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Jerria Danson Mysteries #1
Peril in Paradise
“My necklace is gone! I left it right here, I know I did!” Jerria’s heart pounded. Not another theft. Depressed over her sudden empty-nest status, middle-aged real estate agent Jerria agrees to a luxurious, relaxing Hawaiian cruise with her husband, Will. Before long, jewelry disappears and a series of ominous events onboard the Ocean Haven squashes any idea of a calm tropical vacation. Soon Jerria’s very life is in danger, and she can’t blame the mythical Pele for this one. If you love Polynesia or cruising, you’re going to love this debut novel by The Cruise Addict’s Wife! Warm characters and rich descriptions of beautiful Hawaii bring this cozy mystery to life. Enjoy the enchantment of a cruise ship vacation with Jerria, an almost-grandmother from small town Oregon as she meets Native Hawaiians and explores the tropical islands Surfing, whale watching, snorkeling, sea turtles, Diamond Head, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Haleakala, Kaui, Maui, and Oahu; almost like being there. If you're after a cozy mystery with a strong female character and a hint of upset, Peril In Paradise is for you! Don’t miss Murder on Deck, a cruise mystery on a cruise in Alaska by Deb Graham.
- GenresCozy Mystery
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2016
136 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Deb Graham
24 books20 followersDeb is the author of 26 books, four cruise-ship novels, five other novels, and seventeen non-fiction books, including two best-seller-in-genre-on-Amazon cruise books laced with stories about her innocent (so he says) husband; Tips From The Cruise Addict's Wife has been Amazon's Book of the Month repeatedly! Deb's One Daughter at a Time is a coming of age story, but it's about their mother. Can she raise five girls alone and develop a spine along the way? You'll love the Cookie Cutter Legacy, as 97+ year old Henrietta passes down the family lore with great humor and strength. The Ghost in the Bakery is a fun romp about Kate who moved to start a bakery in small-town Oregon, not knowing it has a couple of resident ghosts. Other include: how to write one’s personal story, how to complain effectively, and several cookbooks, science, and craft books for her eight beloved grandchildren, all of whom are cuter than yours. Deb believes firmly in the power of Story, and enjoys presenting workshops on finding one’s own story, as well as self-publishing. Deb’s background in stand-up comedy spills into both her speech and writings.
Deb’s superpowers include being able to spell-check and grammar-check with her brain, a talent for swiftly improvising, be it a dinner for twenty or a game for 200 teens, as well as finding an analogy for almost anything.
Born in New York, Deb now resides in Washington state, and has toured all fifty states, along with close to 30 countries. Perhaps the most noticeable thing about Deb, at first glance, besides her high energy, is the height disparity between her and her 6’ 4” husband, a full 16 inches. Those short jokes? Save ‘em; she’s heard them all.
Deb’s superpowers include being able to spell-check and grammar-check with her brain, a talent for swiftly improvising, be it a dinner for twenty or a game for 200 teens, as well as finding an analogy for almost anything.
Born in New York, Deb now resides in Washington state, and has toured all fifty states, along with close to 30 countries. Perhaps the most noticeable thing about Deb, at first glance, besides her high energy, is the height disparity between her and her 6’ 4” husband, a full 16 inches. Those short jokes? Save ‘em; she’s heard them all.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 19, 2020
Enjoyable cosy mystery.
The descriptions of the story were amazing. I actually felt like I was on the cruise as the characters went aboard. The characters were all excellently etched. Neither good nor bad, they were all normal people and it was pleasant to watch them on board the ship as the mystery unfolded. Though the mystery was a little easy to guess, I still enjoyed the way the story got there.
Lovely read.
The descriptions of the story were amazing. I actually felt like I was on the cruise as the characters went aboard. The characters were all excellently etched. Neither good nor bad, they were all normal people and it was pleasant to watch them on board the ship as the mystery unfolded. Though the mystery was a little easy to guess, I still enjoyed the way the story got there.
Lovely read.
October 11, 2024
It's not often I wish that goodreads had half stars for reviews and usually it's because the book is between a 4 and a 5, not a 1 and a 0 but here we are. I really don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't what I got. Don't fall for the synopsis because basically nothing happens the entire book. All of the characters are boring and unlikable, especially the husband Will who was the most irritating chatacter I've ever met in a book, mostly because he spoke in broken sentences like a caveman. Me want better book. Please don't waste your time. The only reason this book has 4.15 at the time of writing this is because only 27 people reviewed it.
May 29, 2020
If you enjoy cruising, you will enjoy this book!
I chose this rating because, having cruised a few times, I was drawn to this book. It is a good story, but nothing I would want to go through myself. I enjoyed hearing about places I have visited and recognize. The only thing I could complain about is the Husband's speech patterns. He doesn't speak in full sentences! Drove me crazy. I read them, correcting his vocabulary. LOL!
I chose this rating because, having cruised a few times, I was drawn to this book. It is a good story, but nothing I would want to go through myself. I enjoyed hearing about places I have visited and recognize. The only thing I could complain about is the Husband's speech patterns. He doesn't speak in full sentences! Drove me crazy. I read them, correcting his vocabulary. LOL!
August 30, 2017
( Format : audiobook )
"Stand tall, sister."
A delightful holiday by proxy, sitting on couches in the sunshine, dining at the captain's table and food, food and more food. I have never wanted to go on a cruise - still don't - but it was fun travelling with real estate brokers Will and Jerria Danson as they tried to sail away from her empty nest blues. Of course, it wasn't quite the plain sailing they had hoped for.
The book is well written, atmospheric and the characterisations delightful, if occasionally annoying. Real people, with flaws like everyone else: that's part of their charm. And there are tears and laughter
.
Ginger Walton's sultry, warm, 'purring' voice is a pleasure to hear. She poured sunshine over the text, with good intonation throughout. Her voicings of the individual characters was not pronounced and could be a bit odd, but overall her reading was an added delight.
I am an infrequent reader of cozy mysteries. I was gifted my copy of Peril in Paradise by the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. It was a gentle, light-hearted read which I very much enjoyed. At the end of the recording is a 'taster' of the next book in the series, Murder on Deck. I just might be tempted to take a second cruise with Will and Jerria ...
"Stand tall, sister."
A delightful holiday by proxy, sitting on couches in the sunshine, dining at the captain's table and food, food and more food. I have never wanted to go on a cruise - still don't - but it was fun travelling with real estate brokers Will and Jerria Danson as they tried to sail away from her empty nest blues. Of course, it wasn't quite the plain sailing they had hoped for.
The book is well written, atmospheric and the characterisations delightful, if occasionally annoying. Real people, with flaws like everyone else: that's part of their charm. And there are tears and laughter
.
Ginger Walton's sultry, warm, 'purring' voice is a pleasure to hear. She poured sunshine over the text, with good intonation throughout. Her voicings of the individual characters was not pronounced and could be a bit odd, but overall her reading was an added delight.
I am an infrequent reader of cozy mysteries. I was gifted my copy of Peril in Paradise by the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you so much. It was a gentle, light-hearted read which I very much enjoyed. At the end of the recording is a 'taster' of the next book in the series, Murder on Deck. I just might be tempted to take a second cruise with Will and Jerria ...
September 23, 2020
Interesting read
I loved my trip to Hawaii with a cruise and then a stay in Oahu. This book brought back many memories. The 'mystery was intriguing but not what I usually find when reading cozy mysteries. I thought that there would be more involved and one part left me confused. But I do not want to smoke the story for others. It was a quick , relaxing read. As usual when I know a place I am confused by an author's changes to reality or location. Cruise ships do not the up to a dock in Lahaina, the harbor is too shallow. Those cruise ships that visit Lahaina anchor offshore and guests are tendered in. The ship terminals in Hawaii are all commercial ports and handle mostly cargo which is the life line of the islands. So except for Lahaina on Maui and Kaialua-Konain the Big Island (which are tender ports) you are docked where the cargo ships come in. There are no 'cruise ship' piers with wide open spaces and vendors nearby. But I loved Hawaii and this book makes me want to return soon!
I loved my trip to Hawaii with a cruise and then a stay in Oahu. This book brought back many memories. The 'mystery was intriguing but not what I usually find when reading cozy mysteries. I thought that there would be more involved and one part left me confused. But I do not want to smoke the story for others. It was a quick , relaxing read. As usual when I know a place I am confused by an author's changes to reality or location. Cruise ships do not the up to a dock in Lahaina, the harbor is too shallow. Those cruise ships that visit Lahaina anchor offshore and guests are tendered in. The ship terminals in Hawaii are all commercial ports and handle mostly cargo which is the life line of the islands. So except for Lahaina on Maui and Kaialua-Konain the Big Island (which are tender ports) you are docked where the cargo ships come in. There are no 'cruise ship' piers with wide open spaces and vendors nearby. But I loved Hawaii and this book makes me want to return soon!
August 21, 2017
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This book is great for those who love to cruise. If you’re looking for a book which will take you on a big ship in your mind this is for you. As I was listening to this book I found myself researching cruises while hanging out in front of the TV. The story isn’t really a cozy mystery, because there isn’t really a mystery you know who the bad guy is from the start, but I enjoyed it none the less. The characters are likable and realistic and the plot while a bit simple is something you can really get into (as I indicated above). What I think would have really propelled this book into the 4 star category (for me anyways), would be more of a description of the sights, sounds and smells of the scenery. Having been to almost all of the places in the book I could visualize where they are, but adding those items would have really transported me there. Overall a solid book which was tons of fun.
This book is great for those who love to cruise. If you’re looking for a book which will take you on a big ship in your mind this is for you. As I was listening to this book I found myself researching cruises while hanging out in front of the TV. The story isn’t really a cozy mystery, because there isn’t really a mystery you know who the bad guy is from the start, but I enjoyed it none the less. The characters are likable and realistic and the plot while a bit simple is something you can really get into (as I indicated above). What I think would have really propelled this book into the 4 star category (for me anyways), would be more of a description of the sights, sounds and smells of the scenery. Having been to almost all of the places in the book I could visualize where they are, but adding those items would have really transported me there. Overall a solid book which was tons of fun.
September 7, 2017
Jerria and Will are off for an Hawaiian cruise. They think this will be the perfect trip for them to relax and rest after sending their youngest child off to college. Will secretly arranges to upgrade them to the exclusive high class Ulatra-suites on the ship thinking this will make the trip especially relaxing for Jerria. However upgrading puts them in the sites of a thief who has been stealing jewels from the wealthiest passengers. Will and Jerria get involved in solving the mystery of who has been stealing from the Ultra-suite passengers. Along the way they manage to make a few friends and a few enemies. Will Jerria and Will solve the mystery? Will they come out of this unscathed?
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2020
Jerria and Will, empty-nesters, goes on a luxurious, Hawaiian cruise. Jewelry disappears. A series of ominous events onboard the Ocean Haven occurs. Jerria’s life is in danger.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Hawaii. The author gave the reader an experience of being on a cruise ship. (In the most expensive room.) Surfing, whale watching, snorkeling, sea turtles, Diamond Head, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Haleakala, Kaui, Maui, and Oahu.
I read other cruise books. They lacked in experience and majored in mystery. This one majored in giving the cruise ship experience with a mystery to figure out. I loved the "feel" of being on a cruise. I'm looking forward to more books by Deb.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Hawaii. The author gave the reader an experience of being on a cruise ship. (In the most expensive room.) Surfing, whale watching, snorkeling, sea turtles, Diamond Head, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Haleakala, Kaui, Maui, and Oahu.
I read other cruise books. They lacked in experience and majored in mystery. This one majored in giving the cruise ship experience with a mystery to figure out. I loved the "feel" of being on a cruise. I'm looking forward to more books by Deb.
September 24, 2020
Never enjoyed a cruise so much
Never enjoyed a cruise so much as the cruise we took in this book. Lots of new information...might even tempt me to take a cruise, me, a person who gets motion sick just saying the word ship and wave together. Delightful plot, interesting characters, great locations and their descriptions. The main heroine is not very open to people that aren't ordinary or aren't normal, and that bothered me plenty, but not enough to stop my enjoyment of this book. Hopefully that is the heroine's problem and not a reflection of the author's views.
Never enjoyed a cruise so much as the cruise we took in this book. Lots of new information...might even tempt me to take a cruise, me, a person who gets motion sick just saying the word ship and wave together. Delightful plot, interesting characters, great locations and their descriptions. The main heroine is not very open to people that aren't ordinary or aren't normal, and that bothered me plenty, but not enough to stop my enjoyment of this book. Hopefully that is the heroine's problem and not a reflection of the author's views.
August 16, 2017
I really liked this book. It was full of intrigue. The author goes into great detail about the main character's emotions and details of the surrounding environment. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the way the dialogue was written for the main character's husband. It seemed choppy. Like he was incapable of speaking in complete sentences. Other than that, it was a great story and I enjoyed it very much.
March 14, 2021
Terrible
Passport needed- to Hawaii? Chapter 6 -the tall BLACK man - what difference does race make??? Cruise director slips into a chair and takes off her shoes?? Asks for one of the caviar toasts?? Says food is better without gloppy sauce?? This is one of the worst written and edited books I have attempted to read. No wonder it was free. If I paid for it I would ask for my money back.
Passport needed- to Hawaii? Chapter 6 -the tall BLACK man - what difference does race make??? Cruise director slips into a chair and takes off her shoes?? Asks for one of the caviar toasts?? Says food is better without gloppy sauce?? This is one of the worst written and edited books I have attempted to read. No wonder it was free. If I paid for it I would ask for my money back.
January 27, 2023
Hawaiian delight
Take a cruise through the Hawaiian islands with Will and Jerria. There is great detail of some of the greatest parts of the islands to do if you ever end up in Hawaii, giving the reader a glimpse into the beauty. However I found myself sometimes skimming through because I felt it took me away from the story line and was too much detail. Overall a great, clean, fun read.
Take a cruise through the Hawaiian islands with Will and Jerria. There is great detail of some of the greatest parts of the islands to do if you ever end up in Hawaii, giving the reader a glimpse into the beauty. However I found myself sometimes skimming through because I felt it took me away from the story line and was too much detail. Overall a great, clean, fun read.
August 27, 2017
A fun new cozy mystery. I enjoyed this story set on a cruise ship. I had a fun time listening to how this mystery would unfold. Ginger Walton was the narrator of this book. Ginger did a good job of reading this story. I received this audio-book as a gift with the agreement I would review this book with an honest review.
May 23, 2019
Jerria and Will living in Oregon plan a cruise to Hawaii to try and get Jerria out of a depression since their last son is moving to New York to go to college. Will booked a suite with special accommodations. Jerria has some encounters with their steward being in the suite when he shouldn't be there.They run into trouble while visiting all the islands.
March 25, 2020
With good intentions they set out for a cruise to Hawaii, in which the upgrade that Will did, was a mistake. They have someone on board with sticky fingers going thru the upper class section. Will and Jerria get involved to solve along the way. Good narration and the audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
January 28, 2019
Thoroughly Entertaining.
After reading both Deb’s Cruise Tips books, I recognised some incidents throughout this story that sounded very familiar! 😂 Also bought back memories of landmarks from my own Hawaiian cruise💜🛳. Now to move onto Murder on Deck. 📚
After reading both Deb’s Cruise Tips books, I recognised some incidents throughout this story that sounded very familiar! 😂 Also bought back memories of landmarks from my own Hawaiian cruise💜🛳. Now to move onto Murder on Deck. 📚
March 26, 2017
A vacation in a book!
Absolute!y loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. If you are looking for an enjoyable read with must the right amount of mystery, this is your book. Enjoy!
Absolute!y loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. If you are looking for an enjoyable read with must the right amount of mystery, this is your book. Enjoy!
June 11, 2017
Peril in Paradise is a wonderful cozy mystery. I loved the story line. I highly recommended it. No curse words.
March 6, 2018
Cute book, I may read sequels. Making the husband’s voice devoid of most pronouns was a little strange.
September 24, 2019
I love traveling and cozy mysteries. This book combines them both in a thoroughly enjoyable read. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
July 3, 2020
Disappointing
Dialogue was not very good. Plot was good but the characters weren't very likeable. Could have been much better with more believable dialogue
Dialogue was not very good. Plot was good but the characters weren't very likeable. Could have been much better with more believable dialogue
August 15, 2020
Peril in paradise
The cruise aspect wasn’t realistic, and the conversations are too stilted. No cruise ship captain has the time to play with passengers.
The cruise aspect wasn’t realistic, and the conversations are too stilted. No cruise ship captain has the time to play with passengers.
February 28, 2023
A fun adventure. Lots of Hawaiian Island excursion details.
March 12, 2025
I liked the story although the husband's speech seems weird for someone who went to college. He doesn't speak in full sentences which kind of annoyed me. The only other thing that didn't seem real to me is how you can have so many weird interactions with one person as well as your things obviously having been gone through, yet take your time reporting the incidents. I loved the descriptions of Hawaii though, especially the places there that my husband and I visited years ago-it brought back happy memories. The parts about the Honru were interesting too.
September 24, 2016
I was fortunate enough to read this before publication and I was excited to read the sample chapters on Amazon again. I love the main character. She's older and has a sweet perspective that I really grew attached to. All the characters are fun and I especially loved the ending. The beginning was a little slow for my taste and I didn't care for the long-winded dialogue, but I still recommend this fun cozy mystery to anyone looking for a relaxing read over summer vacation.
February 5, 2016
I actually did not finish this book. I just couldn't get into it. I tried really hard. I wanted to connect with the characters, but I had a really hard time. I kind of got a little board. Maybe I will try later.
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August 30, 2017I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I liked this mystery very much.
The descriptions of Hawaii were right on.
Looking forward to the next book this fall.
I liked this mystery very much.
The descriptions of Hawaii were right on.
Looking forward to the next book this fall.
December 17, 2017
Enjoyable read especially if you have visited Hawaii.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews