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Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries #4
Beauty Queens and Cruises
What’s worse than a self-centered beauty queen? A cruise chock full of them!
“Winters will have you giggling into your book!”
But what if the self-centred beauty queen is also a murderer?
When the Swan of the Seas hosts a beauty pageant, Adrienne is forced to spend her time dealing with narcissistic judges, oblivious contestants and a feminist protest.
The event seems hectic enough, when Diana Penn, the esteemed beauty queen and headlining judge, is found murdered!
Now, it’s up to Adrienne and her friends Cece, Sam, and First Officer Hot Stuff—er, First Officer Ethan Lee—to sort through the secrets and lies and uncover the truth hiding behind those pristine smiles.
Praise for A.R. Winters:
"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com
"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com
"For fans of Janet Evanovich, Rhys Bowen and Jana DeLeon, this is a funny, clean mystery." - Clara B, Amazon.com
Beauty Queens and Cruises is the fourth book in the Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series. Though it can be read as a standalone, it's best read in series order.
This is a light-hearted story featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and co-workers, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex.
“Winters will have you giggling into your book!”
But what if the self-centred beauty queen is also a murderer?
When the Swan of the Seas hosts a beauty pageant, Adrienne is forced to spend her time dealing with narcissistic judges, oblivious contestants and a feminist protest.
The event seems hectic enough, when Diana Penn, the esteemed beauty queen and headlining judge, is found murdered!
Now, it’s up to Adrienne and her friends Cece, Sam, and First Officer Hot Stuff—er, First Officer Ethan Lee—to sort through the secrets and lies and uncover the truth hiding behind those pristine smiles.
Praise for A.R. Winters:
"The perfect balance of being lighthearted, but still a serious page-turning mystery." - Jaycie D, Amazon.com
"A fun cozy mystery with engaging and entertaining characters" - lq, Amazon.com
"For fans of Janet Evanovich, Rhys Bowen and Jana DeLeon, this is a funny, clean mystery." - Clara B, Amazon.com
Beauty Queens and Cruises is the fourth book in the Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series. Though it can be read as a standalone, it's best read in series order.
This is a light-hearted story featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and co-workers, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2019
772 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Winters
186 books396 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 26, 2021
This is a fun and light read with an interesting setting and mystery, but I personally was not a fan of the character development.
A murder at a beauty queen pageant on a cruise ship makes for an interesting premise. Many of the characters involved, or related to, the pageant are colourful, to say the least, which should make for a fun read! However, they were also a bit one-note for me. I feel that I could describe many of them in just a few words.
I understand that the pageant characters only appear in one book and that Adrienne only sees so much of them due to her job, but if they had been fleshed out more, I think I would have cared about what happened to them. I also think it could have made for an even more complex mystery.
Speaking of the mystery, the mystery was enjoyable for me. Adrienne is a very resourceful sleuth, and I liked seeing how active in the investigation she was. There were lots of great suspects for the mystery and I was surprised about the final solve. But unfortunately, my dislike of how the characters were handled eclipsed the mystery itself.
This book does work as a standalone, which is how I approached this book (it's my first read in the series). But, standalone readers should know that there is a continuation of a subplot from previous books, and it appears as if it will continue into future instalments. Winters does a great job of catching up the reader with what happened so you won't be confused, but to follow the subplot in its full depth, you should probably read from the beginning.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
A murder at a beauty queen pageant on a cruise ship makes for an interesting premise. Many of the characters involved, or related to, the pageant are colourful, to say the least, which should make for a fun read! However, they were also a bit one-note for me. I feel that I could describe many of them in just a few words.
I understand that the pageant characters only appear in one book and that Adrienne only sees so much of them due to her job, but if they had been fleshed out more, I think I would have cared about what happened to them. I also think it could have made for an even more complex mystery.
Speaking of the mystery, the mystery was enjoyable for me. Adrienne is a very resourceful sleuth, and I liked seeing how active in the investigation she was. There were lots of great suspects for the mystery and I was surprised about the final solve. But unfortunately, my dislike of how the characters were handled eclipsed the mystery itself.
This book does work as a standalone, which is how I approached this book (it's my first read in the series). But, standalone readers should know that there is a continuation of a subplot from previous books, and it appears as if it will continue into future instalments. Winters does a great job of catching up the reader with what happened so you won't be confused, but to follow the subplot in its full depth, you should probably read from the beginning.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
September 17, 2022
Cruise favorite!
I enjoy getting to read a book in this series every time I take a cruise. Adrienne is a fun character and I love watching her investigate. The beauty queen pageant was definitely interesting. Looking forward to my next swan cruise.
