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Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries #1
Killer Cruise
All Adrienne wanted was a fun new job on a cruise ship—instead, she’s dealt three big surprises.
Surprise number one, wonderful: Her best friend Samantha has joined the cruise!
Surprise number two, also quite good: the First Officer is rather handsome.
Surprise number three, definitely not good: Samantha is suspected of murdering a VIP cruise passenger.
Throw in a few more surprises—an over-the-top boss, a potentially homicidal chef, and a blast from Adrienne’s past—and this cruise might end up being Adrienne’s last.
Join Adrienne, her new friend Cece, and First Officer Hot Stuff—er, First Officer Ethan Lee—as they try to uncover the truth before it’s too late…
Surprise number one, wonderful: Her best friend Samantha has joined the cruise!
Surprise number two, also quite good: the First Officer is rather handsome.
Surprise number three, definitely not good: Samantha is suspected of murdering a VIP cruise passenger.
Throw in a few more surprises—an over-the-top boss, a potentially homicidal chef, and a blast from Adrienne’s past—and this cruise might end up being Adrienne’s last.
Join Adrienne, her new friend Cece, and First Officer Hot Stuff—er, First Officer Ethan Lee—as they try to uncover the truth before it’s too late…
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2019
3004 people are currently reading
1634 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Winters
186 books394 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 - 30 of 187 reviews
June 6, 2020
I really enjoyed Adrienne and her cruise ship work pals, one of which was her very own bestie from home who ended up getting sent to the brig as a suspect in a VIP passenger's murder. I absolutely loved Cece's character! She's hilarious and was the best thing that happened to Adrienne on that cruise, since her friend was unavailable for most of it. The two of them sleuthing was just too funny.
I was a little surprised at who the was, well not who just the circumstances. I guess I was as fooled as Adrienne and Ethan Lee who were investigating the murder. The showdown was very good, and we got to see Cece in action. I loved that she was somewhat of a mystery. She worked in housekeeping, didn't have a roommate, and her key card opened everything in the ship. An imagination could work overtime thinking of possibilities for her! Then at the end, it seems that Adrienne had something happen in her past that readers are teased about. Stay tuned, right? Luckily, I have the next book, but something tells me that these things could take longer than just one more book to wrap up. As long as the main mystery was solved, I'm good!
I was a little surprised at who the was, well not who just the circumstances. I guess I was as fooled as Adrienne and Ethan Lee who were investigating the murder. The showdown was very good, and we got to see Cece in action. I loved that she was somewhat of a mystery. She worked in housekeeping, didn't have a roommate, and her key card opened everything in the ship. An imagination could work overtime thinking of possibilities for her! Then at the end, it seems that Adrienne had something happen in her past that readers are teased about. Stay tuned, right? Luckily, I have the next book, but something tells me that these things could take longer than just one more book to wrap up. As long as the main mystery was solved, I'm good!
March 25, 2019
This book had many grammatical errors. I found myself having to reread parts in order to determine what was happening in the book. Sometimes a character had a thought that did not relate to the topic at hand. After rereading the previous sentence or two it was clear there was a missing sentence or thought describing the character's thought process. This book is also too much like another cruise ship series, it didn't seem original. It is a clean, cozy mystery thus the two stars. Normally I enjoy AR's books but this one was not as good as others.
July 8, 2019
3.5 stars. This was a fun first book in the series and I'd love to take another cruise with Adrienne and first mate Hot Stuff! I enjoyed the setting, characters and writing style.
May 13, 2020
Rated 3.5 stars
August 6, 2022
3,75/5⭐️
June 24, 2023
Great summer read! It's written so you need to read book 2 and so forth...the story continues. So I be getting the series for summer I guess lol 😉😄
November 29, 2022
Finished reading: November 28th 2022
"She definitely didn’t kill him. Definitely. I sipped the coffee. Right?"
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
August 12, 2019
Hmmm, not my favorite but cute
Not bad, but still left me wondering what was Sam not telling Addy about her experience with Mr. Murphy.
I admit that part of me thought CeCe would be the guilty party, and I was definitely hoping that was not the case. I liked her and wanted Adrienne to have at least two friends on the cruise ship. You can't spend weeks on a boat without having people you trust around to hang with. Not to mention having to share quarters with. Those rooms are usually tiny. I am actually surprised how often the law enforcement come across as ineffective, but likeable. Although in Ethan's defense, passengers and staff probably wouldn't be totally relaxed or open when talking to him.
Another one of those cute stories that is entertaining, but not overly complicated where the main character stumbled through solving the case through blind luck, and nearly getting killed herself at the end. Some budding romance, a happy ending for all, but with that intriguing lead in for the next book. I'll probably read the next one at some point, but not immediately.
Not bad, but still left me wondering what was Sam not telling Addy about her experience with Mr. Murphy.
I admit that part of me thought CeCe would be the guilty party, and I was definitely hoping that was not the case. I liked her and wanted Adrienne to have at least two friends on the cruise ship. You can't spend weeks on a boat without having people you trust around to hang with. Not to mention having to share quarters with. Those rooms are usually tiny. I am actually surprised how often the law enforcement come across as ineffective, but likeable. Although in Ethan's defense, passengers and staff probably wouldn't be totally relaxed or open when talking to him.
Another one of those cute stories that is entertaining, but not overly complicated where the main character stumbled through solving the case through blind luck, and nearly getting killed herself at the end. Some budding romance, a happy ending for all, but with that intriguing lead in for the next book. I'll probably read the next one at some point, but not immediately.
August 2, 2019
I keep telling myself not to read these things, but....
1/no cruiseline hires this way. Experience is, and it is done from within not to mention from the line's country of origin. American? It says 'ocean' not river.
The last minute hiring of friend as a 'customer service' something or other. They are called pursers and there is no off the cuff hiring. How any languages does she speak being one of the first questions in the interview.
That cleaner-UGH. Cabin stewarts are Assigned to parts of the deck of passenger cabins. They clean extensively, always friendly with the passengers. Most are hired from Asia.
VIP decks?
And hiring someone to take pictures? The photo op people are a specific group unto themselves that have their own section. No newby floating around the ship taking photos. The only photos taken on board are usually done in the dining rooms, NOT the buffet, and professionally.
I guess the mystery was okay.
1/no cruiseline hires this way. Experience is, and it is done from within not to mention from the line's country of origin. American? It says 'ocean' not river.
The last minute hiring of friend as a 'customer service' something or other. They are called pursers and there is no off the cuff hiring. How any languages does she speak being one of the first questions in the interview.
That cleaner-UGH. Cabin stewarts are Assigned to parts of the deck of passenger cabins. They clean extensively, always friendly with the passengers. Most are hired from Asia.
VIP decks?
And hiring someone to take pictures? The photo op people are a specific group unto themselves that have their own section. No newby floating around the ship taking photos. The only photos taken on board are usually done in the dining rooms, NOT the buffet, and professionally.
I guess the mystery was okay.
April 24, 2019
Loved this first book in the Cruise Ship Mystery series! It has everything I love about cozy mysteries- interesting likable characters, friendship, humor, an intriguing cozy mystery, and a little romance! It is not scary, graphic, or intense. It will keep you guessing until the end! Adrienne becomes the Media Manager on a cruise ship managing all the social media posts. Her best friend Samantha surprises her and has a job on the ship too. Sam has a run in with a VIP cruise passenger and he ends up dead. Sam is a suspect. Adrienne needs to figure out what happened to help Sam. First Officer Ethan Lee is the one investigating the death and he is not making it easy for Adrienne and her new friend Cece. It is a well-written story that moves at a good pace. Very enjoyable!
July 11, 2021
The truth always comes back to haunt you
I always enjoy finding new authors to read and this one did not disappoint. Looking forward to the next book in this series. For those that read reviews you can see that I do not give anything away about the story. I just state either if I like the story or the series or if I don't. I have found that when people try to interpret a story it can be nothing like the actual book so I leave it up to the reader to decide if they like the book or not.
I always enjoy finding new authors to read and this one did not disappoint. Looking forward to the next book in this series. For those that read reviews you can see that I do not give anything away about the story. I just state either if I like the story or the series or if I don't. I have found that when people try to interpret a story it can be nothing like the actual book so I leave it up to the reader to decide if they like the book or not.
January 27, 2022
Nice Cozy Mystery. I would grab another of her books. I'm confused of the beginning; the introduction of her best friend and how they were faking their experience of prior cruises to get a job on this ship, and never told her bff. I felt it was unnecessary and didn't make sense, almost purposeful filler, but I forgot about it as the book went on. lol. :)
February 3, 2020
This was a fun read with surprises on every deck. Adrienne has a new job on a cruise ship. Although I would have loved to experience the cruise more, a murder mystery took front stage. Samantha, Adrienne's friend, is suspected of the murder. This is a cozy mystery entertaining the reader.
September 29, 2019
Pleasant and clean read.
September 7, 2020
A GoodHumorous Cruise Mystery
The girls that are working on this cruise are funny murder inspectors. Always a surprise around the bend on each page.
The girls that are working on this cruise are funny murder inspectors. Always a surprise around the bend on each page.
July 16, 2024
On her first assignment as social media director for Swan of the Seas, Adrienne and her roommate Samantha run into a snag. A demanding VIP guest is found dead in his cabin and Sam is suspected of murder. When her friend is thrown into the brig, Adrienne determines to unmask the killer. She finds a willing partner in Cece, one of the staff housekeepers. Together they snoop into the VIP passenger’s life, while trying not to run afoul of Ethan, the dashing First Officer. Although light on descriptive details, this fast-paced, entertaining mystery on the high seas is an easy read with engaging characters.
June 19, 2025
It was a really good story it kept me guessing to the end. Liked it that it took place on a cruise ship.
July 31, 2024
Great book!!
I loved the plot twist at the end. The characters were easy to like. This book was a great read.
I loved the plot twist at the end. The characters were easy to like. This book was a great read.
June 5, 2023
Fun Read
I enjoyed the friendship and comradery between the three lead girls. The smart sassy rapture the girls exhibited was funny. I read the last half of the book in one sitting. The murderer was a mystery until the very end.
I enjoyed the friendship and comradery between the three lead girls. The smart sassy rapture the girls exhibited was funny. I read the last half of the book in one sitting. The murderer was a mystery until the very end.
Read
November 3, 2023Fun mystery
The characters were fun and keep you wanting to know more. I can't wait to hear what happens next in the series
The characters were fun and keep you wanting to know more. I can't wait to hear what happens next in the series
October 31, 2023
Great fast pace read! I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
November 3, 2023
Killer Cruise
Fun read that was a killer of a mystery. It had fun characters who I am anxious to learn more in the upcoming books. Guess what my next read might be!
Fun read that was a killer of a mystery. It had fun characters who I am anxious to learn more in the upcoming books. Guess what my next read might be!
October 25, 2023
Great first in series!
I love when the first book in a series grabs me right away. I definitely want to read more. Love the cruise ship setting, the crazy boss, the sleuthing and first officer 'hot stuff.' it's a really good cozy mystery.
I love when the first book in a series grabs me right away. I definitely want to read more. Love the cruise ship setting, the crazy boss, the sleuthing and first officer 'hot stuff.' it's a really good cozy mystery.
June 25, 2023
3.5 Stars
Nebraska is a long way from the ocean and sailing as a media director is a complete change for farmgirl Adrienne. Her best friend Samantha "Sam" surprises her by also taking a job onboard and it seems that they're in for a fun time. Not so, as a passenger is murdered and Sam is accused of the crime. It's up to Adrienne to prove Sam's innocence.
Before I begin my criticisms, I should mention that all my knowledge of cruising comes from watching LoveBoat (both series!) and hearing various friends and relatives talk about their experiences on the sea. That said, I found that the experiences of Adrienne and Co sound like a highly fantasised version of working on an ocean cruise. Expectation vs Reality.
I think I should have realised that this book was not pitched to my demographic - the title is a good hint. The whole story was a little breathy and dreamy. That also being said, this was a nice piece of escapism and would play well as a beach read. I wouldn't recommend this for a hardcore mystery reader, but for someone looking for a marvellous piece of fluff, Killer Cruise is that perfect piece of popcorn reading.
Nebraska is a long way from the ocean and sailing as a media director is a complete change for farmgirl Adrienne. Her best friend Samantha "Sam" surprises her by also taking a job onboard and it seems that they're in for a fun time. Not so, as a passenger is murdered and Sam is accused of the crime. It's up to Adrienne to prove Sam's innocence.
Before I begin my criticisms, I should mention that all my knowledge of cruising comes from watching LoveBoat (both series!) and hearing various friends and relatives talk about their experiences on the sea. That said, I found that the experiences of Adrienne and Co sound like a highly fantasised version of working on an ocean cruise. Expectation vs Reality.
I think I should have realised that this book was not pitched to my demographic - the title is a good hint. The whole story was a little breathy and dreamy. That also being said, this was a nice piece of escapism and would play well as a beach read. I wouldn't recommend this for a hardcore mystery reader, but for someone looking for a marvellous piece of fluff, Killer Cruise is that perfect piece of popcorn reading.
June 21, 2020
When I opened this book, I was looking for a silly, fun, fast read. I knew this was going to be a bit cheesy , but.... I don't even know what to say.
Before I get to what I was disappointed in with this book, let me say that overall I did enjoy it. It was mostly what I was looking for. A book that was in no way serious and a lot quirky. This book does fit that bill, as do most books in this sub-genre. However, with that being said, they aren't all written as well as others.
I think most of my issues with this book was the lack of editing. This book could use a good content and line editor, for sure. Also a copy editor for the typos. The plot holes and contradictions in this story made it less enjoyable. For example, the main character talks about dumping everything on her plate into the garbage. Then the NEXT sentence she is eating said food she had just said she put in the garbage. There is a lot of things like this throughout the book.
I may or may not pick up the next book in this series in the future. I just don't know.
Before I get to what I was disappointed in with this book, let me say that overall I did enjoy it. It was mostly what I was looking for. A book that was in no way serious and a lot quirky. This book does fit that bill, as do most books in this sub-genre. However, with that being said, they aren't all written as well as others.
I think most of my issues with this book was the lack of editing. This book could use a good content and line editor, for sure. Also a copy editor for the typos. The plot holes and contradictions in this story made it less enjoyable. For example, the main character talks about dumping everything on her plate into the garbage. Then the NEXT sentence she is eating said food she had just said she put in the garbage. There is a lot of things like this throughout the book.
I may or may not pick up the next book in this series in the future. I just don't know.
February 26, 2019
Curiosity and shenanigans
A good start to a new series. Okay not laugh out loud funny but definitely amusing with a plot that unravels like an onion that has twists and turns that will throw you off target. Even though the suspect pool was small I still had difficulty pin pointing the culprit. Strong characters with a bit of an OTT attitude but ones that could become firm favourites.
She has gotten a job as social media director on the cruise ship to get away. However she was shocked to find her BFF had lied to get a job with her and now the two would be sharing a cabin. However when her friend is accused of killing a VIP guest and locked in the brig she knows she has to start looking into the matter. Together with the security officer and a member of housekeeping they look into the unpopular VIP's last moments. Was it his wife, his business partner or any of the numerous people he had ticked off or was it a complete unknown person?
A good start to a new series. Okay not laugh out loud funny but definitely amusing with a plot that unravels like an onion that has twists and turns that will throw you off target. Even though the suspect pool was small I still had difficulty pin pointing the culprit. Strong characters with a bit of an OTT attitude but ones that could become firm favourites.
She has gotten a job as social media director on the cruise ship to get away. However she was shocked to find her BFF had lied to get a job with her and now the two would be sharing a cabin. However when her friend is accused of killing a VIP guest and locked in the brig she knows she has to start looking into the matter. Together with the security officer and a member of housekeeping they look into the unpopular VIP's last moments. Was it his wife, his business partner or any of the numerous people he had ticked off or was it a complete unknown person?
June 1, 2020
Not a terrible complicated book to read. In fact it is quite easy to figure out but it has a lightness to it that some mysteries do not have.
I liked the photo aspect job where the main character takes loads 9f pictures and then places them on the most notorious online chat sites. The character of Cece is hilarious and she always keeps one smiling if not laughing.
While the plots are quite obvious, and the book very likable, the cruise aspects are absent. We get a lot of ship life but nothing of places visited except names.
Warning, book ends with a cliff hanger that hopefully is answerable in Book Two.
I liked the photo aspect job where the main character takes loads 9f pictures and then places them on the most notorious online chat sites. The character of Cece is hilarious and she always keeps one smiling if not laughing.
While the plots are quite obvious, and the book very likable, the cruise aspects are absent. We get a lot of ship life but nothing of places visited except names.
Warning, book ends with a cliff hanger that hopefully is answerable in Book Two.
July 22, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
This is a new author and new series to me. This book was such a fun read. Adrienne decides to leave her small home town and take a job as a social media manager on a major cruise line. Once she arrives in her cabin she's surprised to find her best friend Sam there. Sam lied to the cruise line about her experience to gain a job so she could be with Addy. One thing leads to another and there's a murder and Sam is the number one suspect. As she investigates the murder, she meets new friends along the way. There are many laugh out loud moments as Addy tries to solve the murder.
This is a new author and new series to me. This book was such a fun read. Adrienne decides to leave her small home town and take a job as a social media manager on a major cruise line. Once she arrives in her cabin she's surprised to find her best friend Sam there. Sam lied to the cruise line about her experience to gain a job so she could be with Addy. One thing leads to another and there's a murder and Sam is the number one suspect. As she investigates the murder, she meets new friends along the way. There are many laugh out loud moments as Addy tries to solve the murder.
May 15, 2022
Killer Cruise, the first book in the Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery series, is a winner for me. Great characters - CeCe is wonderful - lots of fun and an intriguing mystery to boot. The only thing missing is the travel element as the main characters aren't allowed to leave the ship at its various destinations. Just imagine how much fun that might have been.
Nonetheless it is the perfect cozy read with funny, laugh out loud moments with Cece and a novel profession as a social media manager for the main character, Adrienne. The murder is solved and all is well ...but a note in Adrienne's cabins suggests there is more to come. A fun start to a series.
Nonetheless it is the perfect cozy read with funny, laugh out loud moments with Cece and a novel profession as a social media manager for the main character, Adrienne. The murder is solved and all is well ...but a note in Adrienne's cabins suggests there is more to come. A fun start to a series.
July 15, 2023
A Humorous (Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery) Series - Bk 1, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 2018, Read 7/13/23. Fiction, Mystery. Adrienne lands a job on board a cruise Ship as the Social Media Manager, and finds her best friend, Samantha, has lied about 5 years of previous work on a cruise ship to share the adventure. As the customer liason, Sam must escort a drunk, insufferable man back to his VIP stateroom, before the Ship even gets underway. The following morning, the man is found murdered in his stateroom, and Samantha is taken under custody because she was the last known person to see him alive. Friend, Addy, works to prove her innocence. 2☆'s = Okay. Same old, same old!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews