What do you think?
Rate this book
Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery #12
Cruel Christmas Cruise
It’s Christmas aboard the Emerald Queen of the Seas.Trixie and the gang are cruising the British Isles—and so is a killer.
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
A laugh out loud Cozy Mystery by New York Times, USA TODAY, & Wall Street Journal bestseller Addison Moore. A cruise ship cozy mystery! Includes RECIPE!
When a notorious author and gossip columnist turns up dead at the welcome ball, I find myself with two ghosts from Christmas past, three secretive suspects, and one husband who’d prefer I stay out of trouble.
If I thought the first half of my life was a bumpy ride, I’d better buckle up because I’m about to go over the hill and off the rails.
My name is Trixie Troublefield Baxter, and I live on a cruise ship. My days are filled with exciting shore excursions, nonstop buffets, and ceaseless games of bingo—can life get any better than this? But then there’s that body.
I’m finally getting some quality time with my shiny new husband this Christmas on a festive cruise through the British Isles. But when Captain Wes Crawford’s high school reunion turns deadly at the welcome ball, my holiday plans capsize faster than an overcrowded dinghy.
The victim? A notorious gossip columnist and secret-spiller extraordinaire. The suspects? A shipload of former classmates, each with skeletons they’d prefer stay firmly in the closet.
As if untangling this yuletide murder wasn’t complicated enough, I’m being haunted by a couple of ghosts from Christmas past.
From exploring Edinburgh Castle to hunting Nessie at Loch Ness, I’m juggling Christmas festivities, family drama, and a killer who’s still on board. If I don’t catch them soon, someone else might find themselves on the wrong end of a silent night.
Midlife on the high seas is proving to be murder.
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
A laugh out loud Cozy Mystery by New York Times, USA TODAY, & Wall Street Journal bestseller Addison Moore. A cruise ship cozy mystery! Includes RECIPE!
When a notorious author and gossip columnist turns up dead at the welcome ball, I find myself with two ghosts from Christmas past, three secretive suspects, and one husband who’d prefer I stay out of trouble.
If I thought the first half of my life was a bumpy ride, I’d better buckle up because I’m about to go over the hill and off the rails.
My name is Trixie Troublefield Baxter, and I live on a cruise ship. My days are filled with exciting shore excursions, nonstop buffets, and ceaseless games of bingo—can life get any better than this? But then there’s that body.
I’m finally getting some quality time with my shiny new husband this Christmas on a festive cruise through the British Isles. But when Captain Wes Crawford’s high school reunion turns deadly at the welcome ball, my holiday plans capsize faster than an overcrowded dinghy.
The victim? A notorious gossip columnist and secret-spiller extraordinaire. The suspects? A shipload of former classmates, each with skeletons they’d prefer stay firmly in the closet.
As if untangling this yuletide murder wasn’t complicated enough, I’m being haunted by a couple of ghosts from Christmas past.
From exploring Edinburgh Castle to hunting Nessie at Loch Ness, I’m juggling Christmas festivities, family drama, and a killer who’s still on board. If I don’t catch them soon, someone else might find themselves on the wrong end of a silent night.
Midlife on the high seas is proving to be murder.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
150 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Addison Moore
370 books5,702 followersSubscribe to Addison's newsletter! http://www.addisonmoore.com/subscribe/
Follow for deals and steals on Bookbub-> https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addis...
Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.
FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
#Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF
Follow for deals and steals on Bookbub-> https://www.bookbub.com/authors/addis...
Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of cozy mysteries and romance. Her new book MIDLIFE IN GLIMMERSPELL is NOW available! Read today!
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"
Humor with a side of homicide.
FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon-->https://amzn.to/3AnyVhs Hibiscus Homicide Cruise is here! An impending divorce. An ornery homicide detective. The cruise of a lifetime. And ghosts. Midlife on the high seas is proving to be a real killer.
#Cozymystery #Kindleunlimited #mystery #PWF
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 5, 2025
The Emerald Queen of the Seas is hosting Captain Wes’s 40th class reunion along with a holiday themed tour of the British Isles. When Trixie glimpses some ghosts prior to boarding, she’s sure some mayhem will follow. At the welcome ball, original mean girl turned gossip columnist, Missy, takes a fatal drink. Shortly after, “Gossip Ghost” texts the class hinting that secrets will still be revealed and someone else might die. Despite Ransom’s pleas that she not get involved, Trixie is already scoping out suspects. Her ghostly guides, Joy and Dash, are more interested in playing matchmakers for their respective former spouses than finding the murderer. With classmates throwing each other under the bus, Trixie is hoping for a Christmas miracle.
Another delightful cozy mystery with everything you expect from Addison Moore. The British Isles stops were wonderfully described, and Nettie continued her tradition of getting them kicked out. The poor chocolate maker may never recover. I personally believe Nettie encountered Nessie as well. Of course Trixie met a few extra spirits on the ghost tour. The food and the fashions are lavishly described. The family group texts add to the fun and even Stanton was less obnoxious this time around. The mystery was well executed and I loved the twist of the matchmaking ghosts. And the Christmas surprise ending wrapped up the story perfectly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another delightful cozy mystery with everything you expect from Addison Moore. The British Isles stops were wonderfully described, and Nettie continued her tradition of getting them kicked out. The poor chocolate maker may never recover. I personally believe Nettie encountered Nessie as well. Of course Trixie met a few extra spirits on the ghost tour. The food and the fashions are lavishly described. The family group texts add to the fun and even Stanton was less obnoxious this time around. The mystery was well executed and I loved the twist of the matchmaking ghosts. And the Christmas surprise ending wrapped up the story perfectly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2025
Captain Wes Crawfords’ high school reunion is taking place aboard the Emerald Queen of the Seas and Trixie Troublefield Baxter is right smack dab in the middle of things once again. This time she has two ghosts from Christmas past helping her navigate the investigation along with Nettie and Bess. Though the ghosts from Christmas past are more focused on creating a love match and aren’t being so helpful at first. One of the ghosts reveals remembering something that happened to her, which throws the investigation for a loop as it intertwines.
The victim was a gossip columnist and secret sharer, but then again, what gossip columnist could keep a secret?! Everyone has a motivate to have wanted the victim dead. I will say I was kept guessing and though I had a good idea, I was still thrown a bit when the reveal came and I think you will be too!
It’s also Ransom and Trixie’s first Christmas together as husband and wife. I loved the ending and the Christmas surprise Trixie receives – can’t share any details because I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but it warmed my heart!
I wholeheartedly recommend reading the series from the beginning! Definitely one of my favorites!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The victim was a gossip columnist and secret sharer, but then again, what gossip columnist could keep a secret?! Everyone has a motivate to have wanted the victim dead. I will say I was kept guessing and though I had a good idea, I was still thrown a bit when the reveal came and I think you will be too!
It’s also Ransom and Trixie’s first Christmas together as husband and wife. I loved the ending and the Christmas surprise Trixie receives – can’t share any details because I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but it warmed my heart!
I wholeheartedly recommend reading the series from the beginning! Definitely one of my favorites!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
A Christmas reunion cruise brings aboard Wes's classmates aboard. The single ladies are practically standing in line to hang on the arm of the handsome captain Wes. The ways of the women are more like frenamies than friends. Missy is one who lives to stir up dirt now, just like she did back in high school. She has a popular and successful podcast and has a way to rub all wrong with a smile and tons of sweetness. The first night Trixie notices her looking odd after finishing a drink. She watches Missy grab for her throat and Trixie races over to her to help. Again, in true Trixie form, she finds Missy has died. Randsom has all but begged her not to investigate because there still seems to be a real danger aboard. Thru The web site for the classmates there is still someone posting ominous riddles hinting at another death to come. Gossip Ghost can be anyone and perhaps the murderer. Poor Trixie, she is being sucked into the murder by two ghosts, a man and a woman, who have been sent to help find the murderer. They are not willing to focus on that, not until they play match makers to get their living spouses matched up. As always, love the trouble Nettie, Bess and Trixie get into, especially when they are around food.
September 6, 2025
Loved this newest addition to the cruising series. Trixie Baxter lives and works on the Emerald Queen Cruise Ship. While she teaches Art Classes for passengers, her husband Ransom, is the Head of Security. They are both looking forward to an amazing, relaxing Christmas Cruise of the British Isles. First stop is London where Trixie is able to see her son who attends college there.
Then it’s on to the ship. The ship captain, Wes, is ready for an amazing holiday. It’s his Prep School’s 40th year reunion. The ship is decorated all over and the fabulous food is geared towards the season. With such a great background, you would expect good cheer and harmony between all… but, there’s a murder on board. One of the reunion attendees has been murdered. Although Ransom is the chief investigator, Trixie is determined to solve the crime before the cruise ends. It’s not going to be easy because lots of the reunion attendees had not liked the victim due to what she said or implied about each one of them.
I think you’ll love this book as much as I did even though it kept me guessing until the end.
Then it’s on to the ship. The ship captain, Wes, is ready for an amazing holiday. It’s his Prep School’s 40th year reunion. The ship is decorated all over and the fabulous food is geared towards the season. With such a great background, you would expect good cheer and harmony between all… but, there’s a murder on board. One of the reunion attendees has been murdered. Although Ransom is the chief investigator, Trixie is determined to solve the crime before the cruise ends. It’s not going to be easy because lots of the reunion attendees had not liked the victim due to what she said or implied about each one of them.
I think you’ll love this book as much as I did even though it kept me guessing until the end.
September 15, 2025
Addison Moore never fails to make me laugh, gasp, and crave cruise ship desserts all in one sitting—and Cruel Christmas Cruise might just be my favorite Trixie adventure yet.
Trixie is back with her hilarious commentary, a husband who wishes she’d quit stumbling over corpses, and a holiday cruise that’s equal parts festive and fatal. The Emerald Queen of the Seas sparkles with Christmas magic, but when a gossip columnist winds up dead at the welcome ball, the holiday spirit takes a dark turn. Between ghosts from Christmas past, a tangle of suspects, and Trixie’s irresistible nosiness, I was hooked from page one.
What I love most about this series is the balance of humor and heart—Trixie is endlessly relatable, whether she’s dodging trouble, juggling her quirky cruise family, or simply savoring the buffet. And in true Addison Moore style, the mystery kept me guessing right up until the reveal.
If you love cozy mysteries with sharp wit, a dash of paranormal fun, and plenty of holiday cheer, this book is the perfect Christmas treat.
Trixie is back with her hilarious commentary, a husband who wishes she’d quit stumbling over corpses, and a holiday cruise that’s equal parts festive and fatal. The Emerald Queen of the Seas sparkles with Christmas magic, but when a gossip columnist winds up dead at the welcome ball, the holiday spirit takes a dark turn. Between ghosts from Christmas past, a tangle of suspects, and Trixie’s irresistible nosiness, I was hooked from page one.
What I love most about this series is the balance of humor and heart—Trixie is endlessly relatable, whether she’s dodging trouble, juggling her quirky cruise family, or simply savoring the buffet. And in true Addison Moore style, the mystery kept me guessing right up until the reveal.
If you love cozy mysteries with sharp wit, a dash of paranormal fun, and plenty of holiday cheer, this book is the perfect Christmas treat.
September 6, 2025
Christmas cruise turns deadly
So I’d give this one 3.5/5 stars.
The good: it’s actually a decent mystery with lots of great local stories and history surrounding the British Isles. I was fooled as to who the culprit was which is always fun in a mystery story. Bess, Nettie and Trixie are a colorful trio and rather amusing. Ransom and Wes are great foils to the comedic shenanigans they get up too. I did enjoy the ghostly assistance. A fun addition.
The not as good: omg enough with the food descriptions. It’s repetitive and I’d swear a tenth of the book is describing food and or how much food the trio ate. I could do with less innuendos I didn’t think it funny or fitting in a cozy setting. So overall the prose is a bit tough to get through.
For me it was an ok read although I’m not sure I’d pick up another in this series.
So I’d give this one 3.5/5 stars.
The good: it’s actually a decent mystery with lots of great local stories and history surrounding the British Isles. I was fooled as to who the culprit was which is always fun in a mystery story. Bess, Nettie and Trixie are a colorful trio and rather amusing. Ransom and Wes are great foils to the comedic shenanigans they get up too. I did enjoy the ghostly assistance. A fun addition.
The not as good: omg enough with the food descriptions. It’s repetitive and I’d swear a tenth of the book is describing food and or how much food the trio ate. I could do with less innuendos I didn’t think it funny or fitting in a cozy setting. So overall the prose is a bit tough to get through.
For me it was an ok read although I’m not sure I’d pick up another in this series.
September 14, 2025
Trixie Troublefield Baxter and the gang are aboard the Emerald Queen of the Seas cruise ship. Sailing around the British Isles it’s usually all smiles and accord but she finds herself overwrought because Captain Wes Crawford’s reunion cruise turns deadly and not the medley sort.Theres a killer on the loose and not a minute to spare. It’s Christmas so it’s supposed to be a celebration but until this killer is caught it’s action stations and no unreported assignations. Great writing as ever and descriptions and situations cleverly done and we all know how they’re spun to tell a tale we don’t hope to solve but try anyway with the clues that are left. Great immersive fun by Addison Moore I’m going to applaud with an encore of a job well done
August 24, 2025
“Ho, ho, homicide”
A Christmas cruise through the British Isles turns deadly when a tell-all columnist is murdered at the ship's welcome ball. Ransom wants Trixie to leave the investigating to him, but she can’t help herself when there is murder, mayhem, and munchies on board.
This is such a fun series! The plot has everything I look for in a cozy: humor, plot twists, romance, and a corpse. Plus, I like the recipes that are always included at the end. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
A Christmas cruise through the British Isles turns deadly when a tell-all columnist is murdered at the ship's welcome ball. Ransom wants Trixie to leave the investigating to him, but she can’t help herself when there is murder, mayhem, and munchies on board.
This is such a fun series! The plot has everything I look for in a cozy: humor, plot twists, romance, and a corpse. Plus, I like the recipes that are always included at the end. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
August 26, 2025
Trixie sees dead people, and usually they are more helpful in the investigation. This time, they have something else occupying their time. A very unlikable gossip columnist is deceased during a special cruise and Trixie has to try to solve it without upsetting her husband or finding herself in danger. Of course, there are hijinks and a lot of levity in this cozy, not to mention twists and turns. I loved that the tour took the gang to see the area of the Loch Ness Monster. This was a fun murder mystery that can be read as a standalone.
September 18, 2025
Trixie is back on a Christmas cruise through the British Isles when a body is found, and it turns out to be a tell all columnist. Lots of suspects, danger, unexpected twists, humor, some romance, and of course, a great recipe at the end of the book. Cruel Christmas Cruise is book twelve in the Cruising Through Midlife series. I am loving this series and all the fun info we learn about the tours and cruises along the way. Great writing and a great ending make this a five star read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
September 27, 2025
From almost the first chapter I wondered if the author had ever visited Britain or even read a book about the place.
You don’t walk past Harrods on the way to Covent Garden.
London is NOT always foggy. The last serious fog was in 1962.
Snow is much rarer than the author thinks. Much more likely to get rain - especially since global warming kicked in.
It doesn’t get dark in Dublin at 3pm in December. Maybe 4pm but even that’s pushing it a bit.
The story was good but the continual stupid errors spoiled it for me.
You don’t walk past Harrods on the way to Covent Garden.
London is NOT always foggy. The last serious fog was in 1962.
Snow is much rarer than the author thinks. Much more likely to get rain - especially since global warming kicked in.
It doesn’t get dark in Dublin at 3pm in December. Maybe 4pm but even that’s pushing it a bit.
The story was good but the continual stupid errors spoiled it for me.
September 6, 2025
I love this series. It's the perfect one to go with if you are looking for an easy read that is still thrilling. The characters are complex and lovable. The plot is intriguing and decently paced. It's never boring, and I'm never disappointed. I really enjoyed this addition to the series, and I look forward to reading whatever comes next for Trixie and her fellow cruise ship passengers.
Well done to the author!
Well done to the author!
September 9, 2025
Cruel Christmas Cruise Book 12 of Cruising Through Midlife: Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries by Addison Moore is another fun and charming cozy mystery with everything you expect from an Addison Moore story. The story is well-written and I loved the twist of the matchmaking ghosts and the Christmas surprise ending is perfect.
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.
September 14, 2025
Cruel Christmas Cruise is book #12 in the Cruising Through Midlife: Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries series by Addison Moore.
It’s a Christmas cruise and Captain Wes Crawford’s high school reunion. Cruising through the British Isles sounds wonderful, but a murder of one of the reunion attendees puts a damper on the festivities. I really enjoyed the characters and the mysteries are never boring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a Christmas cruise and Captain Wes Crawford’s high school reunion. Cruising through the British Isles sounds wonderful, but a murder of one of the reunion attendees puts a damper on the festivities. I really enjoyed the characters and the mysteries are never boring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2025
What a crazy Christmas cruise! Though with Trixie and her sidekicks, Bess and Nettie, how could it be any other way? I love how Nettie causes so much chaos while Bess does damage control. The two of them are absolutely hilarious! This was fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Looking forward to the next one!
September 9, 2025
A good series.
It's the Christmas Cruise. Trixie is celebrating the holiday when a murder occurs. A graduate celebrating at a class reunion on board is murdered. There are several suspects and motives. I like the tour Trixie and her friends have in the UK is nice. I like this series.
It's the Christmas Cruise. Trixie is celebrating the holiday when a murder occurs. A graduate celebrating at a class reunion on board is murdered. There are several suspects and motives. I like the tour Trixie and her friends have in the UK is nice. I like this series.
September 18, 2025
Fun mystery series
I'm sorry to say that this last book is disappointing. There are plot holes, excessive accounts of food, and not enjoyable a read. I've understood Nettles comedic role in past books but she is an impossible distraction here (though she graced the trip to Loch Lomond). I'm looking forward for reading Book 13.
I'm sorry to say that this last book is disappointing. There are plot holes, excessive accounts of food, and not enjoyable a read. I've understood Nettles comedic role in past books but she is an impossible distraction here (though she graced the trip to Loch Lomond). I'm looking forward for reading Book 13.
September 28, 2025
This is the twelfth installment of the Cruising Through Midlife: Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries series. I always have so much fun reading these books from Addison Moore. So I not only get my suspense fix I get humor to go with it. The best of both worlds if you ask me. Highly recommend reading and look forward to the next book in the series.
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.
September 8, 2025
This author is great at inserting humor and a splash of the paranormal into everyday. I'm not sure I could live on a cruise ship.
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.
September 8, 2025
Cruel Christmas Cruise: Cruising Through Midlife Cruise Ship Cozy mystery book 12
Great series and and what cruise. Tricks sees 2 ghosta, a reunion of spoiled Academy graduates with all their same personality. Also a wonderful ending.
Great series and and what cruise. Tricks sees 2 ghosta, a reunion of spoiled Academy graduates with all their same personality. Also a wonderful ending.
September 12, 2025
I was so happy to see this book available. This is one of my series and this book did not disappoint. I loved the story, and the characters were a welcome addition to the book. Already ordered the next book. Recommend reading.
December 10, 2025
DNF I was getting bored and frustrated with it by page 79. Then came the chocolate catastrophe at the Christmas Market-and I was done with it. The scene made no sense at all. With the amount of eating these 3 do, they should be 300 lbs
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved this story. It was very entertaining, and I enjoyed it so much. I couldn't pit it down. Totally worth the read.
September 5, 2025
Christmas aboard the Emerald Queen is full of good fun, family & friends, crazy laugh out loud hijinks to tickle your funny bone, ghosts & need I say…murder! Another wonderful novel where Trixie & her friends end up investigating a murder on the high seas. Can they catch the killer before it it’s too late or will Christmas be ruined for everyone?.
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.
September 23, 2025
Great job
Wonderful story line with an amazing cast of characters that keep you laughing all the way through Christmas a. Great time by all
Wonderful story line with an amazing cast of characters that keep you laughing all the way through Christmas a. Great time by all
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews