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Secrets Below Deck: A Cozy Cruise Ship Mystery
Sun, cocktails… and a missing coworker.
When Addi James signs on to work aboard the luxury cruise ship Trumpeter, she’s expecting sunshine, smooth sailing, and maybe the occasional passenger complaint.
What she’s not expecting?
A crew member vanishing in the middle of a storm—and the company insisting it was a tragic accident.
Addi isn’t buying it.
Especially
another employee disappeared weeks earliersecurity footage keeps “disappearing”and a few too many people are eager to shut her upBetween chaotic coworkers, secret crew parties, and a boss who’s a little too charming, Addi quickly realizes one
This ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage.
And if she doesn’t figure out what’s going on before the cruise ends…
she'll be the next one who doesn’t make it back to port.
Perfect for fans of fun, fast-paced mysteries with a dash of humor, a smart amateur sleuth, and plenty of shipboard drama, Secrets Below Deck is your next binge-worthy escape.
All aboard… if you dare. 🚢🔍
When Addi James signs on to work aboard the luxury cruise ship Trumpeter, she’s expecting sunshine, smooth sailing, and maybe the occasional passenger complaint.
What she’s not expecting?
A crew member vanishing in the middle of a storm—and the company insisting it was a tragic accident.
Addi isn’t buying it.
Especially
another employee disappeared weeks earliersecurity footage keeps “disappearing”and a few too many people are eager to shut her upBetween chaotic coworkers, secret crew parties, and a boss who’s a little too charming, Addi quickly realizes one
This ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage.
And if she doesn’t figure out what’s going on before the cruise ends…
she'll be the next one who doesn’t make it back to port.
Perfect for fans of fun, fast-paced mysteries with a dash of humor, a smart amateur sleuth, and plenty of shipboard drama, Secrets Below Deck is your next binge-worthy escape.
All aboard… if you dare. 🚢🔍
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
A.R. Winters
191 books410 followersA.R. Winters is a cozy mystery writer who loves writing about crazy characters and vibrant locations. And food, lots of delicious food!
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
When not writing, A.R. Winters is usually busy eating too much cake...
You can also find her on Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 14, 2026
Sun, cocktails… and a missing coworker.
When Addi James signs on to work aboard the luxury cruise ship Trumpeter, she’s expecting sunshine, smooth sailing, and maybe the occasional passenger complaint.
What she’s not expecting?
A crew member vanishing in the middle of a storm—and the company insisting it was a tragic accident.
Addi isn’t buying it.
Especially when:
another employee disappeared weeks earlier
security footage keeps “disappearing”
and a few too many people are eager to shut her up
Between chaotic coworkers, secret crew parties, and a boss who’s a little too charming, Addi quickly realizes one thing:
This ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage.
And if she doesn’t figure out what’s going on before the cruise ends…
she'll be the next one who doesn’t make it back to port.
This cozy cruise ship mystery is page-turning with exceptional world-building aboard the luxury cruise ship Trumpeter, and characters who are Addi, an amatueur sleuth and various other titles, and her friends who are all intelligent, witty, hilarious, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with secrets below deck, sun, cocktails, a miissing coworker, chaotic coworkers, secret crew parties, a boss who's a little too charming, the ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage, Addi and her friends don't figure out what's going on before the cruise ends..she'll be the next one who doesn't make it back to port, a fun, fast-paced mystery with a dash of humor, a smart amateur sleuth, plenty of ship board drama, an abundance of decadent foods and desserts, readers' next binge-worthy escape, romantic suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats in a race against time to solve the murder mystery, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with secrets below deck and a cozy cruise ship mystery that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely dangerous, humorous, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Addi James signs on to work aboard the luxury cruise ship Trumpeter, she’s expecting sunshine, smooth sailing, and maybe the occasional passenger complaint.
What she’s not expecting?
A crew member vanishing in the middle of a storm—and the company insisting it was a tragic accident.
Addi isn’t buying it.
Especially when:
another employee disappeared weeks earlier
security footage keeps “disappearing”
and a few too many people are eager to shut her up
Between chaotic coworkers, secret crew parties, and a boss who’s a little too charming, Addi quickly realizes one thing:
This ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage.
And if she doesn’t figure out what’s going on before the cruise ends…
she'll be the next one who doesn’t make it back to port.
This cozy cruise ship mystery is page-turning with exceptional world-building aboard the luxury cruise ship Trumpeter, and characters who are Addi, an amatueur sleuth and various other titles, and her friends who are all intelligent, witty, hilarious, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with secrets below deck, sun, cocktails, a miissing coworker, chaotic coworkers, secret crew parties, a boss who's a little too charming, the ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage, Addi and her friends don't figure out what's going on before the cruise ends..she'll be the next one who doesn't make it back to port, a fun, fast-paced mystery with a dash of humor, a smart amateur sleuth, plenty of ship board drama, an abundance of decadent foods and desserts, readers' next binge-worthy escape, romantic suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats in a race against time to solve the murder mystery, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with secrets below deck and a cozy cruise ship mystery that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely dangerous, humorous, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed this book, it was slightly different from from the usual books in this series. In the fact that Addi, Sam, Cece and just few of the regular characters are on board a different ship. This meant Addi doesn't have the support, backup or respect that she is use to getting. Which leads to lots of sneaking around, tension and secrets. There was also lots of confusion, as nobody seemed to know the role they were meant to be playing. While it did stay entertaining as you tried to puzzle out what was really going, I did find it very annoying that nobody was allowed to talk and everything was innuendos or partly revealed secrets which lead to more secrets and it felt like the investigation wasn't getting anywhere. I had guessed who was responsible and the ending came as no surprise. Still a fun read and looking forward to the next adventure.
When the flag ship of the fleet starts to decline drastic measures are taken and Addi and her friends are assigned to help. When they receive orders to replace items rather than repair them, Addi getting the feeling something strange is going. Then she gets the warning that she is under no circumstances to go looking into a staff members sudden departure. When another staff member Sally, is washed over board during a storm Addi is once again good not to investigate. When Addi discovers Sally was an amateur sleuth and was looking into the first disappearance, she starts to question what is really going on. Can she find the answers or will asking the questions loose her her job?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When the flag ship of the fleet starts to decline drastic measures are taken and Addi and her friends are assigned to help. When they receive orders to replace items rather than repair them, Addi getting the feeling something strange is going. Then she gets the warning that she is under no circumstances to go looking into a staff members sudden departure. When another staff member Sally, is washed over board during a storm Addi is once again good not to investigate. When Addi discovers Sally was an amateur sleuth and was looking into the first disappearance, she starts to question what is really going on. Can she find the answers or will asking the questions loose her her job?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Addi and friends embark on another cruise aboard the troubled Trumpeter. Meant to be the flagship of the Swan line, it has been plagued with system glitches and broken equipment. From the start, things seem off. The company’s directive to replace rather than repair faulty equipment causes frustration for the crew. Then there’s the insistence that Addi not investigate a crew member’s mysterious departure. Addi isn’t the only amateur sleuth onboard, and when Sally disappears after questioning the previous incident, followed by a shoddy official investigation, Addi is sure something is up. Despite threats of losing her job, Addi follows the clues. But when she’s cornered by a killer, will it be her last cruise?
Another twisty mystery from cozy queen A.R. Winters. Addi is out of her normal comfort zone working on the Trumpeter. Met with resistance from the security chief and commander, and without her usual access to the different parts of the ship, she must find new allies to get to the truth. I enjoyed revisiting the crew met the last time they sailed on the Trumpeter and seeing how their opinions of Addi had changed. The change of venue adds freshness to this long running series. While I guessed the perpetrator early on, there were still plenty of surprises throughout that kept my attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another twisty mystery from cozy queen A.R. Winters. Addi is out of her normal comfort zone working on the Trumpeter. Met with resistance from the security chief and commander, and without her usual access to the different parts of the ship, she must find new allies to get to the truth. I enjoyed revisiting the crew met the last time they sailed on the Trumpeter and seeing how their opinions of Addi had changed. The change of venue adds freshness to this long running series. While I guessed the perpetrator early on, there were still plenty of surprises throughout that kept my attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Trumpeter, the biggest fanciest cruise ship of the cruise line seems to be falling apart. They have two captains running the ship and Eathen is one of them. Each man picks their own crew and security has only officers who do not want Addi stepping in at all!. Addi, Cece and Sam have jobs that are now easier and more free time, except Cece and Turner are on grave yard shift. At the orientation meeting the Hospitality Director welcomes them all giving Addi credit for her power of observation and mentions Sally, the Youth program director who has found some stolen jewelry and a lost child. Will they get along or be in competition in any trouble rises? Out of no where Hans, the security chief approaches Addi and warns her not to get involved in a crew member, Kiki's disappearance. Not even knowing what he was talking about, she says ok and moves on. She is then approached by Executive Officer Chantelle and with the same words, she is warned again. Now, they have Addi curious,, but security leaks are non existent and finding the secrets of the crew sets her into action. Another crew member disappears and they are bringing in a police officer to investigate. Something the Swan line found upon, they prefer to do things all on board. This was a mystery with so many ways things could go, each twist was a surprise.
Review of advance copy
Wonderful!!
I adore this series from one of my favorite authors. Haven't read a single book of hers that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception.
Book 32 finds Addi & friends back on the Trumpeter, handpicked by Captain Ethan Lee as part of his crew. When a crew member disappears during a storm, the official word is it was an accident, but there are signs it wasn't, and Addi is being told in no uncertain terms she needs to leave it alone. Which, of course, is like saying "sic em" to an attack dog :).
There are too many strange things happening, and Addie knows she has to figure it out.
Superb characters, a few interesting mysteries, lots of humor, and great writing make this book a must read. You could read it as a stand alone, but as always, you'll feel so much more connected to everything if you start at the beginning and read it all through.
What more can I say? I want the next one!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I adore this series from one of my favorite authors. Haven't read a single book of hers that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception.
Book 32 finds Addi & friends back on the Trumpeter, handpicked by Captain Ethan Lee as part of his crew. When a crew member disappears during a storm, the official word is it was an accident, but there are signs it wasn't, and Addi is being told in no uncertain terms she needs to leave it alone. Which, of course, is like saying "sic em" to an attack dog :).
There are too many strange things happening, and Addie knows she has to figure it out.
Superb characters, a few interesting mysteries, lots of humor, and great writing make this book a must read. You could read it as a stand alone, but as always, you'll feel so much more connected to everything if you start at the beginning and read it all through.
What more can I say? I want the next one!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Addi and her friends join a different ship to help get it back to running like it should. There are a lot of odd things that happen on this ship. Mysterious disappearances by staff members is a forbidden topic to discuss and nothing can be fixed. This cruise ship needs a lot of help but someone prevents it from happening. Little by little, answers are found and Addi is able to find out what really has been going on. This is a great cozy mystery. Addi and her friends working together can solve any mystery!
May 12, 2026
'Between chaotic coworkers, secret crew parties, and a boss who’s a little too charming, Addi quickly realizes one thing:
This ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This ship has more secrets than the passengers have luggage.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and mysterious. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2026
Secrets Below Deck is another great story in the Cruise Ship series & I’m already looking forward to the next book! Addi is working on the Trumpeter luxury cruise ship when she learns a crew member left weeks ago & is told not to look into it since it was an HR issue. When another vanishes in the middle of a storm, she decides to look into it herself when she realizes the investigator isn’t asking the right questions & solves the mysteries. I received this great cozy mystery as an ARC from Book Sprout & am leaving an honest review.
May 18, 2026
Addi is working on the luxury cruise ship Trumpeter. It is supposed to be the premier ship in the company's fleet, but it is plagued with problems, not the least of them being the disappearances of crew members! Even with threats from those in command, Addi is not about to stop investigating! Plenty of secrets, some quirky characters and a story that just begs you to keep reading! Can Addi solve this mystery before the cruise ends?
Review of advance copy
This is definitely the most challenging case Addi ever had. Its also the most complicated and difficult to solve, because she’s not to investigate. But Addi being Addi finds away around it. On this cruise so many issues and secrets have a way of coming out and the result is something no one could have predicted.
May 17, 2026
Cozy Cruise Ship Mystery
A R Winters has done it again! Secrets Below Deck is a great mystery. The things that go on during a cruise are not always what you’re expecting. As the mystery unfolds you can see the secrets of the ship and the secrets of the staff. I was kept entertained by the antics & intrigued with the way Addy solves the mystery.
A R Winters has done it again! Secrets Below Deck is a great mystery. The things that go on during a cruise are not always what you’re expecting. As the mystery unfolds you can see the secrets of the ship and the secrets of the staff. I was kept entertained by the antics & intrigued with the way Addy solves the mystery.
May 21, 2026
If you want Addi to investigate something, it is best to start the conversation with "don't look into this". It starts an investigation into something darker than she could have imagined. There are several twists and turns that resolve at the end of the book. This can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Review of advance copy
There is a killer on board the ship. Has he killed before? Will he kill again? This is a great cozy mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2026
Secrets Below Deck book 32 of Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries by A.R. Winters is another enjoyable read in this series with so many twists and turns that kept me captivated throughout. Great series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2026
Love AR Winters and this is another great book in the series. Do yourself a favor and read everything that she writes. They are all amazing. In this book, Addi and her friends board The Trumpeter as part of Captain Lee's crew. This book has another great mystery and love the characters.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews