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La croisière
A glamorous ship. A mysterious cast of passengers. And a New Year’s Eve party that goes horribly wrong…
During a New Year’s Eve party on a large cruise ship in the Caribbean, the ship’s dancer, Lola, disappears. The ship is searched and the coastguard is called, but there is no sign of her, either dead or alive.
Lola was popular on the ship but secretive about her background, and as the mystery around her deepens, each passenger becomes a suspect. Who was she arguing with the night she vanished? Why did she come aboard the cruise in the first place? What was she running from?
Find out in the twisty new thriller from the queen of glamorous crime, Catherine Cooper.
During a New Year’s Eve party on a large cruise ship in the Caribbean, the ship’s dancer, Lola, disappears. The ship is searched and the coastguard is called, but there is no sign of her, either dead or alive.
Lola was popular on the ship but secretive about her background, and as the mystery around her deepens, each passenger becomes a suspect. Who was she arguing with the night she vanished? Why did she come aboard the cruise in the first place? What was she running from?
Find out in the twisty new thriller from the queen of glamorous crime, Catherine Cooper.
432 pages
First published October 30, 2022
145 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cooper
9 books268 followersI am a freelance journalist living in the South of France with my husband and two teenage children. We moved from London in 2009 so that the children could grow up bilingual and we could all ski more, and to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
I learned to ski on a school trip when I was 14 and have loved it ever since.
I'm an avid thriller reader and have been since I discovered Agatha Christie as a child.
The Chalet is my first published full-length novel, though I have also written several (unpublished) thrillers for teens and a (what used to be called) chick lit novel set in TV production.
Other than skiing and reading I love travel, theme parks (the pic on this page was taken on a rollercoaster in Spain) and I spend far too much time on social media. Some of my other favourite things include Alan Partridge, sparkly flip flops and salt and vinegar crisps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
April 30, 2023
3.5 STARS
Mixed feelings on my first novel by Catherine Cooper!
"Call the captain! We need to stop the ship!"
Ludicrous AND Entertaining = A fun, but OTT popcorn thriller
Loved the cruise ship setting, but nearly half of the novel takes place during another timeline (which was a bit choppy going back and forth).
I was able to predict many of the OTT twists! As out there as they were! I knew it, haha....
I listened on Audible and it was a fun narration overall. The last third really ramped up the pace and couldn't wait to see how everything settled. I do plan to read The Chalet by this author (which I own).
8 hrs/19 minutes with 5 narrators
Mixed feelings on my first novel by Catherine Cooper!
"Call the captain! We need to stop the ship!"
Ludicrous AND Entertaining = A fun, but OTT popcorn thriller
Loved the cruise ship setting, but nearly half of the novel takes place during another timeline (which was a bit choppy going back and forth).
I was able to predict many of the OTT twists! As out there as they were! I knew it, haha....
I listened on Audible and it was a fun narration overall. The last third really ramped up the pace and couldn't wait to see how everything settled. I do plan to read The Chalet by this author (which I own).
8 hrs/19 minutes with 5 narrators
February 1, 2023
Lola and Antonio are dancers on a fancy cruise ship. Lola mysteriously falls to her death into the ocean. Or does she? An investigation is conducted and other cruise members begin dying. This story goes between past and present. It was a great read and had a surprising ending. I can’t wait to read her other books!
April 24, 2024
Catherine Cooper brengt met De cruise haar eerste vertaalde werk uit in Nederland en België. Ze schreef eerder al enkele andere spannende boeken. Later dit jaar verschijnt ook Het resort in het Nederlands. Wat een doodnormale werkdag op een cruiseschip zou moeten worden voor danseres Lola, draait op helemaal iets anders uit. De jonge vrouw verdwijnt spoorloos en het is voor niemand duidelijk wat er voorgevallen is. Er zijn echter genoeg passagiers aan boord die iets te verbergen hebben. Een van hen kan wel eens een moordenaar zijn. Of een volgend slachtoffer.
De cruise bevat twee grote verhaallijnen die aanvankelijk niets met elkaar te maken hebben. Enerzijds is er de vermiste danseres Lola, anderzijds hebben we de 15-jarige Laura die een geïsoleerd leven leidt met haar vader. De proloog vertelt hoe een man geëlektrocuteerd wordt op een schip. De toon is daarmee zeker gezet en het blijft voor de lezer gissen wat dit korte fragment te maken heeft met de rest van het verhaal. Helemaal op het einde wordt dit feit weer opgepikt en kan de lezer alles met elkaar verbinden. Het boek begint met de verdwijning van Lola en de chaos die er heerst als dit ontdekt wordt. Verschillende personages met wie Lola contact had, uiten hun ongeloof maar de lezer merkt al snel dat sommigen toch een en ander te verbergen hebben. Wat hun geheim is wordt pas diep in de finale duidelijk. De spanning wordt hierdoor wel opgebouwd en de lezer blijft zelf puzzelen naar mogelijke motieven.
Deze hoofdstukken worden beschreven vanuit verschillende personages en hun kijk op de zaak. Daarnaast zijn er stukken die een hele tijd terug in de tijd gaan en waar de lezer kennismaakt met Laura. Zij is een tiener die nooit de deur uit gaat en nog nooit gehoord heeft van moderne technologieën zoals internet en telefonie. Dit heeft alles te maken met haar vader die haar verborgen houdt voor de buitenwereld omdat hij overal potentieel gevaar ziet. Tot de dag dat Laura kennismaakt met Fred en een en ander uit de hand loopt. Dit deel van het verhaal wordt puur en alleen bekeken vanuit Laura’s standpunt. Dit zorgt ervoor dat de lezer met haar begaan is en hoopt dat er een oplossing komt voor het onfortuinlijke meisje.
Hoewel de korte inhoud laat uitschijnen dat er een heleboel personages in dit boek zullen meespelen, is het toch eerder een select gezelschap dat telkens genoemd wordt en dat aanwezig is op de cruise. Toch belet dit niet dat het boek spannend is opgebouwd en dat er op los gegist kan worden naar hoe alles in elkaar steekt. Het verhaal leest op de koop toe bijzonder vlot door de korte hoofdstukken en laat de lezer lekker wegdromen van het leven op een cruiseschip.
Catherine Cooper zorgt met De cruise voor een spannend verhaal dat ideaal is om te lezen op een zonnige vakantiebestemming. De lezer zal absoluut niet teleurgesteld worden in dit boek vol plottwisten.
Deze recensie verscheen eerder op vrouwenthrillers.nl. Ik bedank ook graag uitgeverij Boekerij voor het recensie exemplaar.
De cruise bevat twee grote verhaallijnen die aanvankelijk niets met elkaar te maken hebben. Enerzijds is er de vermiste danseres Lola, anderzijds hebben we de 15-jarige Laura die een geïsoleerd leven leidt met haar vader. De proloog vertelt hoe een man geëlektrocuteerd wordt op een schip. De toon is daarmee zeker gezet en het blijft voor de lezer gissen wat dit korte fragment te maken heeft met de rest van het verhaal. Helemaal op het einde wordt dit feit weer opgepikt en kan de lezer alles met elkaar verbinden. Het boek begint met de verdwijning van Lola en de chaos die er heerst als dit ontdekt wordt. Verschillende personages met wie Lola contact had, uiten hun ongeloof maar de lezer merkt al snel dat sommigen toch een en ander te verbergen hebben. Wat hun geheim is wordt pas diep in de finale duidelijk. De spanning wordt hierdoor wel opgebouwd en de lezer blijft zelf puzzelen naar mogelijke motieven.
Deze hoofdstukken worden beschreven vanuit verschillende personages en hun kijk op de zaak. Daarnaast zijn er stukken die een hele tijd terug in de tijd gaan en waar de lezer kennismaakt met Laura. Zij is een tiener die nooit de deur uit gaat en nog nooit gehoord heeft van moderne technologieën zoals internet en telefonie. Dit heeft alles te maken met haar vader die haar verborgen houdt voor de buitenwereld omdat hij overal potentieel gevaar ziet. Tot de dag dat Laura kennismaakt met Fred en een en ander uit de hand loopt. Dit deel van het verhaal wordt puur en alleen bekeken vanuit Laura’s standpunt. Dit zorgt ervoor dat de lezer met haar begaan is en hoopt dat er een oplossing komt voor het onfortuinlijke meisje.
Hoewel de korte inhoud laat uitschijnen dat er een heleboel personages in dit boek zullen meespelen, is het toch eerder een select gezelschap dat telkens genoemd wordt en dat aanwezig is op de cruise. Toch belet dit niet dat het boek spannend is opgebouwd en dat er op los gegist kan worden naar hoe alles in elkaar steekt. Het verhaal leest op de koop toe bijzonder vlot door de korte hoofdstukken en laat de lezer lekker wegdromen van het leven op een cruiseschip.
Catherine Cooper zorgt met De cruise voor een spannend verhaal dat ideaal is om te lezen op een zonnige vakantiebestemming. De lezer zal absoluut niet teleurgesteld worden in dit boek vol plottwisten.
Deze recensie verscheen eerder op vrouwenthrillers.nl. Ik bedank ook graag uitgeverij Boekerij voor het recensie exemplaar.
December 18, 2022
Having really liked Cooper's debut the Chalet, I had high hopes of enjoying this one too.
Especially as her previous novel really sold the setting of the French Alpes really well.
This novel to its credit really did start strongly, the details of the luxury cruise liner and immediate murder really drew me in.
The whole Caribbean location felt wonderful.
Now I know most modern psychological thrillers have dual timelines, but it still seems jarring when the narrative switches to the Scottish Highlands.
I also found it disappointing when the ship was then put out of service, though admittedly with a skeleton crew.
As I said, i'd picked this up due to enjoying this authors previous work and the fact that I was expecting the ship to be well cruising...
Especially as her previous novel really sold the setting of the French Alpes really well.
This novel to its credit really did start strongly, the details of the luxury cruise liner and immediate murder really drew me in.
The whole Caribbean location felt wonderful.
Now I know most modern psychological thrillers have dual timelines, but it still seems jarring when the narrative switches to the Scottish Highlands.
I also found it disappointing when the ship was then put out of service, though admittedly with a skeleton crew.
As I said, i'd picked this up due to enjoying this authors previous work and the fact that I was expecting the ship to be well cruising...
December 30, 2022
In December's frigid temps, what could be more enticing than "The Cruise" ?????
Yes, "The Cruise" was the next best thing to being there.
"The Cruise" is a pacy page-turner about a glamorous ship, deeply flawed characters, and missing passengers.
Although the book boasted eye-rolling moments, overall, it was an intriguing and entertaining read.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook and all four narrators did an over-the-top job with the narration.
This is my first Catherine Cooper book and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
Yes, "The Cruise" was the next best thing to being there.
"The Cruise" is a pacy page-turner about a glamorous ship, deeply flawed characters, and missing passengers.
Although the book boasted eye-rolling moments, overall, it was an intriguing and entertaining read.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook and all four narrators did an over-the-top job with the narration.
This is my first Catherine Cooper book and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
October 20, 2023
As I am currently on a cruise and saw this one in the take a book/leave a book library I instantly knew I had to read it (‘despite my already large tbr pile with me). It is a fun story that was a quick and easy read. I felt like a few bits were over dramatic and almost cheesy, and I didn’t love the combination of the timelines. I thought it gave away all the twists too soon. I didn’t really care for any of the characters in the book because most of them weren’t developed enough. I did enjoy the descriptions of the over the top ship (i most definitely am not in a two story suite I promise. This was my first book by the author and while I didn’t find it as thrilling as advertised I was entertained and would read another by her.
November 12, 2022
This is the second novel I read by this author and after having been impressed with her debut novel The Chalet I couldn’t resist this new mystery set in another secluded location. I’ve not been on a cruise ship yet but the author seemed to know the ins and outs of life on a cruise ship so well and described it so vividly that I almost feel as if I’ve been on one after reading this novel.
The Cruise didn’t let me down, just like last time I was completely engrossed in the chapters set in the past, while the present was puzzling and addictive.
There’s the story of a 15 year old girl named Laura raised by her father. She’s not held captive literally but she has no contact at all with the outside world. This already heartwrenching background of this teenage girl pulled on my heartstrings even more when the consequences of such a life manifest themselves.
Then on New Year’s Eve on the ship there’s one of the staff members missing but reported seen falling overboard, and when the ship is docked for two months before going on their next tour in the Carribean with only a skeleton crew aboard, there’s a murder. The ship’s doctor Stuart, chef Alice and one of the cleaners slash the other part of the trapeze dancer duo, Antonio provide the necessary intrigue in alternating chapters and it seems they all have some secrets they keep close to their hearts. There’s plenty of mystery and secrets which are ultimately unearthed in the last part of the novel so that kept me well on my toes.
The two plotlines were so far removed from each other but it is exactly that contrast that I love, especially when the pieces start to fall into place. There is a connection between the stories and I really enjoyed getting so much background into one of the characters. It wasn’t the biggest surprise though, the biggest twists were ones that made my loyalties change quite a bit in the end and the fact that an author can change my feelings towards characters is another thing that scores high on my reader satisfaction list :-). I can’t say more but there’s quite a few things happening in the last part and someone is being quite devious!
Overall a very enjoyable murder mystery that kept me well entertained and definitely ticked my boxes. If you enjoyed her previous novels you’re guaranteed to enjoy this one too.
The Cruise didn’t let me down, just like last time I was completely engrossed in the chapters set in the past, while the present was puzzling and addictive.
There’s the story of a 15 year old girl named Laura raised by her father. She’s not held captive literally but she has no contact at all with the outside world. This already heartwrenching background of this teenage girl pulled on my heartstrings even more when the consequences of such a life manifest themselves.
Then on New Year’s Eve on the ship there’s one of the staff members missing but reported seen falling overboard, and when the ship is docked for two months before going on their next tour in the Carribean with only a skeleton crew aboard, there’s a murder. The ship’s doctor Stuart, chef Alice and one of the cleaners slash the other part of the trapeze dancer duo, Antonio provide the necessary intrigue in alternating chapters and it seems they all have some secrets they keep close to their hearts. There’s plenty of mystery and secrets which are ultimately unearthed in the last part of the novel so that kept me well on my toes.
The two plotlines were so far removed from each other but it is exactly that contrast that I love, especially when the pieces start to fall into place. There is a connection between the stories and I really enjoyed getting so much background into one of the characters. It wasn’t the biggest surprise though, the biggest twists were ones that made my loyalties change quite a bit in the end and the fact that an author can change my feelings towards characters is another thing that scores high on my reader satisfaction list :-). I can’t say more but there’s quite a few things happening in the last part and someone is being quite devious!
Overall a very enjoyable murder mystery that kept me well entertained and definitely ticked my boxes. If you enjoyed her previous novels you’re guaranteed to enjoy this one too.
February 17, 2023
3.5 / 5
This was ok, like a good old reliable story plot with the sudden twist at the end which I suspected. At the start it’s introducing several characters working on a cruise ships, each and everyone has references to something from their past years that they are running away from. Pan around 100 pages, you’re thrown into a completely random story line which for another 100 pages has absolutely no relevance to the cruise ships and the characters introduced.
200 pages I was so confused on what the hell was going on. The story plot starts to touch about heavy predatory behaviour which I was not expecting and then you’re launched into the cruise ships story line. It was not until 275 pages where it started to click and began becoming increasingly obvious on how the plot would end.
Personally this book could have been cut down 100 pages if they didn’t have the random filler story lines with unnecessary dialogue. It felt pointless to introduce a lot of characters which in the end some only had like 3 pages of detail on what happened in their past, some didn’t even get any description on what they were hiding even though it was alluded throughout the book. It was just unnecessary characters for the sake of lengthening the plot. Just felt like this book took ages to get to the point. It’s not about 300 pages where things turn up 100 times and it gets interesting. I liked the ending, even though I expected it. But it isn’t the best book. 3.5 is generous, but I am definitely in a generous mood.
This was ok, like a good old reliable story plot with the sudden twist at the end which I suspected. At the start it’s introducing several characters working on a cruise ships, each and everyone has references to something from their past years that they are running away from. Pan around 100 pages, you’re thrown into a completely random story line which for another 100 pages has absolutely no relevance to the cruise ships and the characters introduced.
200 pages I was so confused on what the hell was going on. The story plot starts to touch about heavy predatory behaviour which I was not expecting and then you’re launched into the cruise ships story line. It was not until 275 pages where it started to click and began becoming increasingly obvious on how the plot would end.
Personally this book could have been cut down 100 pages if they didn’t have the random filler story lines with unnecessary dialogue. It felt pointless to introduce a lot of characters which in the end some only had like 3 pages of detail on what happened in their past, some didn’t even get any description on what they were hiding even though it was alluded throughout the book. It was just unnecessary characters for the sake of lengthening the plot. Just felt like this book took ages to get to the point. It’s not about 300 pages where things turn up 100 times and it gets interesting. I liked the ending, even though I expected it. But it isn’t the best book. 3.5 is generous, but I am definitely in a generous mood.
November 4, 2022
It’s New Year’s Eve and the Immanis, a very large cruise ship (five times the size of the Titanic) is sailing in the Caribbean. When a passenger sees a person fall past a windows from the upper deck onto the sea the alarm is raised and they discover that a member of staff, Lola, is missing.
After this tragic event the ship is laid up (out of service) for two months, with just a skeleton staff. The staff are doing their best to move on - but when other deaths begin to occur they start to wonder more about Lola. Was she murdered? And why?
This was my first Catherine Cooper book (I have her previous two sitting on my shelves) and I was truly impressed. Her writing is seamless and the plot really had me gripped. I read a lot of psychological thrillers so have pretty much seen (read?) it all, but this one felt unique. There’s a sub plot going on which I absolutely loved. It felt totally different to the main plot and for the life of me I couldn’t see how it was going to come together, but it did so magnificently. I also loved hearing about life on board a cruise ship, a topic i don’t know that much about as I’ve never really fancied that kind of holiday. Even less so now!
Exceptionally well plotted, captivating and very clever, The Cruise is a trip you won’t forget in a hurry.
After this tragic event the ship is laid up (out of service) for two months, with just a skeleton staff. The staff are doing their best to move on - but when other deaths begin to occur they start to wonder more about Lola. Was she murdered? And why?
This was my first Catherine Cooper book (I have her previous two sitting on my shelves) and I was truly impressed. Her writing is seamless and the plot really had me gripped. I read a lot of psychological thrillers so have pretty much seen (read?) it all, but this one felt unique. There’s a sub plot going on which I absolutely loved. It felt totally different to the main plot and for the life of me I couldn’t see how it was going to come together, but it did so magnificently. I also loved hearing about life on board a cruise ship, a topic i don’t know that much about as I’ve never really fancied that kind of holiday. Even less so now!
Exceptionally well plotted, captivating and very clever, The Cruise is a trip you won’t forget in a hurry.
October 27, 2022
Another great read from Catherine Cooper.
This is a bit of a tricky one to review as there’s a backstory but you don’t realise who this person is until later on in the book.
We get to know Alice who works on the cruise ship and runs the restaurant and a few other characters also have their own chapters.
There’s a possible death on the ship, a definite death and a missing person to get to grips with and like I said a revelation later in the book.
Apologies for not going into too much detail but I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.
This is a great thriller.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a bit of a tricky one to review as there’s a backstory but you don’t realise who this person is until later on in the book.
We get to know Alice who works on the cruise ship and runs the restaurant and a few other characters also have their own chapters.
There’s a possible death on the ship, a definite death and a missing person to get to grips with and like I said a revelation later in the book.
Apologies for not going into too much detail but I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.
This is a great thriller.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 24, 2022
Probably a controversial and/or unpopular opinion, but I didn’t particularly enjoy this thriller.
I understand why the subplot was introduced and the ending tied everything together with an odd, lopsided and strange bow, but the book just wasn’t for me.
The pacing with the added subplot/back-in-time plot sort of felt totally plugged in and I just didn’t like it. Again, I understood why it was done, I just didn’t like that approach. Also the past plot didn’t feel like a part of a thriller book, as it was advertised.
Again, wonderful and engaging writing, the author is clearly very well at what she does, but the book simply wasn’t for me.
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
I understand why the subplot was introduced and the ending tied everything together with an odd, lopsided and strange bow, but the book just wasn’t for me.
The pacing with the added subplot/back-in-time plot sort of felt totally plugged in and I just didn’t like it. Again, I understood why it was done, I just didn’t like that approach. Also the past plot didn’t feel like a part of a thriller book, as it was advertised.
Again, wonderful and engaging writing, the author is clearly very well at what she does, but the book simply wasn’t for me.
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
June 6, 2023
Sorry to write this but this book was dreadful. I read it on my Kindle and, well into it, I began to think that it must have downloaded incorrectly as Laura's backstory completely took over. I really did think I was reading two separate books at one point. It's called The Cruise but I've no idea why.
August 14, 2023
The glamorous ship Immanis and a New Year's Eve party that ends with the ship's dancer Lola disappearing. The coast guard is called and the ship is searched but there is no sign of her.
There is a sub plot which I loved and I couldn't work out how it would all come together at the end, but it did wonderfully.
As I haven't been on a cruise I loved the setting and the Caribbean location for this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is a sub plot which I loved and I couldn't work out how it would all come together at the end, but it did wonderfully.
As I haven't been on a cruise I loved the setting and the Caribbean location for this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2022
What could possibly go wrong on a Cruise? A lot.
This story involves chapters from different peoples point of views. However it is back and forth and usually a novel is consistent in one way or another when it comes to multiple POVs and going back in time. However it was very inconsistent in this matter which started putting me off this one as consistency is a big thing to stay on top of.
In terms of the plot, I really did enjoy the plot with the idea that someone has gone overboard and is assumed dead. Soon, the ship is on a layover in the Caribbean and there is only essentials/useful staff allowed. Then another death occurs and one of the characters POV was very dodgy and poorly written in how their thought process is portrayed.
Alongside this, there is a backstory of a missing person. You begin to wonder how the two things are connected. It feels as if it takes forever to move along with this story until it eventually did.
Overall it did feel like two different novels mushed together however it didn’t suit. There are ways to mash two story lines together however these two where very out of it.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review: https://clife.blog/book-review-the-cr...
This story involves chapters from different peoples point of views. However it is back and forth and usually a novel is consistent in one way or another when it comes to multiple POVs and going back in time. However it was very inconsistent in this matter which started putting me off this one as consistency is a big thing to stay on top of.
In terms of the plot, I really did enjoy the plot with the idea that someone has gone overboard and is assumed dead. Soon, the ship is on a layover in the Caribbean and there is only essentials/useful staff allowed. Then another death occurs and one of the characters POV was very dodgy and poorly written in how their thought process is portrayed.
Alongside this, there is a backstory of a missing person. You begin to wonder how the two things are connected. It feels as if it takes forever to move along with this story until it eventually did.
Overall it did feel like two different novels mushed together however it didn’t suit. There are ways to mash two story lines together however these two where very out of it.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review: https://clife.blog/book-review-the-cr...
September 16, 2022
I have really enjoyed the previous 2 books from this author and, being a lover of cruises, I was quick to request this when I saw it on Netgalley.
This was another solid mystery, there were plenty of twists along the way, some I had worked out and others I definitely hadn't. I dont want to give too much away but this was another book that I struggled to put down, lots of back story set from years ago that adds to the mystery, I was certainly intrigued as to the connection from past/present.
My only quibble is the lack of activity on the actual ship/cruise. Most of the part that does occur on board is when the ship is docked with a reduced staffing to clean the ship prior to the next wave (get it?!) of passengers. So I did feel slightly like I'd missed out and found the title misleading, however it didn't detract from a good story.
My many thanks to HarperCollins UK via Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.
This was another solid mystery, there were plenty of twists along the way, some I had worked out and others I definitely hadn't. I dont want to give too much away but this was another book that I struggled to put down, lots of back story set from years ago that adds to the mystery, I was certainly intrigued as to the connection from past/present.
My only quibble is the lack of activity on the actual ship/cruise. Most of the part that does occur on board is when the ship is docked with a reduced staffing to clean the ship prior to the next wave (get it?!) of passengers. So I did feel slightly like I'd missed out and found the title misleading, however it didn't detract from a good story.
My many thanks to HarperCollins UK via Netgalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy which I have reviewed honestly.
June 5, 2023
Thrilling
August 11, 2025
un polar sans prétention, qui fait l'affaire pour passer le temps, avec quelques bons retournements de situation
November 15, 2022
Another spectacular mystery that both surprises and dazzles!
I’ve said this every time I’ve read one of Catherine Cooper’s novels, but yet again she proves that she is one of the 21st Century’s answers to Agatha Christie! The Cruise is a wonderfully plotted and beautifully executed mystery that is so stunningly plausible, so therefore has all the hallmarks of a classic Christie endeavour. I was immediately drawn into the narrative and found myself hooked to discovering the truth. As with all good mysteries, I was eagerly detecting away myself, trying to piece together the various strands and work out what was occurring. I managed to work out snippets of the truth, but Cooper is such an accomplished writer that I couldn’t see the full picture until I reached the point she wanted me to!
There’s something timeless, effortless and massively fun about Cooper’s writing and I swapped between reading the book and listening to the audio for this one. The audiobook has multiple cast members, which lends itself incredibly well to the format and helps it feel more like an old fashioned radio play. The narrator reading Antonio is especially expressive and really conveys both the desperation and anxiety wrapped up in that character. All of the cast are really good though and imbue each of the different characters with a distinct and clear voice. As the book moves through different timeframes and is told from various perspectives, this really made the audiobook stand out and it is definitely one of my favourite ones I’ve listened to. The cast of characters are fantastically drawn and as with her previous novels, Cooper treats her readers to a host of unlikeable, damaged, toxic and distinctly human individuals. I loved how everybody had a secret, everybody had a past and I relished trying to work out how they all slotted together. Needless to say, I didn’t guess exactly how these characters were linked, but when that final reveal came it all made perfect sense!
Another aspect of Cooper’s writing that I always admire, is how presciently thematic they are. The Cruise explores so many different angles that all lead to the final conclusion, giving readers a rich literary experience that is equally enjoyable and thought-provoking. This novel looks at the lasting impact of family trauma, the inability to let go of the past (even if you know the events of it were immoral and wrong), escapism and running away from problems, guilt, manipulation and revenge. There are so many different ways I thought this novel might go, but part of Cooper’s appeal to me, is the way she can play a reader like a marionette! There’s some excellent twists and reveals throughout the novel, which is perfectly plotted to be spread over a number of different parts that take the story in different directions to come to the truth. If you enjoy a modern mystery that incorporates all of the best elements of golden age crime fiction, The Cruise should sail right to the top of your TBR immediately!
I’ve said this every time I’ve read one of Catherine Cooper’s novels, but yet again she proves that she is one of the 21st Century’s answers to Agatha Christie! The Cruise is a wonderfully plotted and beautifully executed mystery that is so stunningly plausible, so therefore has all the hallmarks of a classic Christie endeavour. I was immediately drawn into the narrative and found myself hooked to discovering the truth. As with all good mysteries, I was eagerly detecting away myself, trying to piece together the various strands and work out what was occurring. I managed to work out snippets of the truth, but Cooper is such an accomplished writer that I couldn’t see the full picture until I reached the point she wanted me to!
There’s something timeless, effortless and massively fun about Cooper’s writing and I swapped between reading the book and listening to the audio for this one. The audiobook has multiple cast members, which lends itself incredibly well to the format and helps it feel more like an old fashioned radio play. The narrator reading Antonio is especially expressive and really conveys both the desperation and anxiety wrapped up in that character. All of the cast are really good though and imbue each of the different characters with a distinct and clear voice. As the book moves through different timeframes and is told from various perspectives, this really made the audiobook stand out and it is definitely one of my favourite ones I’ve listened to. The cast of characters are fantastically drawn and as with her previous novels, Cooper treats her readers to a host of unlikeable, damaged, toxic and distinctly human individuals. I loved how everybody had a secret, everybody had a past and I relished trying to work out how they all slotted together. Needless to say, I didn’t guess exactly how these characters were linked, but when that final reveal came it all made perfect sense!
Another aspect of Cooper’s writing that I always admire, is how presciently thematic they are. The Cruise explores so many different angles that all lead to the final conclusion, giving readers a rich literary experience that is equally enjoyable and thought-provoking. This novel looks at the lasting impact of family trauma, the inability to let go of the past (even if you know the events of it were immoral and wrong), escapism and running away from problems, guilt, manipulation and revenge. There are so many different ways I thought this novel might go, but part of Cooper’s appeal to me, is the way she can play a reader like a marionette! There’s some excellent twists and reveals throughout the novel, which is perfectly plotted to be spread over a number of different parts that take the story in different directions to come to the truth. If you enjoy a modern mystery that incorporates all of the best elements of golden age crime fiction, The Cruise should sail right to the top of your TBR immediately!
December 27, 2022
Overview: I love a Catherine Cooper thriller! And I love them even more because all the covers match and so do the titles but they are standalone books. Genius. Anyway, it all starts off at new years and then people start disappearing. A perfect recipe for a gripping thriller. But what I like about these books are the unexpected twists and story lines. Suddenly, the reader is transported back in time and a whole new story line emerges which leaves you wondering what the hell it has to do with anything...just keep reading!
Good points: The setting for this book is perfect. It's supposed to be a glamorous and idyllic cruise...but nope! It almost makes me want to go on one...almost (my fear of water and boats basically means I never will!) The story and plot and twists are amazing and I will never not buy a new Catherine Cooper book because they look so pretty all together on my book shelves!
Not so good points: I was expecting it to be sort of a locked room thriller with all the guests trapped on the cruise ship, but it didn't turn out that way, which was slightly disappointing...but I'll get over it. None of the characters are particularly likeable but I've come to realise that that's normal in a CC book!
Good points: The setting for this book is perfect. It's supposed to be a glamorous and idyllic cruise...but nope! It almost makes me want to go on one...almost (my fear of water and boats basically means I never will!) The story and plot and twists are amazing and I will never not buy a new Catherine Cooper book because they look so pretty all together on my book shelves!
Not so good points: I was expecting it to be sort of a locked room thriller with all the guests trapped on the cruise ship, but it didn't turn out that way, which was slightly disappointing...but I'll get over it. None of the characters are particularly likeable but I've come to realise that that's normal in a CC book!
October 5, 2022
I don't read a lot of thrillers and murder mysteries, so it's always fun for me to pick up a total page turner with life and death stakes, and with growing curiosity about who committed various nefarious deeds and why. The Cruise delivers that page-turning suspense in spades, blending two timelines that eventually merge to unveil not just how people are dying, but why. The high-class cruise ship provides loads of glamour with its upscale restaurants and suites, but it also creates a sense of claustrophobia perfect for a murder mystery. No one can escape. Everyone's on edge. Gossip moves at lightning speed. And what did people *really* see the night a beautiful young dancer went missing? With a host of unreliable narrators and an unsettling backstory that makes even the closest alliances threaten to break, this is a great fit for murder mystery readers who enjoy luxe atmosphere and an eerie look into the psychology of what might turn someone into a killer.
August 16, 2022
New Year's Eve on an exclusive cruise ship what could possibly go wrong, well lots as it seems as a womans body is seen going overboard and Lola the dancer is nowhere to be seen.
Fast forward 2 weeks and a modest crew are on layover preparing for next trip. Still missing Lola, friends work through their grief, but the body count still rises.
Also a back story of a teenager growing up in Scotland with just her protective father. You may wonder how the story's link together but the conclusion gives all the answers you need.
I enjoyed the story and read it quite quickly, some likeable characters, if I'm honest I didn't like it as much as other Catherine Cooper books, but it won't stop me reading me from her
3.5 rounded down as I found it far fetched in some areas
Fast forward 2 weeks and a modest crew are on layover preparing for next trip. Still missing Lola, friends work through their grief, but the body count still rises.
Also a back story of a teenager growing up in Scotland with just her protective father. You may wonder how the story's link together but the conclusion gives all the answers you need.
I enjoyed the story and read it quite quickly, some likeable characters, if I'm honest I didn't like it as much as other Catherine Cooper books, but it won't stop me reading me from her
3.5 rounded down as I found it far fetched in some areas
July 25, 2023
Why go to the effort of calling a book The Cruise, marketing it as an on board thriller / whodunnit, putting a porthole on the cover etc only to take the reader to a random remote hospital in Scotland to tell most of the story ?
So misleading I felt tricked and angry, and even though I read some of it, it was dire.
How does such rubbish get published ?
DNF and do not recommend.
So misleading I felt tricked and angry, and even though I read some of it, it was dire.
How does such rubbish get published ?
DNF and do not recommend.
August 23, 2023
OK. A bit formulaic and rather predictable, but kept the interest to the end. 3/5 is about right
April 23, 2023
This was a fun read. Despite the plotting and pacing being a bit disconnected at times, the twists were phenomenal. A timely read considering I recently got off a cruise ship. This can be pitched as love boat with a pinch of murder.
October 9, 2022
Rating: 2.2/4
I thoroughly enjoyed Catherine Cooper's first two novels, "The Chalet" and "The Chateau", so I was looking forward to reading "The Cruise" too. Unfortunately, although it has some creditworthy aspects, it is not up to the standard of the author's previous books.
The premise is appealing and the novel starts promisingly with a neat, blindsiding opening section. The set-up is quite a traditional one for the genre, with multiple suspects having something to hide, who may have had good reason to do the deed. The early chapters are quite glossy, with the glamorous setting, etc., which is quite common for Catherine Cooper's mysteries. So far, so good and it was providing the engaging, fun read that I have come to expect from this author.
However, not too much further down the track I began to find the confessional insights becoming a touch too melodramatic and had my first doubts as to whether the writer would strike the right balance rather than simply start to annoy me. At around this point there is a shift in the narrative and we are introduced to a much darker thread. I was suitably intrigued at this stage and looking forward to seeing how Catherine Cooper would weave the starkly contrasting strands of the story together. It really did have a good deal of promise at this juncture.
Sadly, the rest of the novel didn't live up to its potential. The plot has plenty of twists, but they tend to be either blatantly obvious or else ludicrously contrived. I enjoy neatly plotted twists as much as anyone, but in "The Cruise" they are clumsy rather than clever. Of course, this is fiction and the reader needs to grant the writer some dramatic licence, but the author also needs to exercise this whilst remaining within acceptable parameters and without stretching credulity too far. Catherine Cooper was guilty of overstepping that mark on this occasion. This, combined with the fact that the characterisation was too often flat and disappointingly simplistic, meant that "The Cruise" fell short of the standard of the author's previous two novels.
"The Cruise" could have been very good, but there are just too many shortcomings that should have been picked up and reworked prior to publication. That said, I am sure I will be back for book four and hoping for a return to the form displayed in the first two books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed Catherine Cooper's first two novels, "The Chalet" and "The Chateau", so I was looking forward to reading "The Cruise" too. Unfortunately, although it has some creditworthy aspects, it is not up to the standard of the author's previous books.
The premise is appealing and the novel starts promisingly with a neat, blindsiding opening section. The set-up is quite a traditional one for the genre, with multiple suspects having something to hide, who may have had good reason to do the deed. The early chapters are quite glossy, with the glamorous setting, etc., which is quite common for Catherine Cooper's mysteries. So far, so good and it was providing the engaging, fun read that I have come to expect from this author.
However, not too much further down the track I began to find the confessional insights becoming a touch too melodramatic and had my first doubts as to whether the writer would strike the right balance rather than simply start to annoy me. At around this point there is a shift in the narrative and we are introduced to a much darker thread. I was suitably intrigued at this stage and looking forward to seeing how Catherine Cooper would weave the starkly contrasting strands of the story together. It really did have a good deal of promise at this juncture.
Sadly, the rest of the novel didn't live up to its potential. The plot has plenty of twists, but they tend to be either blatantly obvious or else ludicrously contrived. I enjoy neatly plotted twists as much as anyone, but in "The Cruise" they are clumsy rather than clever. Of course, this is fiction and the reader needs to grant the writer some dramatic licence, but the author also needs to exercise this whilst remaining within acceptable parameters and without stretching credulity too far. Catherine Cooper was guilty of overstepping that mark on this occasion. This, combined with the fact that the characterisation was too often flat and disappointingly simplistic, meant that "The Cruise" fell short of the standard of the author's previous two novels.
"The Cruise" could have been very good, but there are just too many shortcomings that should have been picked up and reworked prior to publication. That said, I am sure I will be back for book four and hoping for a return to the form displayed in the first two books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
link: Discover the locations in The Cruise
A novel to transport you right on board a cruise ship
There’s always something to love about a book set on a ship. A cruise ship no less. You’d hope for a nice time but there are some very dodgy people on this one so take care. I mean , when the dancer Lola goes missing, it doesn’t look good does it?
Just as you would hope from a thriller set at sea, this is full of ups and downs as the story bobs one way and then the next. The setting was the main pull for me of course as I just love exploring a new ship, getting comfy in my cabin and getting used to the entertainment and ways of shiplife. This was done really well and I almost felt seasick at some point due to the evocative writing. There’s quite a bit of the story not set on the ship and this helps to build up the lead up to the story. The character backgrounds are interesting I must say!
This novel starts out one way and then I really found that it went in ways I had not expected. That’s a good thing! So many twists and turns and a killer ending if you excuse the pun. When the crew start driopping like flies and not just the dancer, wait until you start to investigate. Who exactly is on this ship and why? It’s not the kind of cruise I would hope for in real life, but in a novel it’s a huge amount of fun.
Catherine Cooper writes some gripping plots and cool settings.I’ve been in a chateau and a chalet with this author and now a cruise. She would be great to go on holiday in real life as she would know all the dangers!
A huge amount of fun.
November 22, 2022
Where do I even begin with this book? I haven't read a book by Catherine before but I have them on my kindle and I am kicking myself that I haven't read them!! I doing a bit of hybrid reading with this book majority by audiobook and the last 10% by kindle as I was desperate to know the ending!
A MASSIVE shout out for the audiobook, what a production, I particularly loved the narrator for Antonio - he was fab!
I had no idea where this story was going to lead me! No idea! What a journey it was! Jeez! Mind Blown! I love the twists and turns, and I did guess who one character was but not the one you think.
I am not talking anything about the plot, go in blind! Otherwise, it will all be spoilt for you. I mean some of it was a sad tale to read about when we go back in time. The present-day was quite sad for a character and the rest was life on a cruise during a layup, which I found interesting.
I didn't expect that ending, and I LOVED it!! Despite loving it, it feels wrong to love it! So bloody wrong, but right at the same time LOL
I was hooked on the writing, the production, everything and I needed to know quickly everything that was happening and what the hell was happening. It was a riveting read! I couldn't wait to get back to the book when I wasn't reading! This is how my life spiralled out of control!! Did I say I loved it?
I have Catherine's previous books to read, and I can't wait....although not sure up a cold winters mountain will be the best place for that.... oh heck, throw caution to the wind ;)
A MASSIVE shout out for the audiobook, what a production, I particularly loved the narrator for Antonio - he was fab!
I had no idea where this story was going to lead me! No idea! What a journey it was! Jeez! Mind Blown! I love the twists and turns, and I did guess who one character was but not the one you think.
I am not talking anything about the plot, go in blind! Otherwise, it will all be spoilt for you. I mean some of it was a sad tale to read about when we go back in time. The present-day was quite sad for a character and the rest was life on a cruise during a layup, which I found interesting.
I didn't expect that ending, and I LOVED it!! Despite loving it, it feels wrong to love it! So bloody wrong, but right at the same time LOL
I was hooked on the writing, the production, everything and I needed to know quickly everything that was happening and what the hell was happening. It was a riveting read! I couldn't wait to get back to the book when I wasn't reading! This is how my life spiralled out of control!! Did I say I loved it?
I have Catherine's previous books to read, and I can't wait....although not sure up a cold winters mountain will be the best place for that.... oh heck, throw caution to the wind ;)
December 23, 2022
By pleasing coincidence and neat symmetry, my first ARC of 2022 (A Fatal Crossing) and this one, which will probably be my last, both happened to be thrillers set on cruise ships. Even aside from the setting, the two had a surprising amount in common - simplistic writing, far-fetched plot, and - but overall "The Cruise" was a much better book.
The pacing was decent, the few twists were quite clever (if sometimes predictable), and the cruise-ship setting was convincing (as some of you may know, I love a good maritime setting - but equally, a bad one will really p*** me off). The stories in both timelines were engaging, and although the characters were superficial, I still wanted to know what would happen to them at each cliff-hanger, and would have read this in one sitting if I'd had that luxury.
All in all, a good read for those times when you need or want something less taxing on the brain.
Rating rounded up from 3.5 stars.
I received an e-ARC from HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction via NetGalley, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing was decent, the few twists were quite clever (if sometimes predictable), and the cruise-ship setting was convincing (as some of you may know, I love a good maritime setting - but equally, a bad one will really p*** me off). The stories in both timelines were engaging, and although the characters were superficial, I still wanted to know what would happen to them at each cliff-hanger, and would have read this in one sitting if I'd had that luxury.
All in all, a good read for those times when you need or want something less taxing on the brain.
Rating rounded up from 3.5 stars.
I received an e-ARC from HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction via NetGalley, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2023
This book was thrilling and turned into a narrative I was not expecting at all.
The story begins with a dancer off a cruise named Lola going missing, there is speculation that she committed suicide by jumping overboard. The outcome was thrilling and highly unexpected. More crew members end up going missing and the way in which the crimes unfold will have you captivated. This book taps heavily into mental health, so bear this in mind if this is a trigger for you.
The narrative also focused on trauma and trauma bonds. The concept of Stockholm Syndrome rings heavily throughout the novel and makes it a fascinating yet conflicting read. Must also note - child abuse, promiscuity, and violence.
The plot flits between past and present and at first I did not understand how it all linked together. Once the truth is revealed and it all begins to come together it makes so much sense; it left me shook and made it impossible to put down.
Overall, I rated this book a 4/5 because I was captivated from start to finish. The motive behind the missing persons were not what I expected and I was shocked numerous times throughout the novel. This was brilliant and I would definitely recommend this to any thriller fan.
The story begins with a dancer off a cruise named Lola going missing, there is speculation that she committed suicide by jumping overboard. The outcome was thrilling and highly unexpected. More crew members end up going missing and the way in which the crimes unfold will have you captivated. This book taps heavily into mental health, so bear this in mind if this is a trigger for you.
The narrative also focused on trauma and trauma bonds. The concept of Stockholm Syndrome rings heavily throughout the novel and makes it a fascinating yet conflicting read. Must also note - child abuse, promiscuity, and violence.
The plot flits between past and present and at first I did not understand how it all linked together. Once the truth is revealed and it all begins to come together it makes so much sense; it left me shook and made it impossible to put down.
Overall, I rated this book a 4/5 because I was captivated from start to finish. The motive behind the missing persons were not what I expected and I was shocked numerous times throughout the novel. This was brilliant and I would definitely recommend this to any thriller fan.
May 6, 2023
Immanis is a luxury cruise ship that is currently on a lay-up, which is a crew only voyage. Some of the staff on board are dancers Lola and Antonio, Michelin-star chef Alice, engineer Rick, doctor Stuart and captain Leo. They are sailing in the Caribbean and someone sees a lady falling out a window. Dancer Lola is missing, and a search begins for her. During the search, Lola's secret past is discovered. Following her death, some other crew members start to go missing as well.
This was a wild and ridiculous ride that requires an extreme suspension of belief. I read this while on vacation on a cruise, which added to the fun and made it more atmospheric. It was fun to imagine the story happening on my cruise. There were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and the story was pretty fast paced. At first, the story began so suddenly that I had difficulty connecting and was confused. Some crew members were hysterical and just annoying. I didn't really care for any of the characters but I was still engaged through out the story. Overall, The Cruise was a fast paced and an average thriller - it didn't bring anything new to the table, but was fun to read while on a ship myself.
This was a wild and ridiculous ride that requires an extreme suspension of belief. I read this while on vacation on a cruise, which added to the fun and made it more atmospheric. It was fun to imagine the story happening on my cruise. There were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and the story was pretty fast paced. At first, the story began so suddenly that I had difficulty connecting and was confused. Some crew members were hysterical and just annoying. I didn't really care for any of the characters but I was still engaged through out the story. Overall, The Cruise was a fast paced and an average thriller - it didn't bring anything new to the table, but was fun to read while on a ship myself.
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