Meadow, has been big on those with thousands of followers), and with the help of her Beagle Rex, the Captain of the ship and others she is finally able to pinpoint the guilty parties.
December 19, 2024
A real page turner. Rose aCrid is getting used to her role as Cruise director and her romance with the Captain. When an internet celebrity is killed during a ship wide power blackout she and Rex are forced to investigate. A story full of twists and turns, false leads, celebrity lives and hangers on. Rex's nose for investigation comes in handy. I am looking the look of this series. Highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy from the author but then bought the book anyway.
December 27, 2024
Rose finds herself in the midst of another mystery. Trying to keep the murder under wraps from fellow passengers, her coworker, and the world is a challenge when the victim is a well-known influencer that posts daily.
Riveting mystery that is truly as addictive as cruising. Lot of twists and turns that will have you guessing to the very end for even the most voracious mystery reader.
I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Riveting mystery that is truly as addictive as cruising. Lot of twists and turns that will have you guessing to the very end for even the most voracious mystery reader.
I received a complimentary ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 11, 2024
Great book! This is a unique story! I really enjoyed this second book of Rose De La Cruz series. The characters are wonderful! I really enjoyed the new addition to the crew! The scenes swiftly move from one to the next. Rex with his super sniffer helped and he is so cute. I am excited for the next book!
December 19, 2024
Rose is once again dealing with a murder on her cruise ship.
Fantastic characters together with a storyline full of turns make this an amazing mystery to read that you do not want to miss. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, as you will not want to put the book down.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Fantastic characters together with a storyline full of turns make this an amazing mystery to read that you do not want to miss. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, as you will not want to put the book down.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
February 15, 2025
This was so fun I enjoyed this book. It was a page turner and there were a lot of suspects. A cruise with a internet influencer with a million followers, a stalker and a brutal murder has the head of security and the cruise director questioning all the passengers. Someone hated the influencer and her friends are suspects. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
December 10, 2024
This cozy mystery is a page-turner. A mysterious death and blackout on the cruise ship result in Rose and the gang investigating. There are several twists and turns. Not everyone is as they seem. Good thing Rex is on the team to help. This can be read as a standalone.
December 14, 2024
Relatable characters, exciting story. It should be a fun, relaxing cruise but murder gets in the way. Jealousy is a poisonous snake. Read how it all unfolds. You'll be glad you did. Highly Recommended.
December 18, 2024
Absolutely loved it. A thrilling, page-turning mystery with so many twists. The characters are so engaging, and I couldn’t put it down.
I received a free ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving my review. Highly recommend!
I received a free ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving my review. Highly recommend!
December 28, 2024
WOW 😲 What a Ride! I had just Given up on Mysteries But this Book Renewed My Interest. From the First page to the last. My Advice, Don't Start this Book late in the Day Because You will not be able to Put it down until the End. Thanks Audrey For a Great Read🤗
January 1, 2025
The plot line for this story is terrific with some fine twists and turns. The dog's intuition was more than any dog I've ever owned but I love the inclusion of it in the story. A great story with an unexpected ending. A terrific read AAA+++
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews