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A Rachel Prince Mystery #5
A Christmas Cruise Murder
Rachel's plans to spend Christmas with her fiancé are in tatters after he is called to Italy at short notice.
Rachel decides to take a last-minute Canary Island cruise. Sarah, cruise ship nurse and Rachel's best friend is only too pleased to have her along as Sarah's parents are taking their first cruise. With her mother keen for her to settle down she is glad of the moral support. During a coach journey to Southampton, Rachel meets a petulant maître d. That evening the same maître d is found dead, seemingly the victim of a tragic accident. Rachel can't resist snooping once she suspects an element of foul play. Was it a fatal accident or murder? Chief security officer, Jack Waverley finds himself confused and upset when his wife is implicated. Suspects are not in short supply as secrets are uncovered providing opportunity and motive. The killer has an eye on Rachel. Can she find out who is responsible before she ends up as another victim?
Rachel decides to take a last-minute Canary Island cruise. Sarah, cruise ship nurse and Rachel's best friend is only too pleased to have her along as Sarah's parents are taking their first cruise. With her mother keen for her to settle down she is glad of the moral support. During a coach journey to Southampton, Rachel meets a petulant maître d. That evening the same maître d is found dead, seemingly the victim of a tragic accident. Rachel can't resist snooping once she suspects an element of foul play. Was it a fatal accident or murder? Chief security officer, Jack Waverley finds himself confused and upset when his wife is implicated. Suspects are not in short supply as secrets are uncovered providing opportunity and motive. The killer has an eye on Rachel. Can she find out who is responsible before she ends up as another victim?
289 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2019
300 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Brookes
109 books359 followersDawn Brookes is an award winning cosy mystery and crime writer who also writes memoirs and children's books.
She has an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction.
Dawn writes most days and publishes regularly, to keep up to date visit her website.
Rachel Prince Mysteries:
#1 A Cruise to Murder set during a Mediterranean cruise
#2 Deadly Cruise set during a transatlantic crossing to New York.
#3 Killer Cruise set during a Baltic cruise.
#4 Dying to Cruise set during a cruise around Australia and New Zealand.
#5 A Christmas Cruise Murder set on a Canary Island cruise.
#6 Murderous Cruise Habit set on a Caribbean cruise.
#7 Honeymoon Cruise Murder set on a Mediterranean cruise.
#8 A Murder Mystery Cruise set on a cruise to the Norwegian Ffords.
#9 Hazardous Cruise set on a Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise.
#10 Captain's Dinner Cruise Murder
#11 Corporate Cruise Murder set in India.
#12 Treacherous Cruise Flirtation set in Hawaii.
#13 Toxic Cruise Cocktail set on a SE Asia cruise.
#14 Cruise into Darkness
The Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mysteries
#Prequel Novella Death of a Blogger
#1 Murder at the Opera House
#2 Murder in the Highlands
#3 Murder at the Christmas Market
#4 Murder at a Wimbledon Mansion
#5 Murder in a Care Home
#6 Murder at the Regatta
#7 Murder on a Bus Tour
Carlos Jacobi PI
#1 Body in the Woods Award winning novel.
#2 The Bradgate Park Murders
#3 The Museum Murders
Nursing Memoirs
#1 Hurry up Nurse: memoirs of nurse training in the 1970s
#2 Hurry up Nurse 2: London calling
#3 Hurry up Nurse 3: More adventures in the life of a student nurse
Books are available in paperback, hardback, large print, kindle ebook, and audiobook.
Dawn's website can be found at: https://www.dawnbrookespublishing.com
She has an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction.
Dawn writes most days and publishes regularly, to keep up to date visit her website.
Rachel Prince Mysteries:
#1 A Cruise to Murder set during a Mediterranean cruise
#2 Deadly Cruise set during a transatlantic crossing to New York.
#3 Killer Cruise set during a Baltic cruise.
#4 Dying to Cruise set during a cruise around Australia and New Zealand.
#5 A Christmas Cruise Murder set on a Canary Island cruise.
#6 Murderous Cruise Habit set on a Caribbean cruise.
#7 Honeymoon Cruise Murder set on a Mediterranean cruise.
#8 A Murder Mystery Cruise set on a cruise to the Norwegian Ffords.
#9 Hazardous Cruise set on a Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise.
#10 Captain's Dinner Cruise Murder
#11 Corporate Cruise Murder set in India.
#12 Treacherous Cruise Flirtation set in Hawaii.
#13 Toxic Cruise Cocktail set on a SE Asia cruise.
#14 Cruise into Darkness
The Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mysteries
#Prequel Novella Death of a Blogger
#1 Murder at the Opera House
#2 Murder in the Highlands
#3 Murder at the Christmas Market
#4 Murder at a Wimbledon Mansion
#5 Murder in a Care Home
#6 Murder at the Regatta
#7 Murder on a Bus Tour
Carlos Jacobi PI
#1 Body in the Woods Award winning novel.
#2 The Bradgate Park Murders
#3 The Museum Murders
Nursing Memoirs
#1 Hurry up Nurse: memoirs of nurse training in the 1970s
#2 Hurry up Nurse 2: London calling
#3 Hurry up Nurse 3: More adventures in the life of a student nurse
Books are available in paperback, hardback, large print, kindle ebook, and audiobook.
Dawn grew up in Leicester, England and trained as a nurse. She later moved to London to undertake further training in the East End. Dawn worked in the NHS in England for the best part of thirty-nine years and during that time gained a wide range of experience as well as academic and professional qualifications. She also holds an MA in Creative Writing.
Dawn's website can be found at: https://www.dawnbrookespublishing.com
Dawn has written a number of children's books including:
Suki Seal and the Plastic Ring
Gerry the One-Eared Cat
Danny the Caterpillar
Ava & Oliver's Bonfire Night Adventure
Ava & Oliver's Christmas Nativity Adventure
Jesus Feeds a Big Crowd
Jesus Heals a Man on a Stretcher
Dawn founded a literature festival in her locality which aims to engage readers and authors with all things literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 24, 2019
A Christmas Cruise murder by Dawn Brookes.
A fantastic read with some great characters. Loved Rachel and how she is. She's on a Christmas Cruise and soon there is a murder. Will Rachel solve it? Waverley doesn't want her help. Had no idea who it was. Brilliant. Love this series. Hope there is more to come. Highly recommended. 5*.
A fantastic read with some great characters. Loved Rachel and how she is. She's on a Christmas Cruise and soon there is a murder. Will Rachel solve it? Waverley doesn't want her help. Had no idea who it was. Brilliant. Love this series. Hope there is more to come. Highly recommended. 5*.
January 2, 2022
I suppose I liked it. It doesn't deserve two stars.. It was good enough for what it is. An easy happy mystery where the good people are good and the bad people are bad, and nothing else to it. As far as writing goes, it was good enough. Simple writing and story.
December 20, 2019
Spending the holidays with criminal characters, friends and family.
This is my first book by this author. And I really enjoyed it! So I'll probably read more.
So that also means it is my first book of this series. And this book refers in some parts to events taking place in former books. But that is not a problem if you haven't read those books, like me.
The story itself is a good murder mystery with lots of interesting, evil or innocent characters. Set on a cruise ship, which makes it even more interesting. Because of the dangerous waters and of the limited places evil-doers can escape to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book by this author. And I really enjoyed it! So I'll probably read more.
So that also means it is my first book of this series. And this book refers in some parts to events taking place in former books. But that is not a problem if you haven't read those books, like me.
The story itself is a good murder mystery with lots of interesting, evil or innocent characters. Set on a cruise ship, which makes it even more interesting. Because of the dangerous waters and of the limited places evil-doers can escape to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2020
Another success for.Detective Rachel
Another cruise investigation or investigations by Rachel. Very
Enjoyable ,well written and keeps you interested throughout the
Voyage. Looking forward to the NEXT CRUISE
Another cruise investigation or investigations by Rachel. Very
Enjoyable ,well written and keeps you interested throughout the
Voyage. Looking forward to the NEXT CRUISE
December 24, 2019
A Christmas Cruise Murder is the fifth book in A Rachel Prince Mystery series.
I really enjoyed this cruise ship murder mystery. The story is well written and engaged my interest from start to finish. The characters are well developed, intelligent, and fun.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really enjoyed this cruise ship murder mystery. The story is well written and engaged my interest from start to finish. The characters are well developed, intelligent, and fun.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
February 4, 2021
Murder onboard with a side of romance, a cuppa, a quiet-place and there’s a lovely evening. It’s that kind of book and it’s is very well narrated by Alex Lee (Alexandra).
August 11, 2023
I liked the story.
December 18, 2025
the only good thing about this was it was a quick read
December 18, 2025
Vrij matige moord mysterie + nogal pijnlijk dat alle mannen (en relaties) stom waren (ook als ze bedoeld waren als 'goede' man)
July 30, 2021
Another in Dawn Brookes series of cruise mysteries. It follows the same formula, has the same cast of characters and continues to build a shared history for those main characters. A fun, quick read.
January 30, 2021
One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was because the cruise sets off from my hometown, and I’m SO glad I did read it! It has got the unputdownable factor. The author did a great job of providing background information on the likeable characters, so for someone who has not read the previous books in this series I caught up with pretty much everything. I look forward to reading more of Dawn Brookes’ works. The whodunnit aspect did not drag on; it was an unexpected yet logical outcome. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a cosy, fast-paced murder mystery (and cruises).
November 19, 2021
Rachel Prince is on holiday, enjoying her time off from being a cop. The fifth book in the series, Rachel is back onboard a cruise around the Canary Islands. While taking the coach bus to the cruise terminal, she sits beside a rude and arrogant man who she takes an immediate dislike towards. After she boards, she hears from her best friend Sarah (who works as a nurse on the ship) that a staff member was found poisoned and died. Rachel finds out that it was the rude man from the bus, Stefan. As Rachel, Sarah, Sarah's fiance (who works as security on the ship), and more cruise staff dig in further, they realize that Stefan was hiding many secrets and blackmailing his staff.
I read this book because I like cruises and was wanting something holiday themed, but was sorely disappointed. My biggest complaint is the way that minorities were portrayed in the book. All the main characters were white, while the staff members were poor minorities from third world countries. The book would oddly and constantly bring up a staff member's race, when it was unrelated to the topic. There was also a line that said "you people always ____" which rubbed me the wrong way. As a minority reader, the book was very tone deaf to me. It seems as though the (white) author has not had much interaction with minorities before. Also, the way Rachel acted was very immature and I am not sure how she is a cop. I also didn't understand why the cruise staff would let a passenger meddle around an investigation. I was wanting a Christmas themed novel, but there were only a handful of sentences related to Christmas (aka the lighting of the Christmas tree). Overall, I was disappointed with this book and don't think that I am the right audience for the book. If you don't care about minority representation, you probably will like this book more than I did.
I read this book because I like cruises and was wanting something holiday themed, but was sorely disappointed. My biggest complaint is the way that minorities were portrayed in the book. All the main characters were white, while the staff members were poor minorities from third world countries. The book would oddly and constantly bring up a staff member's race, when it was unrelated to the topic. There was also a line that said "you people always ____" which rubbed me the wrong way. As a minority reader, the book was very tone deaf to me. It seems as though the (white) author has not had much interaction with minorities before. Also, the way Rachel acted was very immature and I am not sure how she is a cop. I also didn't understand why the cruise staff would let a passenger meddle around an investigation. I was wanting a Christmas themed novel, but there were only a handful of sentences related to Christmas (aka the lighting of the Christmas tree). Overall, I was disappointed with this book and don't think that I am the right audience for the book. If you don't care about minority representation, you probably will like this book more than I did.
January 6, 2021
This was a light mystery with interesting characters. I listened to the audio version, and the reader did an excellent job. My biggest issue is that the ending came out of nowhere. Most of the book was spent focusing on all the possible suspects, and the person who was the murderer came out of left field.
December 25, 2019
Perfect Murder Mystery to Sink Your Teeth Into
What a delight this book was to read! I love a good mystery, though I mostly read cozies. Lately, it seems that cozy mystery authors are preferring to write novellas, which, honestly, I don't think works for the mystery genre at all. The short novella format doesn't give enough time and space for all that needs to happen in a good mystery. So I absolutely adored that this book was long enough to have space for the required red herrings, a large pool of suspects, deceit, and clues that look like they will be significant but actually lead to nothing. Mysteries need those elements, or it doesn't feel like a proper mystery! While this is a book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I personally had not read any books previously by this author, including any in this series, and I had no trouble following along with the characters or the plot. Given that one of the characters is a cruise ship nurse, I so appreciated that the author herself is or has been a nurse. I am an RN myself, and I'm quite often appalled at the medical or nursing errors that one finds in contemporary fiction, especially books written by Independence authors. I liked knowing that I wouldn't have to worry about being appalled by those in this book. I also liked that all of this took place in a confined location (the cruise ship). When such a limiting structure exists, it ratchets up the tension and the conflict—which I adore in a mystery. I thought the book was in what I would call the British meandering mystery storytelling style, where the story is slow to build and can almost seem disjointed at the beginning, but you realize that this is with intent as you continue to read and when you reflect back on the book. Though I am an American, I actually quite enjoy this English way of writing mysteries. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and will certainly go back and pick up other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
What a delight this book was to read! I love a good mystery, though I mostly read cozies. Lately, it seems that cozy mystery authors are preferring to write novellas, which, honestly, I don't think works for the mystery genre at all. The short novella format doesn't give enough time and space for all that needs to happen in a good mystery. So I absolutely adored that this book was long enough to have space for the required red herrings, a large pool of suspects, deceit, and clues that look like they will be significant but actually lead to nothing. Mysteries need those elements, or it doesn't feel like a proper mystery! While this is a book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I personally had not read any books previously by this author, including any in this series, and I had no trouble following along with the characters or the plot. Given that one of the characters is a cruise ship nurse, I so appreciated that the author herself is or has been a nurse. I am an RN myself, and I'm quite often appalled at the medical or nursing errors that one finds in contemporary fiction, especially books written by Independence authors. I liked knowing that I wouldn't have to worry about being appalled by those in this book. I also liked that all of this took place in a confined location (the cruise ship). When such a limiting structure exists, it ratchets up the tension and the conflict—which I adore in a mystery. I thought the book was in what I would call the British meandering mystery storytelling style, where the story is slow to build and can almost seem disjointed at the beginning, but you realize that this is with intent as you continue to read and when you reflect back on the book. Though I am an American, I actually quite enjoy this English way of writing mysteries. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and will certainly go back and pick up other books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
December 20, 2019
When her private detective fiancé, Carlos, has to go to Italy to help his cousin with some undercover work in her hotel over Christmas, he urges Rachel to join her friend Sarah Bradshaw on a cruise. Rachel’s best friend Sarah worked as a nurse on board the cruise ship. Rachel, a Detective Constable and soon-to-be a Detective Sergeant, had assisted several times with murder investigations, so she was familiar with the ship.
Rachel boarded the bus to take her to the Coral Queen and had to take the only seat available, next to a grouchy man who reluctantly moved his bag so she could squeeze in. He gave his name as Stefan Sosa and told her he was the maître d in a new restaurant on board the ship. He commented that the waiters all hated him – but he didn’t care about them, saying they would have to carry him off in a box to get rid of him! He boarded the ship and ordered room service, knowing this was the crew’s busiest time and happy to create extra work for the lazy kitchen staff. When the meal arrived, Sosa washed down a bite of bread with his whiskey as pain hit his stomach and his airway swelled closed, his epi-pen nowhere to be found.
Once again Rachel takes on the challenge of solving a murder on the Coral Queen! But this is not an easy one since the victim had so many possible enemies. Can she gather enough clues to solve the crime? Can she pick through the copious supply of suspects to find who had a reason to kill the man?
This was a well written mystery with some regulars we get to meet along the way. Although this is the first of this series I have read, I had no trouble following the story line. Grab your copy and enjoy the mystery!
Rachel boarded the bus to take her to the Coral Queen and had to take the only seat available, next to a grouchy man who reluctantly moved his bag so she could squeeze in. He gave his name as Stefan Sosa and told her he was the maître d in a new restaurant on board the ship. He commented that the waiters all hated him – but he didn’t care about them, saying they would have to carry him off in a box to get rid of him! He boarded the ship and ordered room service, knowing this was the crew’s busiest time and happy to create extra work for the lazy kitchen staff. When the meal arrived, Sosa washed down a bite of bread with his whiskey as pain hit his stomach and his airway swelled closed, his epi-pen nowhere to be found.
Once again Rachel takes on the challenge of solving a murder on the Coral Queen! But this is not an easy one since the victim had so many possible enemies. Can she gather enough clues to solve the crime? Can she pick through the copious supply of suspects to find who had a reason to kill the man?
This was a well written mystery with some regulars we get to meet along the way. Although this is the first of this series I have read, I had no trouble following the story line. Grab your copy and enjoy the mystery!
February 1, 2020
Rachel Prince is at it again, this time on a cruise over Christmas that includes her friend Sarah’s parents as passengers. Rachel meets a very unpleasant man on the bus she takes to where the ship is boarding. He turns out to be the maitre ‘d of a new restaurant on board the ship, and shortly after the ship sails, he turns up dead. He has a nut allergy, and at first, the death is blamed on the security chief’s wife who is in charge of baking for passengers with allergies. It doesn’t help her case that her sister used to be married to the dead man and was abused by him. Rachel, of course, thinks there’s more to it and sets out to solve the case. Adding more intrigue, her friend Lady Marjorie calls to tell Rachel that friends of hers are on board and she thinks they’re in danger from a gold-digger daughter-in-law.
As usual it’s great fun to solve these murders along with Rachel, as well as great fun to “see” the ship and its stopovers through her eyes. While the title does have “Christmas” in it and the story takes place during the days leading up to it, this isn’t a holiday novel so no need to save it till December.
This is book five of the series, and at the end the author says book six will be coming in 2020. Can’t wait!
As usual it’s great fun to solve these murders along with Rachel, as well as great fun to “see” the ship and its stopovers through her eyes. While the title does have “Christmas” in it and the story takes place during the days leading up to it, this isn’t a holiday novel so no need to save it till December.
This is book five of the series, and at the end the author says book six will be coming in 2020. Can’t wait!
December 16, 2019
Another excellent murder on a ship!
You may think that 4 books about murder on the same ship might stretch belief (or at least the cruise companies insurance coffers!) but each book has a fresh motive, a fresh method and a fresh corpse or two, keeping the books eminently readable despite the common setting!
Once again Rachel takes a cruise and once again there is a body and she is up to her neck in it...however this time she is encouraged to help investigate rather than having to continue in secret having been sidelined by Waverley, chief of security.
As the mystery unfolds so does the holiday and again the more gruesome is interspersed with some gentle romance, a bit of sunny sightseeing and a lot of great characters.
I feel that Rachel and her ship mates are now friends and I almost look forward to our next holiday "together"...I hope the next installment has a much awaited for wedding (as well as the obligatory body!).
Altogether an very readable set of books- I would thoroughly recommend them.
You may think that 4 books about murder on the same ship might stretch belief (or at least the cruise companies insurance coffers!) but each book has a fresh motive, a fresh method and a fresh corpse or two, keeping the books eminently readable despite the common setting!
Once again Rachel takes a cruise and once again there is a body and she is up to her neck in it...however this time she is encouraged to help investigate rather than having to continue in secret having been sidelined by Waverley, chief of security.
As the mystery unfolds so does the holiday and again the more gruesome is interspersed with some gentle romance, a bit of sunny sightseeing and a lot of great characters.
I feel that Rachel and her ship mates are now friends and I almost look forward to our next holiday "together"...I hope the next installment has a much awaited for wedding (as well as the obligatory body!).
Altogether an very readable set of books- I would thoroughly recommend them.
January 19, 2020
Another enjoyable read by Dawn Brookes, A Christmas Cruise Murder, is book 5 in her ‘Rachel Prince Mystery’ series but also works well as a standalone read. I’ve read and enjoyed Brookes previous books in this series and was looking forward to reading this one, and I was not disappointed. Rachel decides to take a last-minute Canary Island cruise along with cruise ship nurse and best friend Sarah, but soon there is a body and a murder mystery to solve when a maître-d is found dead. As usual the potential suspects are not in short supply and many secrets are uncovered which provide both opportunity and motive for the murder. However this time it appears that the killer has turned his attentions towards Rachel, making it even more vital that the murderer is caught.
A well written, fast paced read with great characters and an exciting storyline. Brookes keeps you guessing until the end on who the actual murderer is, making this a suspenseful read.
I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to book 6 in the, ‘Rachel Prince Mystery’ series.
A well written, fast paced read with great characters and an exciting storyline. Brookes keeps you guessing until the end on who the actual murderer is, making this a suspenseful read.
I definitely recommend this book and I look forward to book 6 in the, ‘Rachel Prince Mystery’ series.
February 1, 2020
Sometimes plans don't work the way you intend, and that certainly is the case for our heroine. Taking a holiday cruise to make up for busted plans with her beau, she instead gets caught up in a murder. So much for plans.
This is book five in the series, but each book is written as a standalone, so no prior reading is required.
This is a murder mystery book set on a cruise ship. The story is well written and easy to read and populated with an interesting cast of suspects, err, I mean characters. The mystery itself is a good one, with lots of twists and turns to it which keeps you guessing. I also particularly enjoyed it being set on a cruise ship. I have taken several cruises and I could just visualize where our heroine was as she moved about the ship. Overall, a very enjoyable book and I look forward to checking out others in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
This is book five in the series, but each book is written as a standalone, so no prior reading is required.
This is a murder mystery book set on a cruise ship. The story is well written and easy to read and populated with an interesting cast of suspects, err, I mean characters. The mystery itself is a good one, with lots of twists and turns to it which keeps you guessing. I also particularly enjoyed it being set on a cruise ship. I have taken several cruises and I could just visualize where our heroine was as she moved about the ship. Overall, a very enjoyable book and I look forward to checking out others in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
July 8, 2020
Not my favourite of the series.
Sarah’s parents have joined her for their first cruise and her mother is nervous and uptight about everything.
On the way to the ship, Rachel sits next to a very unpleasant man and finds that he is a maître d’ on the Coral. When he is found dead, they at first suspect anaphylactic poisoning which makes Waverly’s wife Brenda a suspect, as she works in the bakery and knows of his allergy. They later find the poison was in a bottle of whiskey. Anyone could be the killer, as he was hated by everyone who ever met him. Blackmailer, bully, abusive husband, and father, terrible boss.
Marjorie calls Rachel on the ship to tell her that friends of hers might be in danger. She suspects that their son’s new wife will kill them first, then the son, for the inheritance.
Sarah’s parents have joined her for their first cruise and her mother is nervous and uptight about everything.
On the way to the ship, Rachel sits next to a very unpleasant man and finds that he is a maître d’ on the Coral. When he is found dead, they at first suspect anaphylactic poisoning which makes Waverly’s wife Brenda a suspect, as she works in the bakery and knows of his allergy. They later find the poison was in a bottle of whiskey. Anyone could be the killer, as he was hated by everyone who ever met him. Blackmailer, bully, abusive husband, and father, terrible boss.
Marjorie calls Rachel on the ship to tell her that friends of hers might be in danger. She suspects that their son’s new wife will kill them first, then the son, for the inheritance.
January 7, 2025
This was okay. Too many words, as my wife would say.
As is the case with many "cozy mysteries," the actual mystery is secondary to the story. This is apparently the 5th book in a series that has revisited the same cruise-line after a number of other crimes.
The main character is okay for me. Not too stupid to live and not so annoying that I want her to die. But not truly remarkable or someone that you would go out of your way to root for.
The ending is not predictable, but this is not necessarily a good thing. It felt like a solution was conveniently plucked out of the air. Too many people were too convinced of the wrong answer and that was a bit frustrating and annoying. I am not sure this is a cruise I would want to take again, any time soon.
As is the case with many "cozy mysteries," the actual mystery is secondary to the story. This is apparently the 5th book in a series that has revisited the same cruise-line after a number of other crimes.
The main character is okay for me. Not too stupid to live and not so annoying that I want her to die. But not truly remarkable or someone that you would go out of your way to root for.
The ending is not predictable, but this is not necessarily a good thing. It felt like a solution was conveniently plucked out of the air. Too many people were too convinced of the wrong answer and that was a bit frustrating and annoying. I am not sure this is a cruise I would want to take again, any time soon.
December 23, 2019
This is truly an enjoyable holiday cozy mystery read. The story line is written well, flows smoothly and captivates your attention. This is the first book I've read from this author and I can 't wait to read more.
A last minute decision to take a cruise rather than spend the holidays with her family give Rachel a chance to relax and unwind. That is until there is a death on the ship. After doing a little snooping, Rachel suspects foul play and there are plenty of suspects to go around. Will Rachel be able to prove if it was murder or just an accident?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A last minute decision to take a cruise rather than spend the holidays with her family give Rachel a chance to relax and unwind. That is until there is a death on the ship. After doing a little snooping, Rachel suspects foul play and there are plenty of suspects to go around. Will Rachel be able to prove if it was murder or just an accident?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2019
This is the first Rachel Prince mystery book that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. The perfect antidote to the hectic Christmas rush. The characters and the glamorous setting make for a fun and at times dangerous, guess who. Rachel is on a relaxing Christmas break with her friend Sarah who is a nurse on board the ship. There are no shortage of possible suspects when a thoroughly unpleasant man is murdered. Rachel has to balance her natural instinct to investigate but her help proves invaluable as the search for the murderer leads to people she
I’m looking forward to catching up with all the other books in the series now.
February 10, 2020
Another great story in this series. This time Rachel is planning to spend her Christmas on board ship with friends, and again she gets caught up in murder, which helps to distract her from the absence of her fiance. Again the story gives a nod to the fact that every time Rachel goes on board there's some sort of murder. There are great details about the goings-on behind the scenes, and we meet regular characters and interesting new ones.
These books make an ideal holiday read, with fun characters, interesting insights into the parts of a cruise you would normally never be aware of, and good mysteries to solve.
These books make an ideal holiday read, with fun characters, interesting insights into the parts of a cruise you would normally never be aware of, and good mysteries to solve.
January 5, 2021
Rachel Prince is taking her first ever cruise. In this case it is a last minute decision as her fiance has been called to Italy to help solve a crime. As it so happens her best friend, Sarah is the nurse on board the ship so she has someone to hang out with and commiserate with when she misses Carlos.
When a maitre d' turns up dead however it looks like an accident but he is hated by many so there may be more to his death than meets the eye. As Rachel gets involved in solving the mystery her own life hangs in the balance.
A fun listen. I liked the characters.
When a maitre d' turns up dead however it looks like an accident but he is hated by many so there may be more to his death than meets the eye. As Rachel gets involved in solving the mystery her own life hangs in the balance.
A fun listen. I liked the characters.
May 21, 2023
Wherever Rachel goes, murder is sure to follow, after a thwarted Christmas trip with her fiancé Carlos who is called away to conduct an investigation, Rachel decides to spend Christmas aboard the cruise ship with Sarah and Sarah’s parents. Of course a murder happens and Rachel can’t help but investigate. The suspect is a bad man and both Sarah and Rachel struggle with “he deserved his fate” thoughts while investigating. Will they be able to find the killer in time? Will Rachel see Carlos for Christmas,
January 3, 2020
Another great story in the Rachel Prince Cruise series. Rachel plans to spend Christmas with her fiancé but he is called away to help a family member so she sets off on the Christmas Cruise alone. All is not lost as her friend Sarah is a nurse on the ship and she will have plenty of company. When an unpopular member of crew is murdered there are plenty of possible suspects and Rachel needs to get to identify the killer before she too becomes a victim. Very entertaining.
September 3, 2020
Another great read!!!
I love Dawn Brooks cruise ship mysteries. It had been awhile since I read any, and was pleasantly surprised to learn she had written 3 more about Rachael Prince and her cruise ship solving murders when I checked into her author’s page. I absolutely love her characters, and the mystery plots keeps you guessing. Thanks, Dawn, for keeping us admirers happily reading your awesome books. Hope you’re staying safe and healthy out there in your world.
I love Dawn Brooks cruise ship mysteries. It had been awhile since I read any, and was pleasantly surprised to learn she had written 3 more about Rachael Prince and her cruise ship solving murders when I checked into her author’s page. I absolutely love her characters, and the mystery plots keeps you guessing. Thanks, Dawn, for keeping us admirers happily reading your awesome books. Hope you’re staying safe and healthy out there in your world.
December 16, 2019
Oh another cruise with murder-magnet Rachel! I loved the story with the main mystery and a side-show too. Not to mention, the return of a beloved certain someone.... ah... great quick and cozy read! I am hoping to see an onboard wedding next book... right after the inevitable murder, of course. Love this series!!!!!
December 20, 2019
I love mysteries on the high sea, so picked this one up with high hopes. Rachel Price, DS and Murder nagtet whenever she sets foot on the ship her friend Sarah is a nurse on, once again needs to unmask a killer and prevent innocent people from losing their lives ... This is an easy read, but the large cast of characters made me struggle once in a while. Three and a half stars from me.
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