I enjoy getting to read a book in this series every time I take a cruise. Adrienne is a fun character and I love watching her investigate. The beauty queen pageant was definitely interesting. Looking forward to my next swan cruise.
May 4, 2019
Another eventful cruise with Adrienne and the rest of the crew. This time there is a beauty pageant being held on the ship and there is loads of DRAMA!! There are several subplots here that the author keeps teasing us with. Wonder if we'll ever find out what happened to Adrienne in her previous life or if she & Ethan will ever get together. Guess we'll just have to settle for solving the murder and keep reading! LOL!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 6, 2019
Humorous cruises and of course, murder!
I really enjoyed each story! I'm looking forward to the next cruise. Thank you A.R. Winters for writing these books; you make each character seem so real.
I have enjoyed each of these stories and am looking forward to the next one. Thank you A.R. Winters for writing these books. You make each character seem so real! Keep up the good work!!
I really enjoyed each story! I'm looking forward to the next cruise. Thank you A.R. Winters for writing these books; you make each character seem so real.
I have enjoyed each of these stories and am looking forward to the next one. Thank you A.R. Winters for writing these books. You make each character seem so real! Keep up the good work!!
June 18, 2020
Beauty Pageant. Beauty queen, Diana Penn is murdered. Adrienne and her friends, Cece, Sam and First Officer Ethan Lee investigate.
I've enjoyed this series. Although, I'd like more of an experience on the cruise.
Rating: This is a light-hearted story featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and co-workers, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex.
I've enjoyed this series. Although, I'd like more of an experience on the cruise.
Rating: This is a light-hearted story featuring a strong female protagonist, some unusual friends and co-workers, and a mystery that needs solving! It has no graphic gore, bad language or sex.
October 20, 2021
It'd been way too long since I took a virtual cruise with Adrienne and her friends. I really like that she and First Officer Ethan are a couple now because he's way more tolerant and even willing to accept her sleuthing. Although in way, it slightly goes with the territory of social media since she does have to make the ship look its best--and its best is never when there's a murder. I always get a kick out of her buddies Sam and especially that hilarious Cece helping her sleuth. There's always a moment when Cece gets to use her all-inclusive cabin keycard to help Adrienne snoop out someone's cabin for clues. I'm usually holding my breath at that point hoping the girls don't get caught!
I was really surprised at the whodunit having had someone else in mind. Adrienne's stalker side story continued, and I'm starting to think that someone in charge on the ship might know something. I really don't want to wait too long to borrow the next book in KU.
I was really surprised at the whodunit having had someone else in mind. Adrienne's stalker side story continued, and I'm starting to think that someone in charge on the ship might know something. I really don't want to wait too long to borrow the next book in KU.
August 28, 2019
Beauty is not always skin deep, it's a killer.
This was a fabulous book! A.R. Winters Beauty
Parents are a life of their own And it is not always pretty it can get ugly. I tried to guess who the murder was and was wrong. I love a good test and turn mystery and Winters does it with great skill.
This was a fabulous book! A.R. Winters Beauty
Parents are a life of their own And it is not always pretty it can get ugly. I tried to guess who the murder was and was wrong. I love a good test and turn mystery and Winters does it with great skill.
July 21, 2021
Beauty is not skin deep
Enjoy the story, but still have a problem with the main character. The main character needs to be less, to be blunt, dumb. Keeps you guessing to the end, that is one of the reasons I continue to read this series. Hope the main character shows improvement soon. The storyline is what keeps me reading the series and NOT the main character.
Enjoy the story, but still have a problem with the main character. The main character needs to be less, to be blunt, dumb. Keeps you guessing to the end, that is one of the reasons I continue to read this series. Hope the main character shows improvement soon. The storyline is what keeps me reading the series and NOT the main character.
December 7, 2021
This one took me forever to finish because I just wasn’t as hooked by as the past few. It was still entertaining, and this time I DEFINITELY didn’t crack the case before they did. I am intrigued by the running theme of Adrienne’s past haunting her and I’m anxious to see how that storyline continues
May 3, 2019
While the stories are enjoyable...
...I’m still waiting for more interaction between Adrienne & Ethan. There’s an attraction there but for some reason stymied. Let’s get them together for real.
...I’m still waiting for more interaction between Adrienne & Ethan. There’s an attraction there but for some reason stymied. Let’s get them together for real.
May 5, 2019
Great Series!
I really enjoyed reading this series! The setting on a cruise ship makes it especially fun. The characters and storylines are great! I look forward to reading more books in this series! I highly recommend it for a fun read!
