The Nile Cruise

by Caroline James

Sail down The Nile this summer on a voyage of discovery…and just a little bit of mystery!Pre-order the next unforgettable escape from the #1 bestseller – the perfect read for summer 2026!

Escape to the sun early and pre-order the next cruising adventure from Caroline James now, publishing in summer 2026!

Genres: Romance, Travel, Egypt, Adventure

357 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2026

About the author

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, and her eagerly anticipated follow-up novels, THE CRUISE CLUB, and THE ARCTIC CRUISE are out now. THE NILE CRUISE will be published in July.

ATTICUS ARNOTT’S GREAT ADVENTURE is described as “A heartwarming and uplifting read where the characters shine from the page.”

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in her cosy writing retreat, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her Westie, and refreshing swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a champion of lifelong creativity.


Books by Caroline James:

The Nile Cruise
The Arctic Cruise
Atticus Arnott's Great Adventure
The Cruise Club
The Cruise
The French Cookery School
The Spa Break
Boomerville at Ballymegille
The Best Boomerville Hotel
Hattie Goes to Hollywood
Jungle Rock
Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me
Coffee Tea the Chef & Me
Coffee Rea the Gypsy & Me

Contact Caroline:

website: www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk
Twitter: @carolinejames12
Facebook: Caroline James Author
Insta: Caroline JamesAuthor

Reviews for Caroline’s books:

"Caroline is a natural story-teller with a gift for humour in her writing." The Write Stuff, London Book Fair.

"A fabulous Story, it made me shriek with laughter and I loved every twist and turn." Valentina Harris, Author, Chef and International Cookery School Host.

"Caroline James has spun a tale that is enjoyable, funny, charming, believable and page-turning." Nigel May, TV Personality & Author

"A strong plot with likeable characters makes it a great read." Ebook of the week - The Sun:

"Caroline writes quite beautifully - great descriptions, vividly drawn characters, sparkling humour, a touch of real sadness - this book was the perfect escape."

"A thoroughly enjoyable read that takes you from the loneliness of single life in the wet UK through to the magic of the Caribbean. An indulgent feast of the best things in life - sun, rum, fun, love and laughter."

"Caroline James has served up a comedic masterpiece that proves retirement doesn't mean retreating—it means going full throttle with absolutely zero effs left to give."

Reviews

[Karen]

Caroline James is a newly discovered author to me but has already been added to my favourite author list.

I’ve done many ship cruises but never a river boat cruise and the chance to do some armchair travelling down the River Nile was irresistible. Although this is a standalone, I believe that Hattie has featured in previous books and I shall definitely be seeking those out. She is a wonderful character, funny, kind, wise and the star of the story. Widowed. to keep busy she takes on private investigation work, often using her literary heroine Agatha Christie as inspiration. Away from her grumpy gardener/handyman Alf and Drake, a needy duck, she is looking forward to a relaxing break away from home with some culture, history and conversation along the way.

Hattie was just one of the cruise characters I enjoyed meeting – the others including a Canadian mother and son (the mother through no fault of her own having to work her way through Hattie’s eclectic wardrobe), the unhappily married couple and a fantasist sausage maker from Clitheroe who in his make believe world fashions himself as James Bond.

There was so much detail, both about life on board the boat and the locations that I could easily imagine myself sightseeing alongside our intrepid travellers. Of course Hattie’s PI skills were put to good use – she couldn’t resist having a mystery to solve.

There was so much to love about this book. Superbly drawn characters, beautifully described locations each with historical context and romance. Humour played a big part but also some aspects of the story were poignant and written with sensitivity and compassion. I love stories that feature later life characters and I was thoroughly entranced from beginning to end. A story of second chances, of discovering your true self and finding love when you least expect it, this is an easy 5* read for me.

[Linda Hill]

Hattie is taking break.

What an absolute pleasure to catch up with Hattie Mulberry as she escapes on a cruise along the Nile whilst Alf (and Drake) refurbish her ancient bathroom. I loved this book!

Firstly, there is the meticulous research that must have gone into making the Egyptian setting so vivid and authentic. Caroline James transported me right back to my own Nile Cruise because the attention to detail; the heat, the tombs, the people and events, was so realistic it was as if I were aboard the SS Nefertari with Hattie. Anyone who has done this trip will have memories reignited by Caroline James and for those who’d love to go, The Nile Cruise takes the reader there brilliantly.

The plot is so entertaining. We learn about Egypt through carefully curated detail, but we also have a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, a little bit of crime and a glorious injection of humour so that there’s enjoyment in The Nile Cruise on many, many levels.

Hattie is utterly, utterly, fabulous being generous in all senses of the word. Amply sized with a big hearted attitude to others, her inner beauty is heightened in contrast to the superficial appearance of Anoushka. Through Hattie and the other guests aboard; Caroline James illustrates perfectly how our airbrushed Instagram world is unrealistic and frequently untrue. Instead, her characters feel real and relatable. This means that readers are given permission and confidence to be comfortable in their own skin even as they are being entertained by the narrative.

Alongside the brilliant characters, the author explores themes that are incredibly relevant to today’s society. In the microcosm of the cruise boat, the reader contemplates identity, grief, love in later life, sexuality, adventure, marriage, parenthood and friendship. The Nile Cruise feels like a narrative written with truth and understanding. Whilst Peter provides humour, for example, the reasons behind his actions are profound and moving.

I thought The Nile Cruise was a total smasher of a read. It entertained me thoroughly, made me laugh and moved me, and at the same time enhanced my own attitude to life, making me determined to enjoy every moment. How brilliant is that?

[Grace Power]

I’m a big fan of cruising and I am loving the cruise books Caroline James has published previously.
Hattie is a joy of a character and she was a delight to follow on her Nile Cruise.
Meeting her fellow passengers and seeing the wonders of the Nile was interesting, entertaining and I found myself giggling away whilst reading.
Pack this book for your Summer getaway.

[Liz]

Debated whether to award 3 or 4 stars but, having done a Nile cruise myself many years ago, I really enjoyed revisiting the wonderful temples and sights through this story, so 4* it is!

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits)]

Oh I love this authors writing, after reading the Arctic Cruise I became addictive to this authors books. I love the way the story captures you from the get go, the way it makes you feel like you’re experiencing everything the characters are, it’s so wonderful.

The Nile Cruise was everything I knew it would be, it was fun and exciting with hints of mystery to it.

I love that these books are centred around later in life characters, I love seeing them getting new chances at love or celebrating everything they’ve achieved, it’s been so fun getting to know each of these lovely characters.

There was so much to love about this book. The wonderful characters, the amazing flow of the writing the insane way the author describes every location they go to and the history each place has. It’s been very knowledgeable and fun.

Caroline James brought us a lovely story and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Maria]

I loved the first one in the series and a Nile cruise is on my bucket list so I thought this would be a great escapist read. Unfortunately, while the characters are cute and likeable in this one, it just wasn’t as heartwarming as the first. I also didn’t feel that I got a complete picture of Egypt as, while there was some history thrown in, it was mostly about the outrageous tipping culture that exists there. Where this does outshine the first is in the characters that are presented in this one; I loved Hattie, Sylvie, Ezra, and Peter; they really brought the story to life. Overall, I enjoyed the story but felt it was missing the magic from the first one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the review copy.

[Book Escapes Babs]

The Nile Cruise is a laugh-out-loud escape with, in my opinion, some of the best characters this author has produced to date. I felt like I had also cruised down the Nile with the eclectic gang of intrepid travellers, seeing the sights and making memories for a lifetime.

Our protagonist, Hattie Mulberry, may be a new favourite character. A female equivalent of Caroline James’ Atticus Arnold, she was an absolute joy. Despite her own lack of self-confidence about her body image, she brought a brand of kindness to the group that I found admirable. Having set up her own business as a private investigator, it seemed natural that her literary hero would be Agatha Christie, so to follow in her footsteps seemed like a dream adventure.

Of course, this is an ensemble piece, and there’s a whole host of fascinating characters who bring some of the best moments. I don’t include spoilers, but I particularly loved the mother and son travelling from Canada and the mismatched recently weds.

Caroline James develops her characters with a lightness of touch which brings as much discovery through laughter as observation alone. As we got to know the characters, I laughed and came close to tears, but even the most poignant elements were cushioned with comedy, preventing the reader from dwelling on sympathy.

Another smashing read which I can wholly recommend. It’s a delightful escape.

[Crina Miruna]

3.5

A solid feel-good novel following Hattie, our protagonist. She was a breath of fresh air, especially because she wasn’t a teenager! I love seeing elder protagonists.
If you like Agatha this will definitely be your jam. There are lots of references and links here.
I’m aware of the crazy Egyptian tipping culture, but I felt that it was a bit exaggerated and could lead to new readers forming a skewed opinion on the locals. It’s important to tread carefully when talking about countries with such a low income (after all, this is the reason people expect tips…).

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the change to read this ARC!

[Leona]

The Nile Cruise is another glorious read by Caroline James and yes it involves a cruise on the River Nile. This author has written previous books based on cruises and they can all easily be read as standalone books. I absolutely adore the writing in Ms James books and as soon as I started this one I was immersed into the story and actually felt I myself was on the cruise. Plenty of laughs and wonderful characters this book was an absolute joy to read.

[Tripfiction]

EGYPT



In a rainy and cold Lake District, Hattie Mulberry is pondering a holiday, escaping the mayhem and noise which are inevitable with the installation of a new bathroom. She alights upon a Nile Cruise, as she and her husband Hugo used to enjoy the odd maritime excursion. Yet somehow Egypt had never made it onto their list, surprising, as she is very fond of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. She preps herself well by viewing glossy videos and stocking up on indispensable medication - after all, she muses, "..you never know what life is going to throw at you.." You certainly do not.

Meanwhile in Clitheroe, Peter Bully is eyeing up the holiday brochures for solo travellers.

And as fate would have it, they are on the same flight from Manchester to Egypt and their boat, the SS Nefertari, moored by the Corniche in Luxor, is ready to depart. Once on board, Peter continues his cosplaying of a secret service character (inspired by his favourite novels) but he certainly isn't fooling Hattie, who had already, by chance, overheard his rather colourful fantasies and rolled her eyes at them (and him). She chums up with a Canadian woman, she sniffs out a troublesome marriage and supports a young man with his relationship dilemma. She is, after all a private investigator, so her nose for drama and intrigue is acutely tuned, and there might even be a bit of romance on the horizon for her.

There are visits to all the sites you might expect on a Nile cruise, all beautifully brought to life, including a trip to the Crocodile Museum, which turns out to be much more interesting than expected. There are liaisons and flirting, curious characters, and perhaps a story about second chances and the courage to begin again... and she really comes to understand why Agatha Christie loved Egypt. A highlight of the tour, of course, is a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel and a tour of Agatha Christie's lodgings.

Although the author may have played a little with the geography of the Nile, the pertinent sites and experiences are a great way to indulge in a bit of literary travel.

[Rachel Gilbey]

I am loving Caroline James' cruise books, and given I've been a fan of hers for many years, I also have fond memories of Hattie who has been in a fair few of her previous books too. So I was utterly delighted to see that Hattie was going on a cruise this time.

And down the Nile, so it's a first foray into the world of River Cruising which I know is different from Ocean cruising, although I've never experienced it myself yet.

I feel I should though stress this is totally a standalone story, no need to have read any of the previous books I've hinted at to understand this, all the other characters are brand new, and what a variety of characters we have.

I loved meeting Hattie's fellow passengers and table mates on this cruise. Sylvia who has lost her luggage, Ezra who believes in cruses, Phil who is fantasist and believes he is a real spy (he is a butcher in real life), and Gerald and Anoushka, who are the classic gold digger and dysfunctional relationship.

We also meet Sam the handsy Egyptologist who is rather knowledgeable but not really that great a tour guide, but does come out with interesting things, when leading various of the excursions.

I felt transported to Egypt and the Nile, and loved the various excursions and other trips that our characters go on. Especially with Hattie being inspired by Agatha Christie, given she is a private investigator herself, and can't help but being intrigued by a mystery with one of her fellow passengers!

There are total laugh out loud moments, often involving a menagerie of animals in Hattie's cabin, in addition to the antics of Drake her pet duck that is clearly missing her while she is away!

This was just a pure joy to read, it especially if you love armchair travel, escapist fiction or wonderful heroines who may be a bit older and perhaps a bit fuller of figure than the average book, which makes them all the more relatable for it. Especially as they are living their best lives!

I have a feeling I should probably start looking a river cruises as potential holiday option in the future as this made them sound more fun that I expected!

Brilliant as always from Caroline James, another winner for me!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Julia]

The Nile Cruise by Caroline James is a wonderful light-hearted contemporary novel that I adored from the start.
With the leading characters in their sixties, we see that you are never too old to have fun, nor to have a new beginning.
We see characters pretending to be someone else. One needs an escape from daily life. Another is trying to work out who he is, and how to tell his parents. “And what do you want, Ezra” she asked… “I want to be myself… The person I was meant to be.”
When he plucks up the courage, he finds that his parents love him for just who he is, and who he was created to be. Their love is unconditional. “Who you love isn’t as important as how you love.” Love with your whole heart.
We meet characters who have lost the loves of their lives. One has made a terrible rebound marriage but his eyes are opened to the gold-digger beside him.
Love strikes where it will. Characters have a good moral code and a deep friendship blossoms.
The leading lady exudes warmth and kindness. She sees the marginalised. “Hattie was so warm and friendly and turned every mishap into a reminder that life needn’t be taken too seriously.” When a down-trodden character sees her true nature, he describes her as feeling “the aching relief of being with someone who made the world gentle again, unlike the sharp, demanding world he knew now.” We all want someone to love us for who we are.
As the cruise travels down the Nile, the characters stop off at various points. The reader is educated about the ancient Egyptians as we read. We learn the importance of making memories. “Life should give us moments that make dreams come true… make sure you put them in your memory bank for the days when living them is no longer possible.”
The Muslims value mothers. “A mother is a blessing… In our culture, we say paradise lies at the feet of our mothers. Every day they give life through their care and sacrifice.” The mother-like character cares for all those she comes into contact with. Her large bag has a remedy for whatever ails you. Kindness seeps from her pores.
The Nile Cruise was such a delightfully fun novel. I never wanted it to end.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Courtney Stearns]

Plot and Vibe Summary
Hattie Mulberry is completely burnt out and desperately needs a break from her chaotic life. She decides to channel her inner Agatha Christie(love that reference!) by booking a luxury vacation down the Nile River. What starts as a quiet escape quickly turns into a whirlwind of shifting dynamics as she meets a vibrant cast of fellow travelers and a charming tour guide. The vibe is the ultimate sun soaked, cozy escape. It perfectly blends slow paced, relaxing travel logistics with an underlying layer of mystery and light romantic tension.

What I Liked
The vivid descriptive writing makes Egypt feel like a main character.
Hattie is an incredibly relatable protagonist whose journey toward self-discovery feels earned and genuine.
The nod to classic golden age mystery tropes adds a fun, layered tension to a standard vacation plot.
The pacing is smooth, capturing the slow roll of a cruise ship while keeping the interpersonal drama engaging.

What I Didn't Love
A few secondary character subplots felt slightly rushed near the final chapter.

Final Thoughts
This is a delightfully atmospheric read that acts as a perfect literary vacation. Caroline James delivers a wonderful balance of modern romance and classic travel intrigue. It is an absolute must read for anyone looking to escape into a warm, scenic adventure without leaving their couch.

Tropes, Spice, and Warnings
Tropes: Forced proximity, vacation romance, reinvention, touch of mystery.
Spice Level: Low, mostly sweet, fade-to-black romance.
Trigger Warnings: Burnout, brief mentions of historical curses/superstition, minor relationship infidelity discussions among side characters.

Thanks to NetGalley for sending an ARC or advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review

[Jaffareadstoo]

Following in the footsteps of her literary hero, and inspired by Agatha Christie’s famous novel Death on the Nile, Hattie Mulberry decides, on an impulse, to book herself onto a Nile cruise where she joins a disparate group of people who are all intent on exploring the delights of a cultural tour along this esteemed river. Hattie’s indomitable spirit naturally draws people to her and she soon starts to make friends, especially with Sylvie and her son, Ezra but it is with the lovely Gerald where Hattie experiences the most connection as he too enjoys the stories of Agatha Christie. This is such a lovely joyous story that I found that I was constantly looking forward to spending time with them, from the glorious descriptions of the excursions Hattie and her fellow passengers embarked upon, to the quiet observation of each character’s special personality, there is always something interesting to enjoy.

Beautifully crafted and with a fine eye for even the smallest of detail, I can only assume that the author has enjoyed a similar cruising holiday along River Nile as her observations appear to be spot on and ensure that you become quickly drawn into the experience of cruising down the Nile. There were some genuinely funny moments which made me laugh out loud especially Hattie’s interactions with some of the less than likeable characters, Hattie’s gentle humour is interspersed with candid observations of the vagaries of human nature.

There’s a glorious sense of escapism aboard the SS Nefertari which, combined with Hattie’s delightful personality, her strength of spirit and her natural ability to see the good in everyone, helps to make The Nile Cruise into a really special story. I loved it and look forward to the next one .

[Chitra Iyer]

The blurb definitely set my expectations high for a book set in the background of the exotic Nile, with some mystery and romance sprinkled in, and with the protagonist being a fan of Agatha Christie, this was a book I couldn’t turn down to review!

Hattie decides to go on a Nile cruise and wants to do whatever her literary hero did while in Egypt. When she joins her fellow travellers, she observes each one, making friends along the way. As each day brings them to a different location, Hattie is thrilled to not only explore the ancient cities along the Nile but also the complexities in the relationships of her fellow travellers.

The Nile Cruise is a breezy story which has suspense, romance and travel woven into one. I was expecting something else but was pleasantly surprised that a cleverly manoeuvred script left me thoroughly satisfied. By the end of the book, I was deeply attached to the characters, the situations in their lives and also sad that the trip was over. That doesn’t happen often with me, I must say!

The writing was impressive. I haven’t read the other books by Caroline James, but I will look out for them now. I love how she puts forth her thoughts without force, without prejudice, using her delicate storytelling technique. With today’s literary scene crowded with forced feelings and twists and turns, this book was a welcome relief and had an old-world charm I thoroughly enjoyed.

If you are in search of a cosy travel read, then The Nile Cruise is the book to pick!

[Kirsty]

The Nile Cruise by Caroline James

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Will an adventure sailing The River Nile turn the tide for Hattie?

Hattie Mulberry is exhausted. Worn out from the demands of everyone around her, she’s long overdue a break. So, she decides to take a holiday – the adventure of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of her literary hero, Agatha Christie.

Before Hattie knows it, she’s embarking on a glamorous Nile cruise. Not only a voyage steeped in history and world-famous sights, but one where the passengers are almost as fascinating as the views from her luxurious cabin…

As the eclectic band of travellers journey between ancient temples and legendary tombs, guided by handsome Egyptologist Sam, secrets surface, desires awaken, and tensions simmer beneath the Egyptian sun.

Will the magic of moonlit nights on the Nile bring romance and renewal? Or will the infamous curse of Tutankhamun cast a shadow when least expected?

My Opinion

I have read quite a few books by Caroline James and they are always delightful reads. The Nile Cruise was an easy read with some charming characters and lovely descriptions. Whilst this is the second book in the Cruise Escapes series, it can be read as a standalone. A light-hearted novel that I would highly recommend.

Rating 4/5

[Travel Books and Movies]

A diverse group of travelers sets sail on a cruise along the Nile, where sightseeing, romance, mystery, and personal reflection all become part of their journey through one of the world's most fascinating destinations. Sounds good, right?

Well, this one was a bit silly for me, and it reinforced something I've realized about my own reading tastes: I don't do well with books that can't quite decide what genre they want to be. Is this a sweet romance? A cozy mystery? A story about self-worth? It tries to be all of those things without fully committing to any of them...and I find that frustrating.

That said, I really enjoyed learning about Egypt. The historical facts, cultural references, and descriptions of life aboard a Nile cruise were easily my favorite parts of the novel and made me want to experience the trip for myself someday. I also didn't mind the main character, Hattie, but too many of the other characters were cartoonish caricatures.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book: The Nile Cruise
Author: Caroline James
Genre: Women's Fiction / Romance
Places Featured: Egypt 🇪🇬
Review Score: ⭐️⭐️1/2 (rounded up)

[Diane]

I read the Arctic Cruise by the same author at the start of the year and really enjoyed it. Her descriptions of the cruise were so good that it inspired me to book a Norwegian cruise in the summer. The characters really engaged me, with the uplifting story of second chances. I was therefore understandably keen to read the second book in her cruise series.

There’s still lots to like in this book. The fantasist sausage maker from Clitheroe made me smile and I really enjoyed the main character’s joie de vivre. However, I don’t know if the setting didn’t hold my attention in the way the first book did, or if the storyline was just too implausible, so whilst I enjoyed it, I wouldn’t have booked a cruise if I’d read this book first.

That being said, this is the third book I’ve read by this author now, and I’m impressed with the way she is able to change her styles. With some authors you know exactly what you’re going to get as they have one style and stick to their tried and tested formula. Caroline on the other hand may focus on more mature characters but that’s about the only similarity her books have. I’ll definitely be reading more of her stories and look forward to the third book in the cruise series. I just hope it’s as good as the first.

[Susan in Perthshire]

Sorry but this wasn’t for me. I’ve read several books by this author and enjoyed them and when I saw this was set on a Nile Cruise - I thought it would be perfect. I enjoyed a Nile Cruise with my husband and enjoyed those segments about places we visited. I felt I was back there again.

However, there didn’t seem to be any real plot.

The heroine Hattie failed to engage my interest and when she ended up with the wimp Gerald who was married to the absolutely awful, one-dimensional Anoushka, I totally lost interest. Gerald spent most of the cruise looking like a hen- pecked idiot who had married Anoushka after being manipulated by her with sex and simply put up with her odious behaviour. What did Hattie see in him?

As for Peter - what an utterly bizarre and stupid character. Why on earth Mary would want him back is a total mystery.

I also didn’t like the tendency to stereotype the local Egyptians.

Sadly, the lack of a recognisable plot, the preoccupation with Alf and Drake and the bizarre character arcs just didn’t satisfy me. I am clearly the wrong market for this kind of book.

[Jen]

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This is a sweet and nice book. I really liked how vibrant the main character was and how thoughtful she was, she looks after others, sharing her clothes and medicine with other passengers in need. Our main character is a private investigator who needs to leave her home while her bathroom is being redone. She decides to take a holiday, picking a Nile cruise due to her love of Agatha Christie. The nods to Christie and the affection from the character was lovely to see. This was really nicely integrated and gave some great colour to the character’s experience on her holiday.

There is a subtle element of mystery, but it’s quite light with the main focus being around travel, growing friendships, blossoming affection and the power of being nice to people.

The travel elements are fun with a vivid picture of the locations and travel painted for the reader. I liked that the main character was in her sixties and how much life experience and depth of character she had. There were some fun little details like her growing animal collection and banter with her handyman.

[Anne Williams]

What a wonderful read - and I was so enchanted by the way the author brought the whole cruise experience and the perfect setting to life that I’ve been researching the options for a similar trip of my own! Hattie has always been one of my favourite characters in Caroline’s lovely books, and it was such a delight to join her on the holiday she takes while her home bathroom is being upgraded - but you really don’t need to have met her before (you’ll soon love her as much as I do), this book is entirely a standalone read. Her fellow passengers are all so perfectly drawn - American Sylvie with the lost luggage who ends up sharing Hattie’s wardrobe, her son Ezra gradually feeling able to live his own life, Peter the sausage-maker (with a missing wife) who has a fantasy life as a spy, and the lovely Gerald with his young (and particularly horrendous) influencer wife Anouska. Sam, the Egyptologist and guide, makes Hattie’s heart beat a little faster for a while, until he gets rather more hands-on than she wants him to be - the book’s developing romance happens elsewhere. There’s plenty of humour, elements of intrigue, and moments of real drama - and the Agatha Christie references were well integrated in the story too. I loved every moment - another triumph for one of my favourite storytellers!

[Colin Bell]

This is only the second book by this author that I've read, although there was a third that I'd started but found that reading a book set in a French cookery school didn't go down well when I was suffering from severe food poisoning at the time. This time the story is set on a Nile cruise, which did bring this experience to life for me with those sites that I'd love to visit but with the realism of the heat and the crowds. I did love Hattie, a PI suffering from burnout, although as I have not (yet) read the previous books that she'd appeared in so I don't know her back story . There is an eclectic mix of fellow passengers including a James Bond wannabe, a gold digging wife and a mother who is over protective of her son. Again this isn't a fast paced book, but there are plenty of mysteries to be resolved. In summary a book that I loved, even if it didn't necessarily make me want to go on a Nile cruise.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Bibliophile Foodie]

This was such a charming and uplifting read. I loved how the story transported me straight onto the boat, drifting down the Nile with Hattie and the eclectic group of fellow travelers. The descriptions of Egypt felt so authentic.

Hattie was Warm, witty, and endlessly kind, she has that natural ability to draw people in and make them feel seen. I admired how she embraced the adventure, even when things didn’t go smoothly, and how she managed to turn every mishap into something lighthearted. Her Agatha Christie‑inspired sleuthing added a playful touch, and I enjoyed watching her curiosity lead to unexpected discoveries.

The supporting cast made the cruise even more entertaining. Their interactions gave the book a real sense of community, with friendships forming in the most unlikely places.

What stood out most for me was the balance. There were laugh‑out‑loud moments, but also tender scenes about love, second chances, and being true to yourself. The historical details about Egypt and the stops along the river added depth, making the book feel both educational and escapist.

[Pam Robertson]

You have all the ingredients of an enjoyable read in The Nile Cruise. The Cruise takes you to some exotic places and teaches you a little about the area and its history. There is a portion of later life romance and a lot of humour which you get from some lively characters and some hilarious events. With the feeling of a cosy crime, Hattie takes herself off on holiday but manages to find a missing person mystery to unravel.

A huge part of the enjoyment comes from meeting such a lively bunch of fellow passengers. They have their own back stories but genuine friendships are struck up with lasting effects. I also enjoyed Hattie's phone calls from home which led to misunderstandings. This is a fun read with lots of history and geography to soak up. The cruise itinerary itself gives the story structure and I wasn't sure which parts I enjoyed the most- those on or off the boat!

In short: fun and games on the Nile
Thanks to the publisher

[Gretchen]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this book.

5 stars

A delightful, cozy, leisurely read; a character-driven story that doesn’t have a huge plot (some might complain about this aspect). There are some elements/characters that we probably could have done without, such as Drake the duck and Peter’s estranged wife Mary, but they don’t really detract from the story, so it’s fine.

It was lovely to read about the different sites and stops the cruise makes in Upper Egypt. It made me long to return to Egypt, where I lived a few years of my childhood. Funnily enough, the author’s depiction of the local Egyptian vendors and “helpers” at the sites is exactly as I remember them acting from my younger years. It’s clear that the author has actually been to Egypt and wasn’t just making it all up from reading books!

[Helen]

Love how this author takes the reader on a journey via their descriptive writing and makes you feel like you are there in the moment. In this instance you feel like you have taken a trip down the Nile and actually travelled to Egypt as the sights and the sounds etc emanate off the page.

The Nile Cruise features an eclectic mix of characters and love that they are of the older generation and show that you can still have a zest for life even as you are getting older. Hattie and Gerald were engaging fun characters and loved reading about their antics and enjoyed the links to Agatha Christie which were interwoven into the story too with the perfect balance of mystery and romance.

Look forward to seeing where the author takes me on a cruise in their next book.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books]

If you enjoy older protagonists having adventures and fun
Don't miss this great read and a trip to the sun!
A cruise down the Nile was like visiting once more
But this time with passengers, and mystery you can't ignore!

Hattie is tired out and in need of a rest
Going off on a cruise seems like it will be best.
But get ready of surprises as they go on the cruise
With others playing parts - have they something to lose?

Visiting the ancient sites, making new friends,
A fabulous suite and possible romance before it ends!
What a great read this whole story proved to be
I hope you'll try it and find you also agree.

For my copy of this fabulous book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Marie]

For me, a 3-star book is one that holds up its end of the bargain, fills the genre it aims for exactly as promised. And this is one of those books. It is a perfectly lovely, sweet, escapist confection. Everything about it is delightful. It ends the way you expect to, the way you want it to - that's why you choose it. You are willing to suspend disbelief enough to allow some pretty major life changes and revelations to occur in a few short days, with happy resolutions, because that's the promise/premise of the book. These are not complex characters with rich developmental arcs, but they are not automatons out of central casting either. They have exactly the personalities and the arcs you wanted when you picked the book up. The Agatha Christie theme is a hook that goes a long way toward smoothing over the bumps if you're a Christie fan. This is a book that, as I said, lives up to what it promised you it would be: nothing more, but nothing less, either. And sometimes, that is just enough.

[Vivien Brown]

I always enjoy this author's cruise books with their mix of interesting characters and exotic locations. She also has the knack of bringing back much loved characters from previous books and dropping them into new settings. Hattie is a very nice jolly lady, kind and understanding, and her interactions with her fellow passengers (some much more likeable than others!) come across as genuine and helpful. Everyone ends up with exactly what they deserve... especially Hattie.
A few problems with misplaced text which I am hoping are simply there because I was reading an early ARC version and not the polished final book.

[Janet]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and for anyone who has done a Nile Cruise it's authentic. The program on the boat, the temples and sites where they should be. I understand sometimes for a story to flow things get changed up but Caroline kept true to this part of the world which was my home for 15 years of which 4 were actually living in Luxor itself working in tourism. I have eaten in the hotels mentioned including staying in the one in Aswan and taken afternoon tea overlooking the Nile - no spoiler here.
Thank you for making what once was my home come to life through a very enjoyable story.
What next Cairo and the pyramids?
Taba on the Red Sea with the Sinai as it's backdrop?