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The Cabin Below
What happens on the water, stays on the water.
Or so they thought. Allison and her handsome, charismatic husband, Doug, are on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. But the steady stream of idyllic photos and happy hashtags they post online is hiding a dangerous rift in their relationship. Allison has long suspected that Doug is having an affair. Despite his impassioned denials and smooth-talking alibis, she’s unconvinced of his innocence and determined to dig for the truth, no matter the cost.
And she’s not the only one delving into their secrets. The couple they’ve befriended on the cruise has been watching them. And they’ve come to a disturbing conclusion of their own. When Allison disappears the night before the ship docks back in Florida, they bring their terrifying suspicions to the police.
But the truth about Allison’s whereabouts proves even more shocking than anyone imagined.
- An addictive thriller brimming with twists and a stunning conclusion! -
Will you enjoy The Cabin Below? If you read any of my favorite psychological and domestic suspense thriller authors including K.L. Slater, Shalini Boland, Adam Croft, Kathryn Croft, Lisa Gardner, Louise Jensen, or Rachel Caine, the answer is a resounding yes!
Or so they thought. Allison and her handsome, charismatic husband, Doug, are on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. But the steady stream of idyllic photos and happy hashtags they post online is hiding a dangerous rift in their relationship. Allison has long suspected that Doug is having an affair. Despite his impassioned denials and smooth-talking alibis, she’s unconvinced of his innocence and determined to dig for the truth, no matter the cost.
And she’s not the only one delving into their secrets. The couple they’ve befriended on the cruise has been watching them. And they’ve come to a disturbing conclusion of their own. When Allison disappears the night before the ship docks back in Florida, they bring their terrifying suspicions to the police.
But the truth about Allison’s whereabouts proves even more shocking than anyone imagined.
- An addictive thriller brimming with twists and a stunning conclusion! -
Will you enjoy The Cabin Below? If you read any of my favorite psychological and domestic suspense thriller authors including K.L. Slater, Shalini Boland, Adam Croft, Kathryn Croft, Lisa Gardner, Louise Jensen, or Rachel Caine, the answer is a resounding yes!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2020
2118 people are currently reading
1410 people want to read
About the author
N.L. Hinkens
23 books342 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author N. L. Hinkens writes twisty psychological suspense thrillers with unexpected endings. She’s a travel junkie, coffee hound, and idea wrangler, in no particular order. She grew up in Ireland—land of legends and storytelling—and now resides in the US. Her work has won the Grand Prize Next Generation Indie Book Award for fiction, as well as numerous other awards. Join her VIP Reader Club for hot new releases, stellar giveaways, exclusive content, behind the scenes and more. https://normahinkens.com/
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 196 reviews
July 7, 2025
Allison and Doug Robinson go on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. They befriend another couple, Sophia and Cody Clark, who are also celebrating their anniversary. They get together often for dinner and ship events. Allison has been depressed recently, and being on the ship and making new friends start to cheer her up. But she also is doing some absent-minded things, like misplacing items, taking too many of her antidepressant pills. Or is she? She starts suspecting something is wrong. Then things take a turn for the worse…
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the shipboard setting. The cast of characters were very interesting. I really liked Sophia. I wondered how everything would turn out at the end, which, it turned out, held some surprises.
Another fine read by N. L. Hinkens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the shipboard setting. The cast of characters were very interesting. I really liked Sophia. I wondered how everything would turn out at the end, which, it turned out, held some surprises.
Another fine read by N. L. Hinkens.
July 27, 2020
Time to take a vacation...A cruise with an author I have come to expect twists, turns, shocking reveals and psychological events that will bounce you off the wall..again and again..Until the explosive ending which will Definitely Throw YOU Overboard!! And this 5 STAR story does just that, as a dysfunctional couple, already partaking in couple therapy, meet people with stories of their own they are trying to 'fix'.
On a cruise there is no where to hide as Allison starts to wonder if she is losing it..Just what her husband, Doug, seems to be saying..And things happen that make her unsure of herself..Or is it all a part of her 'loving' husbands' evil plan..She puts a gorgeous piece of jewelry in her closet, but when she returns it is Gone! She calls security to say it has been stolen, only to find it in a totally different spot..Did she put it there?...
A wonderful tale with things happening that you can not believe, from one minute to the next your view of the couple will change...WHAT IS GOING ON?!
I received an ARC from the author and give you my honest thoughts and feelings of this roller-coaster ride to You in this review. One you need to read, will You be able to guess the ending? Bet you Can't!!!
On a cruise there is no where to hide as Allison starts to wonder if she is losing it..Just what her husband, Doug, seems to be saying..And things happen that make her unsure of herself..Or is it all a part of her 'loving' husbands' evil plan..She puts a gorgeous piece of jewelry in her closet, but when she returns it is Gone! She calls security to say it has been stolen, only to find it in a totally different spot..Did she put it there?...
A wonderful tale with things happening that you can not believe, from one minute to the next your view of the couple will change...WHAT IS GOING ON?!
I received an ARC from the author and give you my honest thoughts and feelings of this roller-coaster ride to You in this review. One you need to read, will You be able to guess the ending? Bet you Can't!!!
September 1, 2020
Terrible and predictable book
This book aggravated me from the beginning. None of it was even slightly believable and the characters were horrible. I especially dislike the way the author continually used the fact that Allison took antidepressants as this big shameful secret she had and once that was out, it became a character flaw for her. It was brought up dozens of times throughout the book as an excuse for odd behavior, forgetfulness, and something to be pitied. It’s clear to me that the author has zero experience with antidepressants because she writes about them from the point of view of something who has no idea what they’re talking about. Ditto for actual depression. I hated every single character in this book. They were so poorly written that each conversation just annoyed me. I finished this book to see if I could accurately predict it from the beginning and I did, so that tells you a lot about the “shocking twist” that was supposed to happen. I will skip any book from this author in the future.
This book aggravated me from the beginning. None of it was even slightly believable and the characters were horrible. I especially dislike the way the author continually used the fact that Allison took antidepressants as this big shameful secret she had and once that was out, it became a character flaw for her. It was brought up dozens of times throughout the book as an excuse for odd behavior, forgetfulness, and something to be pitied. It’s clear to me that the author has zero experience with antidepressants because she writes about them from the point of view of something who has no idea what they’re talking about. Ditto for actual depression. I hated every single character in this book. They were so poorly written that each conversation just annoyed me. I finished this book to see if I could accurately predict it from the beginning and I did, so that tells you a lot about the “shocking twist” that was supposed to happen. I will skip any book from this author in the future.
August 20, 2020
Nope.....lost me in the first paragraph
Apparently this author does not understand the definition of brooding. This was the sentence “A mischievous grin softened his chiseled jawline, lending him that brooding air...”. People that are grinning and being mischievous are the opposite of people who are brooding. Brooding is being quiet and thoughtful. If she can’t even understand the definition of the words that she is utilizing then I don’t see the point in reading further. Also using descriptions like “chiseled jawline” comes off as being so cheesy. Unfortunately I cannot think of any other word to describe it.
Apparently this author does not understand the definition of brooding. This was the sentence “A mischievous grin softened his chiseled jawline, lending him that brooding air...”. People that are grinning and being mischievous are the opposite of people who are brooding. Brooding is being quiet and thoughtful. If she can’t even understand the definition of the words that she is utilizing then I don’t see the point in reading further. Also using descriptions like “chiseled jawline” comes off as being so cheesy. Unfortunately I cannot think of any other word to describe it.
July 31, 2020
Wow, what a book! My head is spinning from the ending I never saw coming! I love this author's writing style, she always hooks me from the first page. But a couple of her books left me hanging which Im not a fan of. I've read them all and actually I think this is her best book yet! I started it yesterday and finished it today, and yes I have a job, and yes I left the house....but man was this book good!!!!Grab a copy immediately, you will not be disappointed!
July 16, 2020
N.L. Hinkens is an author that I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a few of her books, so when the opportunity came to read and review The Cabin Below, I jumped at the chance!
Right from the beginning, my attention was caught. A rocky marriage that stemmed from an event that the reader doesn’t know right away is something that was cleverly done. I’m sure having marriage issues is something many can relate to, and having one partner not willing to commit to therapy can also be relatable. Then, the need to want to “start over” with a change of scenery, like a cruise, can also be relatable.
The description of the cruise was great. I was reminded of the one and only cruise I took with my husband and a couple of friends two years ago. Reading about the dinners, the pool, Jacuzzi, gym, shows, day excursions, and even the cabins made me miss being on a cruise. Of course, this will not happen for quite some time (especially with a baby on the way!), but it was nice to imagine being back on a cruise ship.
I really appreciated the varying perspectives that readers get while reading this book. It helps to understand and get to know several of the characters, which makes the story more interesting.Switching perspectives was done smoothly and logically throughout the read.
Now, one of my favorite aspects of this book was the guessing game I was playing in my head while reading. The author does a wonderful job in keeping me guessing on what was the truth and what was going to happen. I also loved learning the truth at the end! This was a novel that I literally read within a day because I didn’t want to put it down!
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this exciting book, and I can’t wait for her next one! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and a read that will keep you guessing who is telling the truth until the end!
https://bookloverblogs.com/2020/07/16...
Right from the beginning, my attention was caught. A rocky marriage that stemmed from an event that the reader doesn’t know right away is something that was cleverly done. I’m sure having marriage issues is something many can relate to, and having one partner not willing to commit to therapy can also be relatable. Then, the need to want to “start over” with a change of scenery, like a cruise, can also be relatable.
The description of the cruise was great. I was reminded of the one and only cruise I took with my husband and a couple of friends two years ago. Reading about the dinners, the pool, Jacuzzi, gym, shows, day excursions, and even the cabins made me miss being on a cruise. Of course, this will not happen for quite some time (especially with a baby on the way!), but it was nice to imagine being back on a cruise ship.
I really appreciated the varying perspectives that readers get while reading this book. It helps to understand and get to know several of the characters, which makes the story more interesting.Switching perspectives was done smoothly and logically throughout the read.
Now, one of my favorite aspects of this book was the guessing game I was playing in my head while reading. The author does a wonderful job in keeping me guessing on what was the truth and what was going to happen. I also loved learning the truth at the end! This was a novel that I literally read within a day because I didn’t want to put it down!
Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this exciting book, and I can’t wait for her next one! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and a read that will keep you guessing who is telling the truth until the end!
https://bookloverblogs.com/2020/07/16...
April 24, 2023
If you like thrillers and cruise ship excursions, then this book may be for you. There are two main couples in this mystery with the central character being Allison. Due to the death of her infant daughter, she has a history of depression. She keeps doing absent minded things on the cruise that can put her in harm’s way. Her husband and the other couple are there to support her, and take her mind off of her sorrows. But early on, we don’t know if the husband is really the adoring spouse or a cheater. Then, the unthinkable happens, and we are in for a real mystery. I like the twists and turns of this book, and it ends on a satisfying note!
November 21, 2020
Thoughtless Writing
I am afraid I lost IQ points from skimming over this ridiculous dunce of a story. For one thing, an obvious lack of knowledge about anti-depressants didn't hold this writer back from representing the meds as an integral part of the story - but one based on ignorance of even the basic facts.
And the flimsy characters!! Stating every single time when a character appears that he/she is SO gorgeous is NOT character development!
No one bit of suspense or thrill or psychology involved. This book is a loser in every way.
I am afraid I lost IQ points from skimming over this ridiculous dunce of a story. For one thing, an obvious lack of knowledge about anti-depressants didn't hold this writer back from representing the meds as an integral part of the story - but one based on ignorance of even the basic facts.
And the flimsy characters!! Stating every single time when a character appears that he/she is SO gorgeous is NOT character development!
No one bit of suspense or thrill or psychology involved. This book is a loser in every way.
August 3, 2020
What a great book. I love this author's writing style and the well thought out characters. I did not see many of the twists coming and it kept me guessing until the very end. A definite must read.
August 24, 2022
A very good read. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 was because of all the excess descriptions which I thought were superfluous. Otherwise it was another great Hinkens read.
July 16, 2020
I received a free ARC for The Cabin Below for an honest review. The Cabin Below is the first book that I have read by N.L. Hinkens and I can truly say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Who does not love a psychological suspense thriller with a surprise ending. N.L. HInkens is an amazing storyteller. I love how she developed the story line and the characters. I love the setting and the fact that it took place on a cruise ship, I love going on cruises, not sure if I have to be careful with my own husband now when we go cruising. The Cabin Below is the story of Allison and Doug Robinson. Doug booked a Caribbean cruise aboard the Diamond of the Waves so that he and Allison can celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary and reconnect following Allison's recent "miscarriage". In the VIP check-in line Allison and Doug meet Sophia and Cody Clark who will be celebrating their fourteenth anniversary the following day. The agree to meet for dinner and then spend the rest of the cruise together. Allison starts "misplacing" things and seems to be forgetful. While swimming with Sophia at their first port of call, Allison collapses in the water from a suspected overdose attempt. Most of her antidepressants are missing from the prescription bottle that was full at the beginning of the cruise. Unbeknownst to Doug, Allison share some of her secrets and concerns with Sophia, so when Allison goes missing on the last day of their cruise, everyone believes that Allison committed suicide by jumping overboard. Sophia realizes something is wrong when watching the CCTV video showing Doug and Allison returning to the ship from their excursion in Jamaica, and realizes that it is not Allison on Doug's arm. I love the plot twists between some of the other characters in the story. Cody confesses to Sophia that they are in trouble with the IRS and one of the performers, Misty Murano, has issues with one of the security officer, Rob Benson. I love the build up of the plot. Reading the story recap, I knew that Allison disappeared and I could not figure out how it was going to happen. Then it did happen. My favorite part was the surprise ending when all the truths are revealed. It was an incredible thriller. Looking forward to reading more books by N.L. Hinkens. Looking for a great thriller, then I highly recommend The Cabin Below. I love how the title was incorporated into the story, Doug and Allison's cabin was one floor below Sophia and Cody's cabin.
August 7, 2020
NL Hinkens is a pro at building suspense and mystery in a novel. This book is no exception, as she introduces Doug and Allison, the “happily married” couple celebrating their ten-year-wedding anniversary aboard a cruise. While boarding, they meet Sophia and Cody, a couple celebrating their fourteen-year anniversary the following day. In no small part, due to Sophia’s outgoing and tenacious personality, they end up spending almost all of their time together and Sophia and Allison form a friendship.
The author drops hints along the way for the reader to follow—an oversized hat, Doug’s insistence that Allison pack the antidepressants she no longer takes just in case (although it shows a lack of understanding on both of their parts because antidepressants don’t work that way), Doug’s effusive displays of affection, Allison’s confusion and apparent attempted suicide. If you've read any of her books before, you’ll be anticipating any number of possibilities, but simply knowing she’s planning to misdirect you isn’t enough to prevent the misdirection.
The story is told from varying third-person POVs—Allison, Rob, Sophia, Detective Mendoza, Misty, and Doug—each revealing hints and/or misdirecting the reader’s suspicions. Many of the characters are hiding their true selves beneath the surface, which is no surprise since this is a psychological mystery. In the end, the characters you may have perceived as weak or villainous are not what they present outwardly. Nothing is quite how it seems.
The author drops hints along the way for the reader to follow—an oversized hat, Doug’s insistence that Allison pack the antidepressants she no longer takes just in case (although it shows a lack of understanding on both of their parts because antidepressants don’t work that way), Doug’s effusive displays of affection, Allison’s confusion and apparent attempted suicide. If you've read any of her books before, you’ll be anticipating any number of possibilities, but simply knowing she’s planning to misdirect you isn’t enough to prevent the misdirection.
The story is told from varying third-person POVs—Allison, Rob, Sophia, Detective Mendoza, Misty, and Doug—each revealing hints and/or misdirecting the reader’s suspicions. Many of the characters are hiding their true selves beneath the surface, which is no surprise since this is a psychological mystery. In the end, the characters you may have perceived as weak or villainous are not what they present outwardly. Nothing is quite how it seems.
November 28, 2020
I can’t really spoil the ending since I gave up reading this at 57% of the way through. I rarely stop reading a book because I want to know how it all turns out - with this book, I just don’t care. Is someone going to go overboard or pretend to? I don’t care. Is Allison’s handsome husband (we are reminded of how handsome he is every other page) having an affair? I don’t care. Is someone trying to make Allison think she’s losing her mind by moving things in the cabin and stealing half her antidepressants? I don’t care. (Not to mention - oh wait - I’m mentioning it - being judged for taking antidepressants is so last century). This is the second book I’ve read in a week where the husband has a “lopsided grin” that is just so endearing to his wife. Seriously? I’m going to have to look more closely now to see if any men I know actually have lopsided grins - sounds very childish to me. Ok - sorry, I’m done with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
I love cruise ship novels. Throw in murder, and you got me hooked. A dysfunctional family, a cruise, secerts, what could go wrong?
I was never on a cruise, but I felt like I did as I sailed together with the characters. N.L. Hinkens got a unique way of building the suspense, and the readers will soon find themselves turning the pages as fast as possible to find out what happens next. The characters are well-drawn, and I liked the alternate perspectives told from the third-person POV.
The book is full of twists and turns where things are rarely what they seem to be. Hinkens’ smooth writing style propels the plot, and I cruised through my reading. This book was definitely a quick read for me, and I found myself drawn in by both the story and the characters. Highly recommended!
I was never on a cruise, but I felt like I did as I sailed together with the characters. N.L. Hinkens got a unique way of building the suspense, and the readers will soon find themselves turning the pages as fast as possible to find out what happens next. The characters are well-drawn, and I liked the alternate perspectives told from the third-person POV.
The book is full of twists and turns where things are rarely what they seem to be. Hinkens’ smooth writing style propels the plot, and I cruised through my reading. This book was definitely a quick read for me, and I found myself drawn in by both the story and the characters. Highly recommended!
April 6, 2021
Another 4 star book for me! I really enjoyed this story. It was quick, had good character development, was easy to follow and kept me engaged the entire time! I did not want to put this book down!
A couple goes on a cruise to rekindle their marriage, but it isn’t entirely what it seems. Characters you want to hate end up becoming characters you love in the end, twists and turns you don’t see coming and an ending that makes you think and question what REALLY happened between these characters?!
Highly recommend! 4 stars ⭐️- Ashley
A couple goes on a cruise to rekindle their marriage, but it isn’t entirely what it seems. Characters you want to hate end up becoming characters you love in the end, twists and turns you don’t see coming and an ending that makes you think and question what REALLY happened between these characters?!
Highly recommend! 4 stars ⭐️- Ashley
September 20, 2020
Started off promising, I enjoyed the build up of suspense, that’s what stopped me giving it one star instead of two....but half way through it was cringe worthy...apparently most men are stereotypically blind sided by a young, blond pretty woman who can easily be manipulated to lie, cheat, engage in illegal and criminal behaviour. There’s 3 men in this story all ga-ga over one woman who do just that. The author’s attempts to throw in a few twists right to the end just had me rolling my eyes.
May 27, 2021
Loved it. I actually went on to read two more of hers and I think I have found a new favorite author!
October 4, 2021
This was so cringe, y’all
August 5, 2020
A STUNNING TALE OF OBSESSION, BETRAYAL, AND MURDER. FIVE WILDLY APPLAUDING STARS!
No one writes psychological suspense thrillers like N. L. Hinkens, and she's outdone herself with this gem! I've read several of her books, and I thought I had the plot all figured out this time. To be honest, I was even a bit disappointed toward the end, because it wasn't turning out the way I'd hoped it would. But then--WOW! My smug complacency was struck with a stunning twist that nearly made me drop my Kindle! How does the author think of this stuff, anyway? I'm so glad she does, because her books always take me on a thrilling ride.
The "ride" in this book is on a Caribbean cruise ship--the Diamond of the Waves--for a celebration of Doug and Allison Robinson's tenth wedding anniversary. I've never been on a cruise ship, so I enjoyed the immersive experience of fabulous dining, on-board entertainments, luxurious accommodations, on shore excursions in exotic locations, and lots of sunny relaxation.
But there's nothing relaxing about this cruise! Tension steadily mounts as Allison is swept into undercurrents of deception that make her question her own sanity, as well as the motives of the handsome man who professes to love her. It's a chilling tale of two men who are so obsessed with lust for the ship's enchanting singer that they'll do anything to possess her--including murder.
I'll go no further, because nothing should spoil your enjoyment of this exciting journey. Buy a boarding pass, start your voyage, and hold tight to the ship's railing through all the unexpected twists and turns ahead. Be sure to watch for that final big shock, or you might fall overboard! (Or drop your Kindle in the water.)
As always, oceans of thanks to the author and her team for flawless editing and proofreading. This perfect cruise easily earns five stars and MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!
No one writes psychological suspense thrillers like N. L. Hinkens, and she's outdone herself with this gem! I've read several of her books, and I thought I had the plot all figured out this time. To be honest, I was even a bit disappointed toward the end, because it wasn't turning out the way I'd hoped it would. But then--WOW! My smug complacency was struck with a stunning twist that nearly made me drop my Kindle! How does the author think of this stuff, anyway? I'm so glad she does, because her books always take me on a thrilling ride.
The "ride" in this book is on a Caribbean cruise ship--the Diamond of the Waves--for a celebration of Doug and Allison Robinson's tenth wedding anniversary. I've never been on a cruise ship, so I enjoyed the immersive experience of fabulous dining, on-board entertainments, luxurious accommodations, on shore excursions in exotic locations, and lots of sunny relaxation.
But there's nothing relaxing about this cruise! Tension steadily mounts as Allison is swept into undercurrents of deception that make her question her own sanity, as well as the motives of the handsome man who professes to love her. It's a chilling tale of two men who are so obsessed with lust for the ship's enchanting singer that they'll do anything to possess her--including murder.
I'll go no further, because nothing should spoil your enjoyment of this exciting journey. Buy a boarding pass, start your voyage, and hold tight to the ship's railing through all the unexpected twists and turns ahead. Be sure to watch for that final big shock, or you might fall overboard! (Or drop your Kindle in the water.)
As always, oceans of thanks to the author and her team for flawless editing and proofreading. This perfect cruise easily earns five stars and MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!
July 30, 2020
Handsome Doug books a cruise for Allison to celebrate their tenth anniversary and try to get their marriage back on track. Allison has been suffering from depression since THAT day (which is explained about 1/3 of the way through). As they are boarding they meet Sophia and Cody and spend the week doing things with them. Allison suspects Doug is having an affair and confides in Sophia. Things start to not add up. I don't want to spoil the story so I won't explain further. This is a twisty suspenseful story that when you think you have it figured out, the author throws in another plot twist. I found the whole story to be plausible and the characters portrayed well if not always likeable and not always what they appear to be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Ms Hinkens' work.
July 31, 2021
I really enjoyed the ending and the final twist.
I suspected the husband of being a super asshole from the beginning. I didn’t suspect quite how bad it was, but knew things didn’t add up as soon as the Ava story came up.
I was really annoyed by Rob and all his crazy and cover up with Misty - although some of that was rectified in the ending. It was so annoying that I put down the book and walked away from it for a while.
The ending made up for a lot, but I’m not sure how much I would recommend it.
I suspected the husband of being a super asshole from the beginning. I didn’t suspect quite how bad it was, but knew things didn’t add up as soon as the Ava story came up.
I was really annoyed by Rob and all his crazy and cover up with Misty - although some of that was rectified in the ending. It was so annoying that I put down the book and walked away from it for a while.
The ending made up for a lot, but I’m not sure how much I would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
The start of the book had way to much description (I’m talking like all the little details of everyones food orders..) but that seemed to get better towards the middle of book. Other than that, I really enjoyed this one! Chapter length me are great, some twists and turns, and the ending. Ok, the ending was a little far fetched, but still great! I will definitely pick up another book by NL Hinkens.
August 29, 2020
This was fantastic! Kept me turning the pages, hated when I had to put it down. The setting was fresh, a cruise ship, the characters interesting, making you want to know more about them, and the plot was totally engaging! This is one I would highly recommend!
December 25, 2020
Wow, what a great read. A real page turner with so many twists and turns, it was literally impossible to put down. With an ending you never saw coming.
February 17, 2021
Devoured in 1 sitting. Good & twisty!
May 13, 2021
Underdeveloped, cardboard characters and very predictable story.
September 17, 2021
An amazing read that keeps you guessing all the way to the end of the story. Loved the ending!
December 27, 2023
It was fun reading about vacationing on a cruise ship. The murder mystery helped pull the story along. Good read!
March 14, 2021
Finished in a day! The twist at the end was awesome, I didn’t see it coming and I love those kinds of endings.
I really just had a couple of issues. The author throws words like addict and alcoholic WAY too often. It’s obvious to me that they have no real experience with either. Especially over tiny things like having 2-3 drinks in one sitting lol. I’m sorry, but if that’s alcoholism, I’m a raging one. Also, people just don’t really have a tendency to abuse or overdose on antidepressant medication. The author equated antidepressants with a drug like OxyContin or Hydrocodone, which would have been more believable as an abused medication.
Instead of saying drinks (like a normal person), the author constantly used the word cocktail. Yes, I know it’s a cocktail, but people don’t use that term the way it was always being used. (“Let’s have a few cocktails.” “They had a few too many cocktails.”) No. Drinks.
The endless Facebook posts. Ugh, get off your phone. Quit telling everyone your business! You’re supposed to be on a cruise, having fun and not worrying about impressing people. And always using hashtags on Facebook isn’t normal. Hashtags = Twitter.
I liked Allison well enough by the end of the book, but her insecurities about how drop dead her husband was compared to her just grated on my nerves. Being inside her head for some of her narratives (oh dear, Cody seems to be helping himself his 3rd glass of wine, he must have a Drinking Problem) gave me the impression that she was overly judgmental towards others and I didn’t care for that.
Another was the fact that ok, I get it. Doug and Misty were both BEAUTIFUL (OMG!) people, and I’m certainly not denying the fact that indeed there are some gorgeous humans out there, but EVERY SINGLE PERSON is not going to find the exact same human the same level of attractive. To keep saying that Doug swiveled every female’s head as soon as he walked into any room was rather irritating. I’m sure he didn’t. I’m sure there were many women who didn’t give him a second glance. Same with Misty. A woman so breathtakingly beautiful that one of the officer’s taking her statement drops his jaw like a horny preteen made my eyes roll. Good lord, seriously.
Regardless, the character development was good and overall, a really great book that got me out of my head for several hours.
I really just had a couple of issues. The author throws words like addict and alcoholic WAY too often. It’s obvious to me that they have no real experience with either. Especially over tiny things like having 2-3 drinks in one sitting lol. I’m sorry, but if that’s alcoholism, I’m a raging one. Also, people just don’t really have a tendency to abuse or overdose on antidepressant medication. The author equated antidepressants with a drug like OxyContin or Hydrocodone, which would have been more believable as an abused medication.
Instead of saying drinks (like a normal person), the author constantly used the word cocktail. Yes, I know it’s a cocktail, but people don’t use that term the way it was always being used. (“Let’s have a few cocktails.” “They had a few too many cocktails.”) No. Drinks.
The endless Facebook posts. Ugh, get off your phone. Quit telling everyone your business! You’re supposed to be on a cruise, having fun and not worrying about impressing people. And always using hashtags on Facebook isn’t normal. Hashtags = Twitter.
I liked Allison well enough by the end of the book, but her insecurities about how drop dead her husband was compared to her just grated on my nerves. Being inside her head for some of her narratives (oh dear, Cody seems to be helping himself his 3rd glass of wine, he must have a Drinking Problem) gave me the impression that she was overly judgmental towards others and I didn’t care for that.
Another was the fact that ok, I get it. Doug and Misty were both BEAUTIFUL (OMG!) people, and I’m certainly not denying the fact that indeed there are some gorgeous humans out there, but EVERY SINGLE PERSON is not going to find the exact same human the same level of attractive. To keep saying that Doug swiveled every female’s head as soon as he walked into any room was rather irritating. I’m sure he didn’t. I’m sure there were many women who didn’t give him a second glance. Same with Misty. A woman so breathtakingly beautiful that one of the officer’s taking her statement drops his jaw like a horny preteen made my eyes roll. Good lord, seriously.
Regardless, the character development was good and overall, a really great book that got me out of my head for several hours.
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