I really enjoyed reading this series! The setting on a cruise ship makes it especially fun. The characters and storylines are great! I look forward to reading more books in this series! I highly recommend it for a fun read!
May 8, 2019
This is a great series. I especially enjoyed the fact the basic plot is wrapped in the book - but knowing there is a thread that is carried into the next. There are great characters you can care about. This adventure has a beauty pageant! Thanks AR Winters for an enjoyable read!
February 26, 2020
Beauty is as beauty does
This cruise was filled with beauty pageant drama and mystery. I was bored at times. I was frustrated Addy and Hot Stuff didn't have more time together. I was glad to be done with this book. Zzzzzz
This cruise was filled with beauty pageant drama and mystery. I was bored at times. I was frustrated Addy and Hot Stuff didn't have more time together. I was glad to be done with this book. Zzzzzz
May 26, 2020
There is a beauty pageant taking place on the Swan of the Seas, and more superficial people you will never meet. Who else would stop to apply make-up when the fire alarm sounds?
When one of the judges, a former queen, is murdered, a feminist who is determined to stop the pageant is suspected.
When one of the judges, a former queen, is murdered, a feminist who is determined to stop the pageant is suspected.
September 7, 2021
A fun read
Adrienne and Sam are back and put in charge of a beauty contest on board. When a judge is murdered they dive into solving the murder along with Cece and the first officer. A quick fun read. Looking forward to reading the next book
Adrienne and Sam are back and put in charge of a beauty contest on board. When a judge is murdered they dive into solving the murder along with Cece and the first officer. A quick fun read. Looking forward to reading the next book
May 11, 2019
Fun
Another great cruise mystery. Had me turning the pages to try to figure it all out. Looking forward to the next one and to find out some of the answers Adrienne is looking for.
Another great cruise mystery. Had me turning the pages to try to figure it all out. Looking forward to the next one and to find out some of the answers Adrienne is looking for.
May 13, 2019
Ahoy matey!
Good read. Funny. Wish she would catch the unknown housekeeper. But, alas that is for another book. This one is good.
Good read. Funny. Wish she would catch the unknown housekeeper. But, alas that is for another book. This one is good.
July 22, 2019
I enjoyed this cozy mystery that takes place on a cruise ship.
October 12, 2019
Fantabulous
Chose the rating of FIVE because it deserves to get a TEN if that was allowed. I enjoyed it immensely!
Chose the rating of FIVE because it deserves to get a TEN if that was allowed. I enjoyed it immensely!
January 25, 2020
A fun cozy mystery!
Another fun book in this cozy mystery series. The characters are easy to like & the storyline is different & interesting.
Another fun book in this cozy mystery series. The characters are easy to like & the storyline is different & interesting.
March 16, 2020
Great read
Once again I enjoyed this book and the crazy things that happen, all while trying to solved a mystery! 😀
Once again I enjoyed this book and the crazy things that happen, all while trying to solved a mystery! 😀
May 14, 2020
Everything you've ever wanted in a cozy 💓 mystery
Highly recommend this one . . . Loved it❣
What more can I say . . . Enjoy ❣
Highly recommend this one . . . Loved it❣
What more can I say . . . Enjoy ❣
June 27, 2020
More fun
I do hope we find out more of the sub- mystery soon! Fun storyline. Can't wait to read the next one!
I do hope we find out more of the sub- mystery soon! Fun storyline. Can't wait to read the next one!
September 18, 2020
Still enjoying this silly cruise ship mysteries series. The characters are so outrageous!
July 6, 2021
Great summer read!!!!!mm
I love to read funny books with great characters and endless story lines bring more keep them coming, love it!
I love to read funny books with great characters and endless story lines bring more keep them coming, love it!
December 15, 2021
I really enjoy this series. I’ll be glad to find out who her stalker is — probably that captain.
March 23, 2022
Cute, short, easy read
January 14, 2024
Cute, Quick Read
Like all the other Cruise Ship Mysteries this one is a fun, cute, quick read. It captures your attention and keeps you turning the pages.
Like all the other Cruise Ship Mysteries this one is a fun, cute, quick read. It captures your attention and keeps you turning the pages.
Read
January 14, 2025Loved the whole series.
August 17, 2025
Fun book
I'm always amazed at how the author comes up with these ideas! The plot is interesting and suspenseful. The characters continue to develop. Ok
I'm always amazed at how the author comes up with these ideas! The plot is interesting and suspenseful. The characters continue to develop. Ok
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews