What do you think?
Rate this book
A Cruise to Nowhere: My Search for Amy Lynn Bradley
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26Gripping, suspenseful, and layered with insight, this is the first full account of the infamous disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley while onboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean—from the acclaimed author of True Crime Addict.
In March 1998, the Bradley family—Ron, Iva, and their children, Amy and Brad—boarded the Rhapsody of the Seas for a week-long Caribbean cruise. The trip was a chance to celebrate Ron’s success at work and Amy’s college graduation.
In the early hours of March 24, Amy Bradley—a pretty, athletic 23-year-old—returned to the family’s stateroom with Brad after dancing at the ship’s nightclub. Amy grabbed a blanket and went out to sleep on the balcony. A few hours later, her father awoke to find her gone. What happened to her remains a mystery.
Did Amy fall or jump into the water? Did she leave the boat voluntarily when it docked at Curaçao that morning? Was she smuggled off against her will and trafficked in one of the island’s brothels? In a baffling case filled with false leads, rumors, and conflicting witness reports, the only certainty is that, nearly three decades later, the Bradleys are still looking for Amy.
Now, acclaimed investigative journalist James Renner provides the first definitive account of Amy’s disappearance, enriched with his own personal narrative that explores themes of identity, loss, and the deeply human need to find meaning in tragedy.
With empathy and a keen eye, Renner interviews witnesses who speak on record for the first time, offering fascinating new theories, and explores a little-known side of Amy’s life that may explain everything about her fate.
In March 1998, the Bradley family—Ron, Iva, and their children, Amy and Brad—boarded the Rhapsody of the Seas for a week-long Caribbean cruise. The trip was a chance to celebrate Ron’s success at work and Amy’s college graduation.
In the early hours of March 24, Amy Bradley—a pretty, athletic 23-year-old—returned to the family’s stateroom with Brad after dancing at the ship’s nightclub. Amy grabbed a blanket and went out to sleep on the balcony. A few hours later, her father awoke to find her gone. What happened to her remains a mystery.
Did Amy fall or jump into the water? Did she leave the boat voluntarily when it docked at Curaçao that morning? Was she smuggled off against her will and trafficked in one of the island’s brothels? In a baffling case filled with false leads, rumors, and conflicting witness reports, the only certainty is that, nearly three decades later, the Bradleys are still looking for Amy.
Now, acclaimed investigative journalist James Renner provides the first definitive account of Amy’s disappearance, enriched with his own personal narrative that explores themes of identity, loss, and the deeply human need to find meaning in tragedy.
With empathy and a keen eye, Renner interviews witnesses who speak on record for the first time, offering fascinating new theories, and explores a little-known side of Amy’s life that may explain everything about her fate.
- GenresTrue Crime
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
James Renner
22 books1,076 followersJames Renner is an award-winning journalist and author of True Crime Addict, the definitive book on the Maura Murray disappearance. Renner is also a novelist, having written The Man from Primrose Lane and other works of scifi and fantasy. He currently hosts the podcast, The Philosophy of Crime.
In 2019, he founded The Porchlight Project a nonprofit that raises money for new DNA testing and genetic genealogy for Ohio cold cases. In May, 2020, James Zastawnik was arrested for the murder of Barbara Blatnik, thanks to the work of genealogists funded by the Porchlight Project.
In 2019, he founded The Porchlight Project a nonprofit that raises money for new DNA testing and genetic genealogy for Ohio cold cases. In May, 2020, James Zastawnik was arrested for the murder of Barbara Blatnik, thanks to the work of genealogists funded by the Porchlight Project.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an Advance Reading Copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
After watching the Amy Bradley documentary on Netflix, I wanted to know more about the facts of the case, as many of them have been obscured in my mind, intentionally or unintentionally. I had assumed that James Renner had a part in the Netflix documentary, but realised early on in the book that he had put this book together independently of the documentary. I had been vaguely familiar with the case but from watching the documentary and reading the book, I was able to have a more complete picture of the case.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, but did feel that it needed a heavy dose of editing. This felt like a 200 page book that the author stretched out to 320 pages through personal details that were unnecessary.
What I liked:
-While Renner initially wants to acquiesce and befriend the family, he makes the difficult decision to follow the evidence and write what he learned. Amy Bradley's family has guided public discourse of the case for decades, and have clearly left out specific details that they feel don't support their narrative of the case.
-Connected with the above point: The discussion of Amy coming out as gay showed compassion and nuance, and is something that's really been held back from the public eye. The Bradleys have really done their utmost to hide this discussion of Amy, and I felt that the book would have suffered if Renner followed through with his initial plan to keep the family on his side at all costs.
-I was glad to see interviews with Amy's friends and partners include discussion of the very real possibility of Amy ending her own life. Many many suicides have been from people who surprise and shock the people in their lives, as they are completely unexpected. Not everyone shares their deepest darkest sides of their mind with family/friends.
-2 big points that I appreciated in the book, along with data/evidence:
--The exaggerated danger of white women being trafficked into sexual slavery in the Caribbean. In reality, almost all of those being trafficked are poor and non-white; the book does a strong job of detailing crime statistics and discussing the state of the prostitution industry in Curacao. The book notes that there are no verified instances of individuals being kidnapped from cruise ships and forced into human trafficking.
--Chapter 29 details a lot of the hazards of travelling on cruise ships and lays out the more likely scenario (Occam's Razor) that Amy fell or jumped from the ship.
-It was very late in the book, but there was a mention of the timelines mentioned by the Bradley family not making the most sense, which has been my (armchair QB) impression of the case.
What I didn't like:
-It felt very gross in the opening chapters to have an author speak of cases of missing/murdered people strictly as things to possess/collect. He celebrates being contacted by families of those who have gone missing, which feels crass.
-This book needed to be much more about Amy Bradley and the case rather than about Mr Renner himself. I imagine that fans of his podcast may have appreciated the conversational style and I can understand the author wanting to show a personal connection to the case. However, in my mind, it's unnecessary to list details like getting very high and breaking your own fibula. It's distracting and disrespectful.
-Unnecessary segues into random topics, such as Consciousness, AI (still not sure what purpose that chapter served, apart from showing that he knows how to use ChatGPT to save time), quitting smoking/vaping...
-Very early on, Renner states that he wants to recover the case with the witnesses who were involved... Very shortly afterwards, he includes a chapter about going to a medium to try to learn more about the case. This felt like filler.
3.5 stars.
After watching the Amy Bradley documentary on Netflix, I wanted to know more about the facts of the case, as many of them have been obscured in my mind, intentionally or unintentionally. I had assumed that James Renner had a part in the Netflix documentary, but realised early on in the book that he had put this book together independently of the documentary. I had been vaguely familiar with the case but from watching the documentary and reading the book, I was able to have a more complete picture of the case.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, but did feel that it needed a heavy dose of editing. This felt like a 200 page book that the author stretched out to 320 pages through personal details that were unnecessary.
What I liked:
-While Renner initially wants to acquiesce and befriend the family, he makes the difficult decision to follow the evidence and write what he learned. Amy Bradley's family has guided public discourse of the case for decades, and have clearly left out specific details that they feel don't support their narrative of the case.
-Connected with the above point: The discussion of Amy coming out as gay showed compassion and nuance, and is something that's really been held back from the public eye. The Bradleys have really done their utmost to hide this discussion of Amy, and I felt that the book would have suffered if Renner followed through with his initial plan to keep the family on his side at all costs.
-I was glad to see interviews with Amy's friends and partners include discussion of the very real possibility of Amy ending her own life. Many many suicides have been from people who surprise and shock the people in their lives, as they are completely unexpected. Not everyone shares their deepest darkest sides of their mind with family/friends.
-2 big points that I appreciated in the book, along with data/evidence:
--The exaggerated danger of white women being trafficked into sexual slavery in the Caribbean. In reality, almost all of those being trafficked are poor and non-white; the book does a strong job of detailing crime statistics and discussing the state of the prostitution industry in Curacao. The book notes that there are no verified instances of individuals being kidnapped from cruise ships and forced into human trafficking.
--Chapter 29 details a lot of the hazards of travelling on cruise ships and lays out the more likely scenario (Occam's Razor) that Amy fell or jumped from the ship.
-It was very late in the book, but there was a mention of the timelines mentioned by the Bradley family not making the most sense, which has been my (armchair QB) impression of the case.
What I didn't like:
-It felt very gross in the opening chapters to have an author speak of cases of missing/murdered people strictly as things to possess/collect. He celebrates being contacted by families of those who have gone missing, which feels crass.
-This book needed to be much more about Amy Bradley and the case rather than about Mr Renner himself. I imagine that fans of his podcast may have appreciated the conversational style and I can understand the author wanting to show a personal connection to the case. However, in my mind, it's unnecessary to list details like getting very high and breaking your own fibula. It's distracting and disrespectful.
-Unnecessary segues into random topics, such as Consciousness, AI (still not sure what purpose that chapter served, apart from showing that he knows how to use ChatGPT to save time), quitting smoking/vaping...
-Very early on, Renner states that he wants to recover the case with the witnesses who were involved... Very shortly afterwards, he includes a chapter about going to a medium to try to learn more about the case. This felt like filler.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Cruise to Nowhere is a gripping and deeply unsettling exploration of one of the most haunting disappearances of the last few decades. James Renner approaches the case of Amy Lynn Bradley with a blend of investigative precision and emotional sensitivity, creating a narrative that feels both meticulously researched and profoundly human.
From the moment the Bradley family boards the Rhapsody of the Seas, there’s a creeping sense of unease beneath the sunshine and celebration. Renner captures the strange liminality of cruise‑ship life—the way it can feel both carefree and claustrophobic—and uses it to frame Amy’s final known hours with a quiet, devastating clarity.
What makes this account so compelling is the way Renner refuses to settle for easy answers. He walks us through every theory, every false lead, every conflicting witness report, without sensationalism. Instead, he focuses on the people at the heart of the story: a family still searching, still hoping, still trying to make sense of the impossible. The interviews with witnesses who have never spoken publicly before add a fresh, unsettling dimension, and the glimpses into Amy’s life—her fears, her ambitions, her complexities—make her feel achingly real.
Renner also weaves in his own reflections on identity, loss, and the human need to find meaning in tragedy. These moments never overshadow the investigation; they deepen it, reminding us that true crime is never just about the mystery, but about the lives altered in its wake.
Atmospheric, compassionate, and quietly devastating, A Cruise to Nowhere offers the most complete portrait yet of Amy’s disappearance. It’s a gripping read that lingers long after the final page, not because of the unanswered questions, but because of the young woman at the centre of them.
With thanks to James Renner, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
From the moment the Bradley family boards the Rhapsody of the Seas, there’s a creeping sense of unease beneath the sunshine and celebration. Renner captures the strange liminality of cruise‑ship life—the way it can feel both carefree and claustrophobic—and uses it to frame Amy’s final known hours with a quiet, devastating clarity.
What makes this account so compelling is the way Renner refuses to settle for easy answers. He walks us through every theory, every false lead, every conflicting witness report, without sensationalism. Instead, he focuses on the people at the heart of the story: a family still searching, still hoping, still trying to make sense of the impossible. The interviews with witnesses who have never spoken publicly before add a fresh, unsettling dimension, and the glimpses into Amy’s life—her fears, her ambitions, her complexities—make her feel achingly real.
Renner also weaves in his own reflections on identity, loss, and the human need to find meaning in tragedy. These moments never overshadow the investigation; they deepen it, reminding us that true crime is never just about the mystery, but about the lives altered in its wake.
Atmospheric, compassionate, and quietly devastating, A Cruise to Nowhere offers the most complete portrait yet of Amy’s disappearance. It’s a gripping read that lingers long after the final page, not because of the unanswered questions, but because of the young woman at the centre of them.
With thanks to James Renner, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 10, 2026
read if you like:
🤷♀️ the disappearance of Amy Bradley
🕵🏼 investigative reporting
🥶 cold cases
summary:
After watching the Netflix documentary “Amy Bradley is Missing”, I was fascinated by the fact this case is still unsolved. I had the chance to read James Renner’s latest book, A CRUISE TO NOWHERE, which raises more questions about what really happened on that cruise ship. He approaches the story as a combination of a memoir and an investigation, which is a unique angle for a true crime story, and to be honest, it really didn’t work for me. While the story is interesting, his work is clouded by his own personal journey, which takes away from the investigation.
Renner does a lot of first hand work to look into the original assumption from the case, and that work is admirable. He connects with the Bradley family, Amy’s friends and those aboard the original cruise ship. While their stories don’t change dramatically, he unearths a lot of lesser know details that help inform what might have happened to her. Unfortunately, his approach does lead to the Bradley’s cutting him off, and when he makes it a little about his own journey, it takes away from the story. I really wanted to know more about Amy and what could have happened, and while he does reach several reasonable hypotheses, they get a little lost in his own life story. I respect how he approached the book though and the extent to which he went to chase down people — and leads. I just wish it was a little more about Amy and a little less about him.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Citadel for the advanced copy to review, and if you’re interested in this case, check this out when it releases on July 28.
🤷♀️ the disappearance of Amy Bradley
🕵🏼 investigative reporting
🥶 cold cases
summary:
After watching the Netflix documentary “Amy Bradley is Missing”, I was fascinated by the fact this case is still unsolved. I had the chance to read James Renner’s latest book, A CRUISE TO NOWHERE, which raises more questions about what really happened on that cruise ship. He approaches the story as a combination of a memoir and an investigation, which is a unique angle for a true crime story, and to be honest, it really didn’t work for me. While the story is interesting, his work is clouded by his own personal journey, which takes away from the investigation.
Renner does a lot of first hand work to look into the original assumption from the case, and that work is admirable. He connects with the Bradley family, Amy’s friends and those aboard the original cruise ship. While their stories don’t change dramatically, he unearths a lot of lesser know details that help inform what might have happened to her. Unfortunately, his approach does lead to the Bradley’s cutting him off, and when he makes it a little about his own journey, it takes away from the story. I really wanted to know more about Amy and what could have happened, and while he does reach several reasonable hypotheses, they get a little lost in his own life story. I respect how he approached the book though and the extent to which he went to chase down people — and leads. I just wish it was a little more about Amy and a little less about him.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Citadel for the advanced copy to review, and if you’re interested in this case, check this out when it releases on July 28.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC for review. To be published July 28, 2026.
4 stars
So this was a bit of an odd true crime. The story is about the disappearance of Amy Bradley, a young woman from outside Richmond, Virginia, from a cruise ship. There’s currently (as of February 2026) a documentary about her on Netflix and the making of that show is referenced any number of times in this book. However the book goes into much greater detail about all that happened and provides a much more thorough look at all things Amy.
The website Renee’s comes in as this is also a book about James Renner, the author. He isn’t given equal billing to Amy or anything but Renner explains that this is the way he prefers to write true crime - he immerses himself in the story but then he shares whatever is going on in his life while he is researching and writing with the readers. At first it was off-putting, but as I read it actually grew on me. Renner is not a choir boy and has a range of issues, so he kept things interesting, which provided a nice counterpoint since Amy has been gone for so very long.
Renner uncovers a lot about Amy and it’s fair to say that my opinion about her ultimate fate changed as I read the book. So, overall, a very engaging read, recommended to those who enjoy true crime and quirky writers.
4 stars
So this was a bit of an odd true crime. The story is about the disappearance of Amy Bradley, a young woman from outside Richmond, Virginia, from a cruise ship. There’s currently (as of February 2026) a documentary about her on Netflix and the making of that show is referenced any number of times in this book. However the book goes into much greater detail about all that happened and provides a much more thorough look at all things Amy.
The website Renee’s comes in as this is also a book about James Renner, the author. He isn’t given equal billing to Amy or anything but Renner explains that this is the way he prefers to write true crime - he immerses himself in the story but then he shares whatever is going on in his life while he is researching and writing with the readers. At first it was off-putting, but as I read it actually grew on me. Renner is not a choir boy and has a range of issues, so he kept things interesting, which provided a nice counterpoint since Amy has been gone for so very long.
Renner uncovers a lot about Amy and it’s fair to say that my opinion about her ultimate fate changed as I read the book. So, overall, a very engaging read, recommended to those who enjoy true crime and quirky writers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve followed the Amy Bradley case since it first happened, and I was curious to see what new insights this book might bring. I’m glad I got this ARC, because I did learn several things I hadn’t known before.
Going in, I was a little unsure about the author’s choice to weave his own life and experiences into the narrative. At times, it initially pulled me out of the story, and I found myself wondering why so much of the focus was on his personal journey while researching the case. However, as the book progressed, he addressed this directly, and by the end I better understood his reasoning. That shift helped me appreciate the approach, and I ended up liking the more personal style more than I expected.
I was also hesitant because of the widely discussed tension between the author and the Bradley family. Knowing that background made me uncertain how I would feel about the book’s perspective. After reading it, though, I came away with a clearer understanding of his side and the complexities involved. The book highlights the personal and professional sacrifices he made while pursuing the story, and it added depth to the broader conversation surrounding the case.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It offered new information, a unique perspective, and a thoughtful exploration of a case I’ve followed for years. Even if readers are familiar with the story, this provides enough fresh insight and personal context to make it worth reading.
Going in, I was a little unsure about the author’s choice to weave his own life and experiences into the narrative. At times, it initially pulled me out of the story, and I found myself wondering why so much of the focus was on his personal journey while researching the case. However, as the book progressed, he addressed this directly, and by the end I better understood his reasoning. That shift helped me appreciate the approach, and I ended up liking the more personal style more than I expected.
I was also hesitant because of the widely discussed tension between the author and the Bradley family. Knowing that background made me uncertain how I would feel about the book’s perspective. After reading it, though, I came away with a clearer understanding of his side and the complexities involved. The book highlights the personal and professional sacrifices he made while pursuing the story, and it added depth to the broader conversation surrounding the case.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It offered new information, a unique perspective, and a thoughtful exploration of a case I’ve followed for years. Even if readers are familiar with the story, this provides enough fresh insight and personal context to make it worth reading.
April 25, 2026
A Cruise to Nowhere, My Search for Amy Lynn Bradley by James Renner is both informative and entertaining.
If you’re already a true crime follower, then you know the Amy Bradley story that has been told thus far. If not, this book is a great place to learn the story of her disappearance, along with much more about her personal life that has never been told before. James Renner does a great job at finding key people to talk to about Amy and her disappearance. I feel that he is respectful to all involved, ultimately showing Amy herself the most respect by sharing her truth. We also get to learn some about the author’s personal life throughout the book and I enjoyed that.
I don’t want to give away too much about the book, so go read it yourself and see what conclusion you come to! I do hope, very much, that the Bradley family gets an answer to what happened to Amy in this lifetime.
Thank you to Kennsington Publishing & NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you’re already a true crime follower, then you know the Amy Bradley story that has been told thus far. If not, this book is a great place to learn the story of her disappearance, along with much more about her personal life that has never been told before. James Renner does a great job at finding key people to talk to about Amy and her disappearance. I feel that he is respectful to all involved, ultimately showing Amy herself the most respect by sharing her truth. We also get to learn some about the author’s personal life throughout the book and I enjoyed that.
I don’t want to give away too much about the book, so go read it yourself and see what conclusion you come to! I do hope, very much, that the Bradley family gets an answer to what happened to Amy in this lifetime.
Thank you to Kennsington Publishing & NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 25, 2026
Thank you to #netgalley, #jamesrenner and #citadel for this ARC of #acruisetonowhere
No one does true crime quite like James Renner. He has an incredible knack for breaking down complex cases so the reader never feels lost. Because he truly immerses himself in the story by visiting the locations and interviewing families. You feel like you're right there with him. Plus his personal anecdotes and humor add the perfect bit of levity.
While I was already familiar with the Amy Lynn Bradley case from the Netflix documentary, this book completely blew me away. Renner breaks down the theories so masterfully it felt like I was hearing them for the first time. Honestly, I still lean toward her jumping, whether intentionally or accidentally; the human mind can get incredibly loud, and a split second decision is all it takes. The other theories just feel like a reach.
Another brilliant & thoroughly researched piece of work. I can't wait for his next book!
No one does true crime quite like James Renner. He has an incredible knack for breaking down complex cases so the reader never feels lost. Because he truly immerses himself in the story by visiting the locations and interviewing families. You feel like you're right there with him. Plus his personal anecdotes and humor add the perfect bit of levity.
While I was already familiar with the Amy Lynn Bradley case from the Netflix documentary, this book completely blew me away. Renner breaks down the theories so masterfully it felt like I was hearing them for the first time. Honestly, I still lean toward her jumping, whether intentionally or accidentally; the human mind can get incredibly loud, and a split second decision is all it takes. The other theories just feel like a reach.
Another brilliant & thoroughly researched piece of work. I can't wait for his next book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Cruise To Nowhere
Tragic story of Amy Bradley who went missing from Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas in March of 1998.
James Renner done an amazing job investigating the disappearance of Amy Bradley and putting it into a true crime book.
He looks into the life of Amy before she disappeared and provides so much insight of her life that I’d never heard before. You can tell he put his all into looking into what happened to her and left no stone unturned.
He even visited a psychic to get her input on what she felt happened to Amy.
He tells of the hardships that her family and friends have been through after she was gone. And speaks with an ex that gives information about Amy.
It’s so sad we may never know the truth as to what happened to her.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read.
#acruisetonowhere #jamesrenner
Tragic story of Amy Bradley who went missing from Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas in March of 1998.
James Renner done an amazing job investigating the disappearance of Amy Bradley and putting it into a true crime book.
He looks into the life of Amy before she disappeared and provides so much insight of her life that I’d never heard before. You can tell he put his all into looking into what happened to her and left no stone unturned.
He even visited a psychic to get her input on what she felt happened to Amy.
He tells of the hardships that her family and friends have been through after she was gone. And speaks with an ex that gives information about Amy.
It’s so sad we may never know the truth as to what happened to her.
Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read.
#acruisetonowhere #jamesrenner
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fancy being upset that advancements in DNA technology is solving crimes and bringing closure to loved ones.
The author starts out by talking about the need to find the "perfect crime" to write about.
How he's not interested in writing about solved crimes because he's addicted to the "rush" of finding clues.
He notes his frustration of the advancement in DNA technology, because it is solving crimes that he otherwise would have been able to write about! He calls it a "problem"!
"I need to be careful I don't pick a story that is tragic and hopeless. I don't need a case that shuts me into some new dark depression."
What a disgusting way to look at the disappearance of a young woman. I'm sure her family consider it "tragic".
I'm done.
The author starts out by talking about the need to find the "perfect crime" to write about.
How he's not interested in writing about solved crimes because he's addicted to the "rush" of finding clues.
He notes his frustration of the advancement in DNA technology, because it is solving crimes that he otherwise would have been able to write about! He calls it a "problem"!
"I need to be careful I don't pick a story that is tragic and hopeless. I don't need a case that shuts me into some new dark depression."
What a disgusting way to look at the disappearance of a young woman. I'm sure her family consider it "tragic".
I'm done.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘I was beginning to know her. Amy Bradley was a bit of an outlier.’
This book is not a true crime account, it’s the story of the author’s own investigation into an unsolved case. His investigation started with getting high and ending up in the ER which honestly was great. Let’s be real here. This is not your average true crime book.
The disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley. A well-known missing person’s case, in recent times largely due to the Netflix documentary. It’s one of those stories that grabs a hold of you and won’t let go. I didn’t stop thinking about the documentary for days. I started researching the case, trying to grasp an understanding of how this vibrant 23 year old vanished and became an unsolved mystery. Something about Amy’s story captures you. This book gave me the opportunity to jump back in, back to 1998 aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas, floating in turquoise waters…
I loved the author’s voice. There is a realness, depth and at times even humour- to his investigating- not to the case, which he takes seriously and leaves no stone unturned. He turned up the brightness on Amy and it felt tangible. I got such a strong sense of her and the life she was on the cusp of living.
This book explained every possible theory. The author threaded everything together and laid it out: each person, their story, each sighting and possible avenue. Just when I thought I knew how I felt about what might of happened, my mind changed. Ultimately I feel I have a far greater understanding to the possibilities and the many facets of Amy’s story.
‘I have a narrative for Amy. Would you like to hear it?’
5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.
This book is not a true crime account, it’s the story of the author’s own investigation into an unsolved case. His investigation started with getting high and ending up in the ER which honestly was great. Let’s be real here. This is not your average true crime book.
The disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley. A well-known missing person’s case, in recent times largely due to the Netflix documentary. It’s one of those stories that grabs a hold of you and won’t let go. I didn’t stop thinking about the documentary for days. I started researching the case, trying to grasp an understanding of how this vibrant 23 year old vanished and became an unsolved mystery. Something about Amy’s story captures you. This book gave me the opportunity to jump back in, back to 1998 aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas, floating in turquoise waters…
I loved the author’s voice. There is a realness, depth and at times even humour- to his investigating- not to the case, which he takes seriously and leaves no stone unturned. He turned up the brightness on Amy and it felt tangible. I got such a strong sense of her and the life she was on the cusp of living.
This book explained every possible theory. The author threaded everything together and laid it out: each person, their story, each sighting and possible avenue. Just when I thought I knew how I felt about what might of happened, my mind changed. Ultimately I feel I have a far greater understanding to the possibilities and the many facets of Amy’s story.
‘I have a narrative for Amy. Would you like to hear it?’
5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm unsure how I feel about this book
No doubt well researched and interesting, it has raised some valid questions about Amy's disappearance and yet they remain unanswered...
Bordering on author memoir, at first it appears James Renner is taking advantage of the Bradley family grief until you realise that he and Amy are quite alike and it's honestly a telling of two somewhat parallel lives
Certainly worth a read if you are a true crime fan, are intrigued by unsolved mysteries or seek out interesting memoirs
No doubt well researched and interesting, it has raised some valid questions about Amy's disappearance and yet they remain unanswered...
Bordering on author memoir, at first it appears James Renner is taking advantage of the Bradley family grief until you realise that he and Amy are quite alike and it's honestly a telling of two somewhat parallel lives
Certainly worth a read if you are a true crime fan, are intrigued by unsolved mysteries or seek out interesting memoirs
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amy Bradley went missing from Rhapsody of the Sea in 1998. Her case is a wild one. There were many sightings, her parents are in denial about her sexuality and the family has been targeted by con men who took advantage of their grief. Anything that could go wrong in this case pretty much has and everyone is keeping secrets.
This story is told through the lens of James Renner’s experience researching the case (a lens blurred by marijuana, like A LOT of marijuana). That rubbed me the wrong way a bit at times, feeling like he’s writing a screenplay about his life during the time he was researching rather than an account of what happened to Amy. But if you can just accept his approach the story reads like a novel.
The best part of the book is the last two chapters where he basically blows every theory out of the water. Amy is not alive. She went overboard. Did she jump? Sounds likely. Was it an accident? Maybe. Maybe not.
This isn’t my favorite true crime novel and at times it’s more memoir of Renner and his journey into semi-sobriety than account of Amy’s life and last days but it was a decent read overall. If you’re interested in this case this is worth a read, keeping in mind that Renner alienated her family (for better or worse) and then lashes out to discredit them in the end. This left me wondering a bit about the veracity of the entire account.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
This story is told through the lens of James Renner’s experience researching the case (a lens blurred by marijuana, like A LOT of marijuana). That rubbed me the wrong way a bit at times, feeling like he’s writing a screenplay about his life during the time he was researching rather than an account of what happened to Amy. But if you can just accept his approach the story reads like a novel.
The best part of the book is the last two chapters where he basically blows every theory out of the water. Amy is not alive. She went overboard. Did she jump? Sounds likely. Was it an accident? Maybe. Maybe not.
This isn’t my favorite true crime novel and at times it’s more memoir of Renner and his journey into semi-sobriety than account of Amy’s life and last days but it was a decent read overall. If you’re interested in this case this is worth a read, keeping in mind that Renner alienated her family (for better or worse) and then lashes out to discredit them in the end. This left me wondering a bit about the veracity of the entire account.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews