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Sage Gardens #14
Cruises Can Be Deadly
Samantha, Jo, Eddy and Walt are finally taking a cruise they won at a murder mystery weekend. However, not all of them are excited to be going on the upcoming trip and would prefer to stay in their familiar surroundings at Sage Gardens. But with a little persuading the four retirees agree to go on the cruise and are expecting to escape the cool weather, and enjoy a vacation filled with sun, sea and relaxation.
But it’s not all smooth sailing when only some of the friends land up boarding the cruise ship and a passenger goes missing. Then things go from bad to dire when not only does the missing passenger turn up dead, but they are in the path of a ferocious storm and they are stuck on the ship with the murderer. They find themselves caught in a high-stakes murder mystery. Instead of enjoying a relaxing cruise, they must use their diverse experiences to find the murderer.
They head straight into tumultuous waters and find themselves in serious danger. Will the ‘Sage Garden Sleuths’ find the murderer before there are more victims, possibly themselves? Or will this be their final voyage?
Join the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ for a page-turning, adrenaline-filled, fun cozy mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
But it’s not all smooth sailing when only some of the friends land up boarding the cruise ship and a passenger goes missing. Then things go from bad to dire when not only does the missing passenger turn up dead, but they are in the path of a ferocious storm and they are stuck on the ship with the murderer. They find themselves caught in a high-stakes murder mystery. Instead of enjoying a relaxing cruise, they must use their diverse experiences to find the murderer.
They head straight into tumultuous waters and find themselves in serious danger. Will the ‘Sage Garden Sleuths’ find the murderer before there are more victims, possibly themselves? Or will this be their final voyage?
Join the ‘Sage Gardens Sleuths’ for a page-turning, adrenaline-filled, fun cozy mystery by USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cindy Bell.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 22, 2020
Sage Gardens is a community of older adults with various activities for them to enjoy. Samantha, Jo, Eddy, and Walt are taking a cruise they won at a Mystery Murder Weekend. All four have been solving crimes for a while and are excited about the cruise, except Walt. Walt has an obsessive-compulsive disorder that is germ-related as well as being in confined spaces. From the day they arrive at the hotel Walt is extremely uncomfortable, even with the encouragement of his friends. When he gets his first view of the cruise ship, how large it is, along with all the people onboard, he cannot cope, and backs out, opting to return to the hotel and stay in touch through his computer’s camera and email.
Once on board the cruise ship Samantha, Jo, and Eddy look forward to the activities and relaxing in the sun. After witnessing a heated exchange, they try to focus on more pleasant things while also worrying about Walt, back at the hotel. When the guest they were observing during the argument turns up dead, all three retirees rely on their skills to help solve the case. Eddy goes into detective mode, Samantha, journalist mode, and Jo relies on her past experiences.
Cindy Bell’s series are fun, quick reads. Although, I have not read many books in this series, I am able to follow along without feeling completely lost. There is the fun banter between friends with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I received this book as a gift, and I am happy to leave a fair and honest review.
Once on board the cruise ship Samantha, Jo, and Eddy look forward to the activities and relaxing in the sun. After witnessing a heated exchange, they try to focus on more pleasant things while also worrying about Walt, back at the hotel. When the guest they were observing during the argument turns up dead, all three retirees rely on their skills to help solve the case. Eddy goes into detective mode, Samantha, journalist mode, and Jo relies on her past experiences.
Cindy Bell’s series are fun, quick reads. Although, I have not read many books in this series, I am able to follow along without feeling completely lost. There is the fun banter between friends with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I received this book as a gift, and I am happy to leave a fair and honest review.
August 5, 2025
I’m actually only on page 7, but I already know this will be a 5 star - all these books have been.
The reason I am already writing this is because I want to mention some things about the 4 friends. I just thought about how kind Walt’s friends are. He gets frustrated with himself for not being “normal,” like most people; however, Samantha, Eddy, and Jo understand Walt like no one else does. Sure Walt is particular about everything, everything has to be clean and arranged in a certain way in order for him to be comfortable, but his friends don’t mind his quirkiness and love him in spite of his oddities.
Samantha, in particular, is already doing everything she can to make him comfortable before their cruise. She made sure to wait for him by the elevator because she promised she wouldn’t let him ride it by himself or make him feel he must always take the stairs. She is so kind toward him and so are Eddy and Jo. The four have such a special friendship. 😍
Unfortunately, one of the four friends was unable to attend the cruise; however, that person was very active in helping the other three with finding out who the killer was.
As always, I was held captive by the words written in this story and I read through and only put my book down when I had to bathe. In fact, I even carried my kindle into bed and fell asleep reading. Luckily I’ve got an Oasis that has a Lock Screen, so I don’t turn pages while asleep and lose my place.
Next is Puzzles Can Be Deadly - I’m only 19% through it and there’s already been a murder. Not to worry because the Fantastic Four are on the case!
The reason I am already writing this is because I want to mention some things about the 4 friends. I just thought about how kind Walt’s friends are. He gets frustrated with himself for not being “normal,” like most people; however, Samantha, Eddy, and Jo understand Walt like no one else does. Sure Walt is particular about everything, everything has to be clean and arranged in a certain way in order for him to be comfortable, but his friends don’t mind his quirkiness and love him in spite of his oddities.
Samantha, in particular, is already doing everything she can to make him comfortable before their cruise. She made sure to wait for him by the elevator because she promised she wouldn’t let him ride it by himself or make him feel he must always take the stairs. She is so kind toward him and so are Eddy and Jo. The four have such a special friendship. 😍
Unfortunately, one of the four friends was unable to attend the cruise; however, that person was very active in helping the other three with finding out who the killer was.
As always, I was held captive by the words written in this story and I read through and only put my book down when I had to bathe. In fact, I even carried my kindle into bed and fell asleep reading. Luckily I’ve got an Oasis that has a Lock Screen, so I don’t turn pages while asleep and lose my place.
Next is Puzzles Can Be Deadly - I’m only 19% through it and there’s already been a murder. Not to worry because the Fantastic Four are on the case!
February 20, 2020
The four friends from Sage Gardens won a cruise at a Murder Mystery Weekend and have decided to sail the Caribbean Seas. Samantha, a retired investigative journalist; Eddy, a retired detective; Jo, a retired thief and Walt , a retired accountant are set to board the ship when Walt with all of his phobias decides to stay back at the hotel on land and correspons with the others via his phone and computer.
At the Meet and Greet, they notice an older gentleman, Carson, with a much younger woman, Annabella. After a little bit of an altercation between Carson and another gentleman, the three feel like something is definitely going on with this couple. When Carson winds up dead in a life boat without his shoes and his neck scarf, they feel they should start investigating. The only family Carson has are his three nephews - Caleb, Adam and Drew. They later learn that Carson and Annabella were married before the cruise. This makes Annabella, who stands to inherit a lot of money, the number one suspect.
As the huges storm rolls across the sea, the three want to find out who killed Carson. Was it Annabella, James Barker, Bobby McPherson, Blake (the security guard), Karl and his wife Connie, Todd Carpenter, the nephews?
I love this series by Cindy Bell. You will enjoy it too!! I received an advance copy. This is my honest review.
At the Meet and Greet, they notice an older gentleman, Carson, with a much younger woman, Annabella. After a little bit of an altercation between Carson and another gentleman, the three feel like something is definitely going on with this couple. When Carson winds up dead in a life boat without his shoes and his neck scarf, they feel they should start investigating. The only family Carson has are his three nephews - Caleb, Adam and Drew. They later learn that Carson and Annabella were married before the cruise. This makes Annabella, who stands to inherit a lot of money, the number one suspect.
As the huges storm rolls across the sea, the three want to find out who killed Carson. Was it Annabella, James Barker, Bobby McPherson, Blake (the security guard), Karl and his wife Connie, Todd Carpenter, the nephews?
I love this series by Cindy Bell. You will enjoy it too!! I received an advance copy. This is my honest review.
January 30, 2020
I enjoyed this mystery, another in the Sage Gardens cozy series. I like the characters and seeing their development as a team of friends. The story is for the most part well told, though there are a few places in this series where I've simply had to suspend logic to accept the action going on. Especially, I think the writer could be a little more realistic with the time frame.
I'd really question whether a raging storm, with huge waves strong enough to toss a cruise ship around, could stop within a few minutes so the action could continue. And it's impossible that the ship, after sailing for several days, would be within a short helicopter flight to the port it left from. Or that it could be back at its departure dock when the helicopter arrives. If those inaccuracies don't bother the reader, the story--and the series--is interesting.
I'd really question whether a raging storm, with huge waves strong enough to toss a cruise ship around, could stop within a few minutes so the action could continue. And it's impossible that the ship, after sailing for several days, would be within a short helicopter flight to the port it left from. Or that it could be back at its departure dock when the helicopter arrives. If those inaccuracies don't bother the reader, the story--and the series--is interesting.
February 2, 2020
The Fab Four (no, I don't mean the Beatles) are at it again when they take a cruise that they won at a Mystery Murder Weekend. Samantha, Jo, Eddy and Walt, who all live at the retirement community Sage Gardens, became fast friends when they started solving crimes together. Of course, none of them expect to put their skills to use once on board the ship but that's exactly what happened. I love these four and their staunch loyalty to each other and we'd all be extremely lucky to have friends like them. I also love that they always seem to find themselves in the middle of an investigation no matter where or what they are doing. They are incredibly smart and each has a background that usually comes in handy when investigating. I highly recommend this series as well as Ms. Bell's others!
February 1, 2020
What a trip
The four Sage Garden sleuths always keep me guessing what happens next to everyone. I couldn’t stop laughing at Walt bringing his own sheets and cleaning the bathroom. The four friends are a great team and always solve the mystery. I wish I had friends like that in my life. Another terrific addition to this series. What a scary vacation. Hopefully the next book is available soon.
The four Sage Garden sleuths always keep me guessing what happens next to everyone. I couldn’t stop laughing at Walt bringing his own sheets and cleaning the bathroom. The four friends are a great team and always solve the mystery. I wish I had friends like that in my life. Another terrific addition to this series. What a scary vacation. Hopefully the next book is available soon.
June 26, 2020
This is the best book of this series I have read and it is also the latest one.
The Fab Four, as I refer to them, are at it again aiding ship security in finding the person or persons responsible for the death of a passenger. There is lots of suspense, several suspects, red herrings, surprises and a “killer storm”.
It also seems that the four from Sage Gardens may becoming a set of two couples. I say seem but we may find out more if there is another book.
The Fab Four, as I refer to them, are at it again aiding ship security in finding the person or persons responsible for the death of a passenger. There is lots of suspense, several suspects, red herrings, surprises and a “killer storm”.
It also seems that the four from Sage Gardens may becoming a set of two couples. I say seem but we may find out more if there is another book.
August 17, 2025
The senior gang was going on a cruise. Of course, for OCD Walt, the ship was just too much for him to handle, so he stayed behind at the hotel while his friends got on-board. The man-overboard signal sounds on the ship. Oh dear! Turns out that there was a murder, and the gang had to try to solve it with a storm coming. Boy, you sure wouldn’t find me on a boat. It sure was fun seeing these old guys hunting down those clues as always. A good mystery!
February 12, 2022
A great Series !
There are only 14 books ready until August 2022. This is a fun series. It is set in a retirement community. Rumors and drama just like in a small town. The characters are very believable and nice. Sage Gardens would be a nice place to live, except for the murders. I like the longer series since I read every night. Enjoy the stories !!!
There are only 14 books ready until August 2022. This is a fun series. It is set in a retirement community. Rumors and drama just like in a small town. The characters are very believable and nice. Sage Gardens would be a nice place to live, except for the murders. I like the longer series since I read every night. Enjoy the stories !!!
February 5, 2020
A great cozy
I love Jo,Sam,Walt,and Eddy the four of them make a great team. I can't wait till the next book. If you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Cindy Bell is a must read.
I love Jo,Sam,Walt,and Eddy the four of them make a great team. I can't wait till the next book. If you're like me and love a great cozy with characters you will love and a story that keeps you turning the page then this series by Cindy Bell is a must read.
February 14, 2020
Ships Ahoy
When the friends decide to take the cruise they won at a winter resort. Walt is not able to get past his phobias to board the ship. Sam, Jo and Eddy board leaving Walt to stay at the hotel until they return. All is not as expected when they check in to their luxury cabins. When a fellow cruise mate is found deceased, and a major storm heading for the ship the stakes are high and the killer may strike again before caught!
When the friends decide to take the cruise they won at a winter resort. Walt is not able to get past his phobias to board the ship. Sam, Jo and Eddy board leaving Walt to stay at the hotel until they return. All is not as expected when they check in to their luxury cabins. When a fellow cruise mate is found deceased, and a major storm heading for the ship the stakes are high and the killer may strike again before caught!
February 22, 2020
Another wonderful book in the Sage Gardens Cozy Mystery Series. The characters have grown closer as the series goes on. I'm almost sensing a feeling of love in the air. The books ca be stand alone, however, I recommend reading the series from the beginning to a true feel of the characters.
January 6, 2022
Loved it!!
Boy, what a cruise!
Between the murder and then that awful storm, they really
had a hard time figuring this one out!
I enjoyed it immensely.
Can't wait for the next mystery.
Thanx Cindy!!
Boy, what a cruise!
Between the murder and then that awful storm, they really
had a hard time figuring this one out!
I enjoyed it immensely.
Can't wait for the next mystery.
Thanx Cindy!!
February 1, 2020
Nice little cozy.
I enjoy the Sage Garden gang. These are fast reads with interesting characters. I will continue to read this series.
I enjoy the Sage Garden gang. These are fast reads with interesting characters. I will continue to read this series.
February 3, 2020
Great adventure
I think this one was the best book yet in this series by Cindy Bell. The gang really got in deep with this one.
I think this one was the best book yet in this series by Cindy Bell. The gang really got in deep with this one.
February 12, 2020
Cindy Bell has another hit
Having taken a couple of cruises, I can relate to the locations. This is an intelligent mystery with plenty of suspense and suspects.
Having taken a couple of cruises, I can relate to the locations. This is an intelligent mystery with plenty of suspense and suspects.
October 18, 2021
Who killed Carson and why??? I have been on many cruises and am happy to say none of them had this kind of weather or murder!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
February 12, 2026
This wasn’t my favourite one. I’ve loved the rest of the series. It just went on a bit too long this time. It was good, but not as good as the others!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews