Betrayed on the Promenade: A Kennedy Reeves Mystery

by M.J. Mac

On this cruise, the only thing fiercer than the fight for a title and crown… is the thirst for revenge. Because behind every flawless face lies a motive for murder.

Cruise Director Kennedy Reeves thought she was ready for the chaos of hosting the Ms. Casual Living Pageant aboard the Helio. But behind the polished nails, poised poses, and platform heels, deadly secrets lurk among the sequins and sashes.

When game show host and pageant emcee Wink Watkins—armed with a million-watt smile and a talent for blackmail, bribery, and betrayal—is found unconscious, seconds from death, it’s up to Kennedy to figure out who wanted Wink in the drink.

The cutthroat competitor, willing to win at any cost? The sweetheart with a secret, blackmailed over something she thought was buried? Kennedy’s brother’s new flame—the one with a rap sheet and a reason? Or someone hiding in plain sight… someone Wink silenced for good—the beauty queen he tossed into the ocean. He left her for dead… right ?

But then who sent Wink the note—We should reminisce about what you threw in the abyss.

Kennedy’s about to learn that on this cruise… betrayal comes with a body count .

445 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Czashka Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayed on the Promenade
Move over Miss Congeniality—make way for Dolly with a walker!

This witty mystery puts Kennedy Reeves on a cruise ship buzzing with beauty pageant drama, hidden motives, and plenty of laughs. From its riveting opening line—“You have outlived your usefulness”—the story blends cozy sleuthing, sharp humor, and a touch of danger.

The standout is Dolly Rossi, a four-foot-eight firecracker who steals every scene with her sass and unforgettable one-liners. With Dolly’s fearless antics, the strong ensemble of characters, and the well-paced twists, this is both a feel-good and page-turning mystery.

I already miss Kennedy - and especially Dolly.


Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of colorful characters swoop in and out of this fast-paced story about a beauty pageant murder on a Caribbean cruise. Jealousy, revenge, pettiness, and friendship weave in and out keeping the reader guessing. It may be a bit hard to keep all the different players straight, but it’s worth the extra effort. MJ Mac comes through again with a great cozy mystery.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Kennedy Reeves series. Like the others it’s a fun enjoyable read! A number of characters from previous books appear, which I always enjoy.

[Lynda Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Stay invisible, until it’s time…”
A beauty pageant pushed overboard by an unseen assailant and a witness with cataracts who claims to have seen someone lurking in the shadows are fodder for the dramatic opening scene in Betrayed on the Promenade. By page five we’re not only rooting for the woman adrift in the ocean to overcome unbelievable odds, we’re dying to know “who dunnit.” Kennedy Reeves fans won’t be disappointed with the sixth installment in this cozy mystery series. A quirky cast of characters, some old favourites and some new. A long list of suspects, detours and innuendo. MJ Mac clearly did her research, revealing all the inner workings of beauty pageants. Betrayed on the Promenade wins for the most over-the-top escapades and mysterious hooded or obscured figures in the series yet—and that’s saying a lot! It’s fast-paced, piques your curiosity, and keeps you wondering who did what to whom; when, where, and how until the last thirty pages of satisfying wrap-ups and forced confessions. Just in case you’re wondering, MJ Mac leaves no doubt there is a seventh title on the way— “something different was definitely barreling down the gangway in January…”

[Voracious Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The gut punch opening to this book is viscerally and visually compelling. From there the story takes you back into the the lives of now familiar characters who are well along their story arcs. The beauty of book series is being able to spend time with favorite characters; watching them, and the author, grow over time and we've certainly seen that in this series. This story also explores the themes of the invisibility of certain types of women and our tendency to make assumptions about character attributes based on physical presentation. The story telling loses its initial pace when it gets bogged down with multiple possible suspects and their links to the ultimate murder weapon, which is why I gave this book a 3 rather than a 4. However, the will she/won't she ending ensures we'll be looking out for the next installment to find out what happens next with our favorite cruising team.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are cruel, MJ Mac!!!

There were so many twists and turns and hidden clu es for poor Kennedy to work through in this one book, my brain was fried by the end! And on top of the two or maybe three or four? separate crimes happening in these pages, there's more than the usual family drama going on with Godzilla, her not so affectionate mother. But through it all, Kennedy keeps her smile and performs her duties as Cruise Director, while helping solve the myriad of bizarre criminal goings on happening around her.

And then the all the surprises thrown at Kennedy in the final few pages of the book! And the teases thrown at us, the readers! I hate it when people doing reviews about one book say "I can't wait for the next one." BUT it is true in this case. I will try not to show up and follow you on your beach walks to pump you for bits of the story, but no promises!!

[Jane C Garmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the book! It was a great read like all the other Kennedy Reeves Mysteries. Love the way all the characters find their connections. Always thought beauty pageants were something else and this proves it. Add Dolly from Harmony Lakes as a contestant John from Club Diva as her coach. Rudy from the spa trying to coach the out of her element Avery along with the serious beautys and of course the crazies you've got a very funny who done it mystery. Like most of MJ's mysteries the victim really does deserve what happens to him or her. Sorry but at times you really don't want them to get caught.
In this case a mother thought she was teaching a lesson, a victim was out for revenge and no one won.
Will love win? Now Kennedy must decide her next path. Get out the clip board and start the list.
One thing for sure we really don't want it to be the end of her journey!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.J. Mac had a gift for weaving in multiple stories and in the end, they all converge. Her development of the characters continues to grow and strengthen. They become more complex.

I have to admit, and I'm doing my best not to give away any spoilers, that I was not prepared for the direction that this story took at the end. And knowing that the next book is the last in the Reeves line is very sad. I am already mourning the loss of these characters.

So if you've not read this series, I strongly encourage you to start with the first book as they all weave together as the characters develop. They are really good Who dunnits.

[Martha Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I hate it when I finish one of the Kennedy books because now I have to wait for another year to find out what happens. She always leaves me hanging!!! A little trouble in the beginning keeping all the contestants and coaches straight but talk about action. I thought I had it figured out but in the end I was only half right. And as always plenty of laughs and love her neck names. Thanks for making me laugh!!! Keep writing my friend 😍

[Christine Nowak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery Novels

I really enjoyed reading this series of novels. Quick paced, quick wit and charm all rolled into one mystery after another. M J Mac reels you in and keeps your attention until the end. Can't wait to see what's next.

[Betsy Krieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of her series that I read. I enjoyed all of the detail that she included in this book.
It was a well written book. Anything to do with a cruise ship and a murder I will read.

[Janeen Pasquill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the series of books.