The Conspiracy on the Cruise

Havenwood Cozy Mystery #8

by L.L. Gray

One dream cruise. One deadly secret.

Harper Sullivan thought she’d signed up for two blissful weeks of spa days, mist-shrouded castles, and supernatural sightseeing on the world’s most luxurious magical cruise. Instead, as the ship glides through the rugged coasts of Scotland and Ireland, mythical creatures start vanishing without a trace.

Every clue Harper uncovers pulls her deeper into a conspiracy that’s far bigger than the ship itself. Between moonlit deck parties, whispered legends, and one very opinionated rabbit, Harper’s romantic getaway with Gabriel turns into a race to unmask the culprit before the last port of call.

Can she solve the mystery before the anchor drops, or will the cruise of a lifetime become her last voyage?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 15, 2026

About the author

L.L. Gray writes captivating, fast-paced fantasy full of wit, warmth, and magic. Her books transport readers to charming, cozy worlds brimming with lovable characters and whimsical adventures. A lifelong enthusiast of fantasy and myths, L.L. Gray blends humor and heart, inviting readers to escape into her spellbinding stories that feel like home—cozy, magical, and impossible to put down.

Reviews

[Gail Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in return for an honest review.

I love this book! The luxury cruise, the mystery, the love story between Harper and Gabriel. Love it all!

I love how the author keeps Harper down-to-earth. Harper has plenty of reasons to be kinda full of herself by now yet she isn't. She is still in awe of Gabriel's family yet she has faith in herself and her abilities. And I love her love for her "family" and her empathy for others.

If you haven't read the series, do it! if you have, this is a worthy addition!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Sullivan is back for another cozy adventure. When she has Sunday dinner at the Silverthorne's she finds out that supernaturals are going missing on a cruise ship route. Since Vivienne is too well known, to go, Gabriel and Harper step up to go on the cruise and try to figure out what is going on. But thanks to a carefully planned luggage takeover, Haper will have some extra help along the way. With so many suspects to question surreptitiously, Harper will take all the help she can get. Esp since it seems someone on the cruise has noticed her straightaway.
Harper is one of my favorite characters. She is almost always happy and positive. When she is overwhelmed, she has her system in place to calm down and then she is right back where she needs to be. But with her power being connected to the ley lines and the Heartwood Tree, she's a tiny bit out of sorts when she has to use her powers on the cruise ship. Gabriel is, as usual, always there for her and helps keep her grounded as well. Luna was once again a wonderful character and I loved that we got to find out a little more about her and what she is and what she can do as well. She was once again sassy and snarky, but she was definitely more than just witty banter!
I love how all of these books are like playing a game of supernatural clue. It's always a fun mystery to try to solve right along with Harper and the gang. Every time you think you know what is going on, you get new information and your guess will change. I love the cozy feel of all the books, while yes there is definitely something at stake, it's not a dark story. And there was definitely some higher stakes at the end of this book! I also forget that I should never read this series while hungry! Not only is the world building fantastic, but the food descriptions will have your stomach growling! This series is one of my favorites and I was excited to jump back into it!

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Sullivan thought Sunday dinner with Gabriel’s mother was nerve-racking. But since she is unknown to the elite of the supernatural community, she is asked to go undercover on the magical communities' most high-end cruise ship by Vivienne, her boyfriend's mother. Fortunately, and as far as she is concerned, the best part is that she won’t be going alone; Gabriel, her boyfriend, will be going with her. Supernatural creatures connected to the supernatural communities’ most exclusive cruise ship are going missing, and it will be up to her and Gabriel to identify the kidnapper, or worse, before the end of the cruise. There is one unexpected wrinkle though, they discover that Luna, her grandmother’s rabbit familiar and Ignatius her tiny dragon friend stowed away in her luggage, and unfortunately, they are exactly the type of rare supernatural creatures that have been disappearing from the cruise ship. So not only do they have to find a criminal, they also have to make sure Luna and Ignatius aren’t the culprit’s next victims.
I love these characters, they are always so well written, and compelling, they also make me laugh out loud. Magic, mystery on the high seas, mythical creatures, a little bit of romance, and plenty of twists in the plot made it impossible to put this book down. This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invite to a family dinner with the formidable Vivienne is enough to make Harper hyperventilate, being send by her on a luxury cruise ship for two weeks to unravel the mystery of the disappearing supernaturals undercover with Gabriel....., well I hooked line and sinker. Brinvara, matriarch of the British Giants reached out to Vivienne for help. Next thing an overwhelmed Harper, who can't resist nor say no to Vivienne, has Isadora enthusiastically planning her wardrobe as Havenwood outfits won't do. A private jet trip revealed the stowaways, aka snarky Luna who "is not going to spend 7 hours trapped in a purse" and surprise, surprise our little Ignatius. Now we have Team Radish Bacon. The Obsidian Queen, warded for the mundanes, is sheer luxury, but Harper already has prickly feelings. Her 1st encounter is the Prince of the Summer Fae Court, Alistair, too polished, but swarmy. Luna, the epitome of secrets, can do hair! As the list of suspects grew, while snooping, she teleported too. Without saying too much more, now the plot really thickens when Ignatius disappeared and Luna offers herself as bait as the "scale flapping disaster is family". If you received your ARC, shut yourself in asap as you're in fr for a mystery ride
I received an advanced review copy from the author and leave this review voluntary Thank you so much Liz

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition!

Harper and Gabriel set out on a magical cruise, aiming to figure out what has happened to a number of supernatural beings who've disappeared.

I really love this series - it has really wonderful characters, delightful mysteries, is well written, exciting, and has humor (mostly courtesy of snarky moon-rabbit Luna). This book was so much fun. The relationship between Gabriel and Harper just makes my heart sing - I adore them together. Harper's little dragon buddy, Ignatius, is simply adorable.

The author has the ability to make you completely believe in the magic she weaves into the story, and you can picture everything from her beautiful descriptions.

Start the series from the beginning if possible, so you get an even better feel for the characters and past events.

Next, please!!

I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful addition to this series! Supernaturals are disappearing and it seems to be related to a particular cruise ship. Harper and Gabriel are asked to figure out what is happening to them. So, they are off on the cruise to solve the mystery. And what a fun mystery it is.
As usual Liz hits all the right notes in characters and plot as the mystery unfolds. A variety of interesting characters, the occasional red herring and then the puzzle comes together. And of course her descriptions put you right into the book. Her descriptoins of food alway have me finding and trying out new recipes. Honestly, my mouth waters as I read.
The author provided me with an ARC copy of this book but this is my own delighted review. This series is one of my favourites and I can hardly wait for each new book.

[Monique Ricardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest Havenwood mystery is a boatload of magic and mystery! (Excuse me: ship load ;-)) I'm a big time fan of The Havenwood series by L.L. Gray and I was so ready to get myself all cozied up into the town with an extra helping of yum from Pixies Pastries... only to learn that Harper and Gabriel were dashing away on a cruise. I'm so glad I tagged along because this cruise was everything you could wish for in elegance, magic, and action-packed adventure. I'm sure any fantasy-loving cruiser would loooove to book this cruise. L.L. Gray's imagination creates amazing settings, characters, and mysteries. She's a master of twists and turns. I didn't disembark this book until the last page was swiped and I could exhale and breathe again. Besides the high seas stakes, my favorite part of the book was two small characters that really pack a punch. Bon voyage!

[Susan1566 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, cozy, fantasy mystery.
There are supernaturals disappearing from a supernatural cruise. Vivianne Silverthorpe is asked to help so she sends Harper and Gabriel undercover on the cruise ship to investigate.
Along with stowaways, Luna and Ignatius, they start looking into things on the luxurious ship.
There are multiple suspects, all the beauty of a cruise including delicious sounding food and entertainment.
The romance between Harper and Gabriel is heating up.
There are also surprises, suspense, humour and a good mystery.
This is a quick, easy read. Luna supplies a lot of fun parts as does Ignatius. The characters are interesting and funny.
There is absolutely nothing I didn’t like about this book.
Another series I highly recommend

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just so enjoy this series, and I was glad to see the latest adventure. Harper is put on a case by Vivienne and she is both worried she’ll screw up and happy that Vivienne trusts her. Harper and Gabriel must find a kidnapper/murderer, and they get to have fun while they do that on a luxury cruise. I had an inkling from the beginning that I knew what was going on, and even though I was right at the end, I was not so sure a few times as the book unraveled. I really enjoyed this latest book, and I can’t wait to read more in this series. Fun, suspenseful, and always a great time with every book so far, this series is one not to be missed. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Renee Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Conspiracy on the Cruise is a charming paranormal cozy mystery. Supernaturals have been disappearing from a luxurious magical cruise line. Harper, along with Gabriel as her plus one, has been tasked with going undercover to determine who is behind the disappearances. A gorgeous setting and a varied cast of characters made this an enjoyable read. Add in a ninja bunny and book dragon and the sleuthing begins. Overall a fun, enjoyable mystery with well-written characters, a story that unfolds at a steady pace and plenty of suspects from which to choose.

Recommended for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries full of magic and mayhem.

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC.

This was another fantastic and fun adventure/mystery with Harper! I loved that Ignatius and Luna played a bigger role in it. The setting of a luxury magical cruise ship was lush. And the mystery -- along with the potential suspects -- were interesting.

Although it's book eight in the series, it could be read as a standalone (although you won't know the characters as well).

I absolutely recommend if you love cosy mysteries, magic, book dragons, and ninja rabbits!

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just keep getting better! The night starts quietly with dinner at the Silverthornes. Nervously, Harper makes her way through the courses never dreaming that Vivienne actually requires a favor from her. Supernaturals are going missing from a magical cruise line and Brinvara head of the giants needs help. So Harper and her plus one Gabriel are off to Scotland for a cruise. Will they be able to find the missing creatures or will the cruise turn into a disaster?

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a fun read with the usual mystery to solve as in all the books in this series. This time it does not take place in Havenwood but on a cruise ship around Scotland, an interesting change. Wonderful world building and great characters. Many different supernaturals. Along the way another problem is solved. And of course there is the slow burn romance between Harper and Gabriel. Look forward to the next book.

[Rock Chick Fee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fabulous Book & Series. These are Feel Good Books for me. A ray of Sunshine to brighten my Day.


Fast paced & Action Packed. Harper & Gabriel are very much involved in the storyline & save the day once again.

This book & indeed the whole series are a fabulous read. If you like a Paranormal Cozy then these books are a Must read. Highly Recommended.

I have read 2 ARC’s lately which have been Amazing Reads & this was one of them.

[Leslie Ferrari · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating read! I think this is my favorite in the series thus far! As you likely guessed, this novel takes place on a cruise. Paranormal beings are disappearing from the ship and it's up to Harper to find them, with some help from her crew.
When a series changes location, you aren't sure what to expect. In this case it works on spades. The pace never lets up and the solution is not evident.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Supernaturals are disappearing and Hayden, along with Gabriel are tasked with trying to find who is behind their disappearance. They board a supernatural luxury liner that is tied to the missing, and an exciting adventure unfolds.
Such a riveting, excitement filled story, but I don't want to spoil things.
Suffice to say, you need to read this!

[Eric Colard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. A must read for everyone that loves fantasy and cozy mystery. The story is Lara Croft meets Harry Potter, sprinkled with humour and a bit of James Bond. I had difficulty putting it away and even brought it with me to church, to read before the start of the mass. Praise to the author: all 500 pages were captivating and spellbinding.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing paranormal cozy mystery! So impressed! Exciting, suspenseful, and very clever. Love Gabriel!