What do you think?
Rate this book
Killing in the Caribbean
From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Fischetto comes a beach read full of romance, mystery, and a vacation turned deadly in the sunny Caribbean!
Welcome to Voyage Cruise Line: where a sunny day is always just a trip away!
At least, that’s the official motto Zibby Foster learned when she was hired as the ship’s dance instructor. And she’s starting to believe it—sailing to tropical ports all over the world that have almost been enough to leave the cares of her former life behind. So, when the ship docks in Barbados, Zibby and her new best friend, Cady Hart, plan to soak up the sun, see the sights, and sip the island’s infamous rum at Cady’s boyfriend Aiden’s local bar.
Only their plans go terribly awry when a group of American tourists enter the scene, and one of them dies right in front of Zibby after sipping one of Aiden’s cocktails! With the police suspecting foul play, suddenly Aiden’s livelihood is on the line, a murderer is on the loose, and it’s up to Zibby and Cady to figure out just what killed the vacationing victim. With a little help from the ship’s sexy doctor, Zibby finds herself getting closer to the truth as she gets closer to the deceased’s circle of friends…maybe too close as the danger mounts, time runs out, and the killer sets his sights on Zibby as his second victim!
Welcome to Voyage Cruise Line: where a sunny day is always just a trip away!
At least, that’s the official motto Zibby Foster learned when she was hired as the ship’s dance instructor. And she’s starting to believe it—sailing to tropical ports all over the world that have almost been enough to leave the cares of her former life behind. So, when the ship docks in Barbados, Zibby and her new best friend, Cady Hart, plan to soak up the sun, see the sights, and sip the island’s infamous rum at Cady’s boyfriend Aiden’s local bar.
Only their plans go terribly awry when a group of American tourists enter the scene, and one of them dies right in front of Zibby after sipping one of Aiden’s cocktails! With the police suspecting foul play, suddenly Aiden’s livelihood is on the line, a murderer is on the loose, and it’s up to Zibby and Cady to figure out just what killed the vacationing victim. With a little help from the ship’s sexy doctor, Zibby finds herself getting closer to the truth as she gets closer to the deceased’s circle of friends…maybe too close as the danger mounts, time runs out, and the killer sets his sights on Zibby as his second victim!
- GenresCozyCozy MysteryMystery
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2020
141 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Fischetto
34 books110 followersJennifer Fischetto is a USA TODAY bestselling author of supernatural thrillers filled with dark twists, eerie suspense, and lipstick-stained secrets. She writes about women who carry wounds, face monsters, and still choose love, blending emotional honesty with dangerous thrills to explore the cracks between what we fear and what we feel. She believes the truest ending is one where healing wins.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 21, 2020
This is a very enjoyable book in what I hope is the first in a series. Either way, it certainly kept my attention. Zibby and Cady both work on the cruise ship Athena. Zibby as a dancer and Cady, a singer. The ship has made a three-day stop in Barbados. The descriptions of this place makes me want to get on a ship and head there right now. It sounds fabulous! The characters come alive in the story. Everything seems so real. A wonderful book by an extraordinary author!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
August 15, 2023
This was a good read. Zibby works on a cruise ship. While docked she meets a group of people. One of them is murdered. She then tries to figure out who did it and why. Of course, she solves it, and all is well for now.
August 23, 2020
Killing in the Caribbean earns 5/5 Rum Shots...Killer Entertainment!
Jennifer Fischetto has penned an entertaining cozy adventure with everything from a clever plot and varied personalities to twists, turns, and...rum! Zibby and Cady are very excited about arriving in Barbados: Zibby looks forward to sampling the local rum and Cady can’t wait to see her long-distance beau. Aiden Griffith has opened Ocean Grille, a new bar/restaurant. While at the restaurant, the two meet a group of thirty-something college friends having an impromptu class reunion. The fifth wheel in the group, Barclay Murdock, invites Zibby and Cady to join them, and plans are made for the two to tag along with some sightseeing. However, tensions seem high among the college friends, and Zibby witnesses an odd sight in the restroom and an “intense” confrontation. So...murder? Barclay collapses, dead. Could this ruin Aiden’s restaurant’s reputation? Not if Zibby and Cady can help it.
Jennifer Fischetto’s writing style uses a first-person narrative from Zibby’s perspective giving me the delightful vicarious role in the drama with the “I” references. She fills the pages with descriptive language putting readers in the middle of the tropical paradise with sights, smells, sounds, and popular Barbados sites. The entertaining dialogue did well to set the tone and humor, and illustrate the various personalities from trusting to devious, open to secretive, and helpful to murderous. The drama is well-written, traditional, with friends, not friends, criminal organizations, and secrets...lots of them, but the creative manner in which Jennifer unfolds connections, motives, and a final “oh, my!” ending kept me turning the page well into the wee hours. Zibby is a strong character I am eager to follow, but not without her flaws, issues, and secrets of her own; there’s also an encouraging romantic possibility. Is it a first-in-a-series book? I sure hope so! Sadly, no bonus recipes, just mouthwatering descriptions of Aiden’s restaurant specialties, but I’d love to make macaroni pie...if only I had the recipe!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Jennifer Fischetto has penned an entertaining cozy adventure with everything from a clever plot and varied personalities to twists, turns, and...rum! Zibby and Cady are very excited about arriving in Barbados: Zibby looks forward to sampling the local rum and Cady can’t wait to see her long-distance beau. Aiden Griffith has opened Ocean Grille, a new bar/restaurant. While at the restaurant, the two meet a group of thirty-something college friends having an impromptu class reunion. The fifth wheel in the group, Barclay Murdock, invites Zibby and Cady to join them, and plans are made for the two to tag along with some sightseeing. However, tensions seem high among the college friends, and Zibby witnesses an odd sight in the restroom and an “intense” confrontation. So...murder? Barclay collapses, dead. Could this ruin Aiden’s restaurant’s reputation? Not if Zibby and Cady can help it.
Jennifer Fischetto’s writing style uses a first-person narrative from Zibby’s perspective giving me the delightful vicarious role in the drama with the “I” references. She fills the pages with descriptive language putting readers in the middle of the tropical paradise with sights, smells, sounds, and popular Barbados sites. The entertaining dialogue did well to set the tone and humor, and illustrate the various personalities from trusting to devious, open to secretive, and helpful to murderous. The drama is well-written, traditional, with friends, not friends, criminal organizations, and secrets...lots of them, but the creative manner in which Jennifer unfolds connections, motives, and a final “oh, my!” ending kept me turning the page well into the wee hours. Zibby is a strong character I am eager to follow, but not without her flaws, issues, and secrets of her own; there’s also an encouraging romantic possibility. Is it a first-in-a-series book? I sure hope so! Sadly, no bonus recipes, just mouthwatering descriptions of Aiden’s restaurant specialties, but I’d love to make macaroni pie...if only I had the recipe!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Gemma Halliday Publishing. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
July 23, 2022
The twists started immediately for this reader as in previous novels the main character was the traveler on the cruise ship and the continuous waves of red herrings disclosed secrets. It was a treat to meet Zibby Foster, a dance instructor and her friend Cady, a singer on Athena of the Voyage Cruise Line as it has stopped for a few days in Barbados. Who could possibly resist 3 days of sunny skies and beautiful sandy beaches? Cady can’t wait to see boyfriend Aiden Griffith and Zibby’s looking forward to meeting the guy her friend is always talking about. The stop at Aiden’s new bar/restaurant Ocean Grill quickly changes their plans for the remainder of the day. In fact, it changes the entire time at this port of call.
The book is one of the titles listed as a cozy stand-alone on the author’s website. Mystery meets contemporary romance is charming from the friendship of team members to the sleuthing navigation by a dancer’s steps to entertaining dialogue to the luxurious setting descriptions. An enjoyable adventure to add to your armchair travel itinerary.
The book is one of the titles listed as a cozy stand-alone on the author’s website. Mystery meets contemporary romance is charming from the friendship of team members to the sleuthing navigation by a dancer’s steps to entertaining dialogue to the luxurious setting descriptions. An enjoyable adventure to add to your armchair travel itinerary.
July 3, 2020
Loved this book! Easy read. Good character descriptions. Beautiful location. Surprise ending!
October 8, 2024
Romance, Rum, and Murder
I love unique settings and this story had one. From a cruise ship to the island of Barbados - I’d have liked a little more setting description for the story. I couldn’t really “picture” where I was. But that’s a minor issue. The mystery of who killed the victim was well done with plenty of suspects and the standard amateur sleuth. The characters are realistic and interesting.
Zibby (love her name and the reason behind it!) is working as a dancer on a cruise ship. She makes a best friend, Cady, and they’re on their way to Barbados where Cady’s boyfriend Aiden owns a bar. And Zibby even has a romantic interest in the ship’s doctor. On their first trip into town, they meet up with a group of Americans vacationing there. They form a fast friendship, but when one of them ends up dead, things get really intense, especially since Aiden is one of the suspects. At Cady’s insistence - and with her help - Zibby decides to do her own detecting in order to set Aiden clear.
Overall a decent murder mystery. But we are left with some threads dangling - enough for me to know that there will be more in this series. (I hope). Yes, the murder gets solved and Cady and Aiden get things worked out, but, I’m guessing other questions will be answered in coming books (like what happens between Zibby and the doctor).
Recommended.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to leave a review and all opinions are my own and are not influenced or solicited by anyone.
I love unique settings and this story had one. From a cruise ship to the island of Barbados - I’d have liked a little more setting description for the story. I couldn’t really “picture” where I was. But that’s a minor issue. The mystery of who killed the victim was well done with plenty of suspects and the standard amateur sleuth. The characters are realistic and interesting.
Zibby (love her name and the reason behind it!) is working as a dancer on a cruise ship. She makes a best friend, Cady, and they’re on their way to Barbados where Cady’s boyfriend Aiden owns a bar. And Zibby even has a romantic interest in the ship’s doctor. On their first trip into town, they meet up with a group of Americans vacationing there. They form a fast friendship, but when one of them ends up dead, things get really intense, especially since Aiden is one of the suspects. At Cady’s insistence - and with her help - Zibby decides to do her own detecting in order to set Aiden clear.
Overall a decent murder mystery. But we are left with some threads dangling - enough for me to know that there will be more in this series. (I hope). Yes, the murder gets solved and Cady and Aiden get things worked out, but, I’m guessing other questions will be answered in coming books (like what happens between Zibby and the doctor).
Recommended.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to leave a review and all opinions are my own and are not influenced or solicited by anyone.
July 21, 2020
In this new series, Zibby Foster is a new dance instructor on a cruise ship. While docked in Barbados, she and her cruise ship BFF Cady head to the bar & grille that Cady's boyfriend owns. Zibby and Cady meet some tourists who have gathered for a mini college reunion. One of the tourists Barclay hits on Zibby and later dies right there in the bar.
Zibby having been an eyewitness to a mob murder in her "previous" life is determined to find out what happened to Barclay with the few short days she has remaining in Barbados. Little did she know that she puts herself in imminent danger ... again.
This is my first read by this author. I have to say that I was HIGHLY impressed! I was glued to this cozy mystery, cover to cover, having read it in just a couple of days. I loved the characters, the Barbados location, the murder mystery, and Zibby's former life. A well-rounded cozy package for a first book in the series. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. My only regret is not having read any of this author's works previously. I do have a couple of her ebooks and now I'm ready to transfer them on my ereader!
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
Zibby having been an eyewitness to a mob murder in her "previous" life is determined to find out what happened to Barclay with the few short days she has remaining in Barbados. Little did she know that she puts herself in imminent danger ... again.
This is my first read by this author. I have to say that I was HIGHLY impressed! I was glued to this cozy mystery, cover to cover, having read it in just a couple of days. I loved the characters, the Barbados location, the murder mystery, and Zibby's former life. A well-rounded cozy package for a first book in the series. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. My only regret is not having read any of this author's works previously. I do have a couple of her ebooks and now I'm ready to transfer them on my ereader!
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
July 16, 2022
Zibby has taken a job as a dancer on a cruise ship. Over time, we learn she had to get away and is nursing a huge secret, one that even her closest friend, Cady knows nothing about.
While docked in the Bahamas, they have a few days to spend ashore, in between rehearsals and dance lessons for passengers. Cady, however, wants to catch up with her boyfriend, Aiden, who runs the Ocean Grille.
A group of tourists are already at the bar and invite the two girls to join them; they're all having a great time until one of the tourists drops dead at the table.
All of the man's friends are suspects, as is Aiden, and Zibby really doesn't want to see Cady's boyfriend's business suffer as a consequence. So, a-sleuthing she must go. From breaking and entering, eavesdropping on conversations, and "acquiring" an SD card with plenty of incriminating evidence, Zibby finds herself at the very centre of the mystery. And the killer is not happy with what she uncovers. Dangers - a many a concussion - lie ahead.
A great plot, likeable and well-drawn main characters in Zibby and Caddy, some perfect (potential) villains, and a fab twist, Killing in the Caribbean has mystery, suspense and romance ... and one very big secret. I hope there's more to come from Zibby and Cady.
While docked in the Bahamas, they have a few days to spend ashore, in between rehearsals and dance lessons for passengers. Cady, however, wants to catch up with her boyfriend, Aiden, who runs the Ocean Grille.
A group of tourists are already at the bar and invite the two girls to join them; they're all having a great time until one of the tourists drops dead at the table.
All of the man's friends are suspects, as is Aiden, and Zibby really doesn't want to see Cady's boyfriend's business suffer as a consequence. So, a-sleuthing she must go. From breaking and entering, eavesdropping on conversations, and "acquiring" an SD card with plenty of incriminating evidence, Zibby finds herself at the very centre of the mystery. And the killer is not happy with what she uncovers. Dangers - a many a concussion - lie ahead.
A great plot, likeable and well-drawn main characters in Zibby and Caddy, some perfect (potential) villains, and a fab twist, Killing in the Caribbean has mystery, suspense and romance ... and one very big secret. I hope there's more to come from Zibby and Cady.
July 21, 2020
Zibby is good at hiding secrets, so when she is on the periphery of murder, she knows there are secrets she has to figure out. Of course a dancer on a cruise ship shouldn't be inserting herself in a police investigation, but she has her reasons.
Ever wonder what goes on when the ship docks for three days? Here's your chance to find out! It's a whole lot of fun mixed with strangers, sleuthing, romance, and shipboard life.
Interesting characters who allow Zibby, and her friend Cady, to join them after their friend is murdered are featured. The author also included some shipboard characters, making it fun to see all facets of Zibby's life. Happily, there is a "cute"/hot doctor who has his eye on Zibby for a little hint of romance!
An enjoyable cozy that made me wish I was on the ship as well! Fun reading.
Ever wonder what goes on when the ship docks for three days? Here's your chance to find out! It's a whole lot of fun mixed with strangers, sleuthing, romance, and shipboard life.
Interesting characters who allow Zibby, and her friend Cady, to join them after their friend is murdered are featured. The author also included some shipboard characters, making it fun to see all facets of Zibby's life. Happily, there is a "cute"/hot doctor who has his eye on Zibby for a little hint of romance!
An enjoyable cozy that made me wish I was on the ship as well! Fun reading.
July 24, 2020
This was the first book I've read by this author, and I'll start by telling you it certainly won't be my last. A well-written mystery that involves a cruise, Barbados, a couple of best friends, some mob ties, a dash of romance, and a murder whodunit that will certainly keep you guessing. No spoilers in my review, but here's what you really need to know: Well written story, fun, engaging, and interesting characters that will make it difficult for you to put this book down. I enjoyed the cruise ship aspect and the way the characters interacted, the humor infused into the story and found that it was hard to find a place to stop to get anything else done. Is unputdownable a word? Take a chance, take a cruise and enjoy a well-presented mystery sure to please any cozy lover! I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
July 25, 2020
Colorful characters, mystery and romance in the Caribbean, what more could you ask for? Zippy has taken a new job on a cruise ship, hiding from the mob in New York. She checks in with a friend in the FBI to make sure of her safety. Her close friend Cady has a boyfriend on the island. Aiden has opened a bar and he helps his family financially. Cady is sure that he is going to propose. While at the bar, they meet some Americans and join them for lunch. All is going well until one of the group drops dead! It is assumed that he has food poisoning which can ruin the reputation of Aiden’s bar. Cady and Zippy are determined to find out what happened and clear the bar’s reputation. When it turns out to be murder, lots of twists and turns ensue.
July 15, 2020
In Killing in the Caribbean, Zibby escapes a complicated life by taking a job as a dancer for a cruise line. Docked in the Bahamas, Zibby and her best friend Cady debark to see the sights and to try the island's rum at Cady's boyfriend Aiden's bar. An American tourist drops dead at the bar and Zibby is sucked into trying to clear Aiden's name. The characters are well portrayed. The plot sucked me in immediately and kept me reading far too late at night! This is a very entertaining mystery and I definitely did not figure out who was the murderer! I highly recommend this book.
June 27, 2022
Not a bad little book. I enjoyed the whole shipboard setting and while the two women stumbling upon a murder they feel compelled to solve before the police can figure it out isn’t a new concept, it was still an enjoyable read. I didn’t guess the killer so it’s not too simple for those who enjoy a mystery.
August 27, 2024
What happens on the cruise, stays there.
I loved this book. Most of the character's, were loveable. Even some of the bad guys. I loved how every description in the book, made me feel like I was there. The twists and turns made it hard to figure out, who was guilty. I didn't want to to put it down.
I loved this book. Most of the character's, were loveable. Even some of the bad guys. I loved how every description in the book, made me feel like I was there. The twists and turns made it hard to figure out, who was guilty. I didn't want to to put it down.
July 22, 2020
Excellent
This one totally kept me guessing. I was completely surprised by who the killer was. I just didn't catch all the clues. I really hope we get to see more of these characters.
I received and Advanced Reader copy of this book but loved it so much I purchased a copy.
This one totally kept me guessing. I was completely surprised by who the killer was. I just didn't catch all the clues. I really hope we get to see more of these characters.
I received and Advanced Reader copy of this book but loved it so much I purchased a copy.
June 8, 2021
Anything can happen on a cruise even murder
Loved meeting Zibby and her fun friends. I always enjoy series by Jennifer. She keeps me guessing and laughing the whole book. This one was good and hope we see more from Zibby and Candy and Shawn
Loved meeting Zibby and her fun friends. I always enjoy series by Jennifer. She keeps me guessing and laughing the whole book. This one was good and hope we see more from Zibby and Candy and Shawn
May 29, 2025
I totally did not expect that ending, and while it took a little bit of time to really get into it, once the pace picked up it was a fun read. Nice character development, lots of plot twists and it left me wanting to know, “ what happens next?” Definitely recommend.
July 8, 2020
Zibby has a complicated past, and takes a job as a dance teacher on a cruise ship, in an attempt to get as far away from her hometown as possible. The ship docks in the Bahamas, so Zibby and fellow cruise ship employee and friend Cady, set off to Cady's boyfriend, Aiden's, restaurant for lunch. There they meet a group of fellow Americans, but unfortunately one winds up dead!
As the death occurred in Aiden's resturant, Cady worries for him and his business, so the two women get to investigating the mysterious death. As happens when amateur sleuths stick their nose into investigations, the suspects get a bit wary and cranky, and there are quite a few suspects here! Each member of their lunch group seems to be hiding something big.
This was a light mystery, that was easy and fun to read. The main characters were likeable, and I'd love to read more.
As the death occurred in Aiden's resturant, Cady worries for him and his business, so the two women get to investigating the mysterious death. As happens when amateur sleuths stick their nose into investigations, the suspects get a bit wary and cranky, and there are quite a few suspects here! Each member of their lunch group seems to be hiding something big.
This was a light mystery, that was easy and fun to read. The main characters were likeable, and I'd love to read more.
July 21, 2020
Really fun read! lots of quirky interesting characters. fun story line! lots of twists and turns.
July 22, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.
This is a new author and new series to me. This book was such a fun read. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
This is a new author and new series to me. This book was such a fun read. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
June 18, 2022
Entertaining cozy mystery.
June 18, 2022
Cruising❣️ Always Binge-worthy❣️
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
Very anxious to read more . . .
Next please⁉️ More and more difficult to put down . . .
August 8, 2022
really good
Enjoyed this fantastic read. Well written with great characters and a beautiful setting. Not sure if this will be a series but I hope it will.
Enjoyed this fantastic read. Well written with great characters and a beautiful setting. Not sure if this will be a series but I hope it will.
January 28, 2023
Loved it!
September 2, 2024
a fun read
Characters were great. Enjoyed this book. An interesting storyline. Fun on and off the ship. Looking forward to the next.
Characters were great. Enjoyed this book. An interesting storyline. Fun on and off the ship. Looking forward to the next.
July 15, 2025
Great story!
Very well written, I was not expecting who the murderer was. Or why. Great, flawed characters. Enjoyed the friendship between Zibby and Cady.
Very well written, I was not expecting who the murderer was. Or why. Great, flawed characters. Enjoyed the friendship between Zibby and Cady.
July 17, 2025
Great Story
This is a really good story. It's full of action and was hard to put down, as it was so good.
This is a really good story. It's full of action and was hard to put down, as it was so good.
August 1, 2025
Good Story
The story was a good guesser plot! I loved the character build and interaction of them. The ship, shore and food descriptions were good. I can't wait to read more!
The story was a good guesser plot! I loved the character build and interaction of them. The ship, shore and food descriptions were good. I can't wait to read more!
October 11, 2025
Good mystery
This is a good mystery that keeps you guessing. I never guessed the killer, never suspected them. Good read for mystery lovers!
This is a good mystery that keeps you guessing. I never guessed the killer, never suspected them. Good read for mystery lovers!
July 21, 2020
I loved this book, it has all the ingredients of a wonderful cozy mystery! I love Zibby and her best friend Cady, and honestly I also love the ship's doctor! The girls work on the Voyage Cruise Line and are enjoying a short break while docked on a sunny island. Running into some fellow Americans seems like good company until one of them is murdered. And right there in Aiden's bar! Aiden, Cady's boyfriend, is now a suspect. Zibby wants to help clear his name, and the two get into more and more trouble. This is just a super fun read, I look forward to more like this and hope to see more adventures with Zibby and Cady.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews