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Mike Stoneman #3

Lethal Voyage

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WINNER of the 2021 Kindle Book Award -- best mystery/thriller of the year!!

A DEAD BODY can ruin a vacation. . . .

It was a suicide, wasn’t it? . . .

Maybe the on-board production of Chicago isn’t the only venue for murder on this Bermuda cruise!

NYPD homicide detective Mike Stoneman and medical examiner Michelle McNeill just want a relaxing cruise. But, Michelle is convinced that there is foul play at work in the death of a Broadway talent agent’s wife.

The ship’s head of security wants to keep it quiet. But, how many bodies can he cover up during one sailing? When it looks like Michelle might be the next victim, Mike needs to find the killer and keep Michelle alive for the end of this
Lethal Voyage.

Finalist -- Chanticleer Book Review CLUE Award
Finalist -- InD'Tale magazine RONE Award

“Move over Harry Bosch, there’s a new guy in town. Detective Michael Stoneman can match wits with Harry any day of the week.” -- - “The Author’s Show”

324 pages, Paperback

First published September 12, 2020

83 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read

About the author

Kevin G. Chapman

22 books242 followers
In 2025, I will be publishing my 10th novel, Treacherous Hack, book #7 in my Mike Stoneman series.

My 2023 stand-alone novel, The Other Murder, won the GRAND PRIZE CLUE award as the best suspense/thriller of 2023 (Chanticleer International Book Awards)! The Other Murder is about a high-profile murder and the media frenzy it creates, and the other murder that nobody cares about. When two journalists team up to investigate the two murders, nothing is as it seems, and the most dangerous thing . . . is the truth.

Be sure to also check out another stand-alone novel titled Dead Winner, where the quest for a $60 million dollar winning lottery ticket turns deadly. Dead Winner was named the BEST POLICE PROCEDURAL OF THE YEAR and Blue Ribbon winner of the CLUE Award.

Also new is a short story titled The Car, the Dog & the Girl, which is available FREE from Kevin's website and from Amazon and other ebook retailers.

And, of course, look for my 7-book Mike Stoneman series has garnered wonderful reviews and critical acclaim, including:

Book #4 -- Fatal Infraction, was the WINNER of the CLUE Award as best police procedural of 2021 and is a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Kindle Book Award

Book #3, Lethal Voyage, was the WINNER of the 2021 Kindle Book Award (best mystery/thriller) and a Finalist for the CLUE and the 2021 RONE Award (InD'Tale magazine),

Kevin lives in Central New Jersey with his photographer wife. When not in times of global pandemic, they love to travel (on cruise ships, especially) and Kevin loves playing tournament poker and cheering on his beloved New York Mets.

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5 stars
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19 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for The Cats’ Mother.
2,346 reviews193 followers
November 19, 2020
Lethal Voyage is the third book in the Mike Stoneman contemporary thriller series, about a middle-aged Detective from New York and his younger partner Jason Dickson. You don’t need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this - and there are a couple of minor spoilers for them here. There has been a marked change in tone from the first book, which was quite gory and violent, to the second which was lighter but still quite serious and political, while this one is a more fun old-fashioned murder mystery with plenty of humour and a bigger focus on our heroes’ relationships, without crossing the line into cozy territory. I beta-read this for Kevin in early May then reread a final ARC now so I could review the finished product.

Mike and his Medical Examiner girlfriend Michelle have booked a last minute Caribbean cruise with Jason & his new flame Rachel. All they want to do is kick back and enjoy the drinks specials, but when a wealthy wife of a womanising theatrical agent falls to her death from her balcony, they can’t help but get involved - especially when it seems that the Chief of Security is determined to rule it an accident. Then more deaths follow, with all evidence suggesting the husband is covering his tracks - can Mike catch the killer in time to save their holiday?

I’m glad I took the time to reread this as the finished product was an enjoyable lighthearted mystery, and it was a buzz to see my name in the credits and know I helped in the process! I liked the banter between the couples and the scenes of life aboard the ship, although reading about going on a cruise in the middle of a pandemic which has shut down the industry was bittersweet - who knows when it’ll be an option again? I’ve only done small boat adventure cruises but can see that with the right people (and without the homicides) it could be a lot of fun. Lethal Voyage is published on November 22nd.
Profile Image for L.S..
769 reviews29 followers
November 19, 2020
*Audiobook Review*
This was my first experience of a Mike Stoneman thriller, and despite not having read (or listened to) the earlier books in the series, I didn't feel anything substantial was missing, and enjoyed the story on its own merit.

The cruise ship made for a great setting, and it was surprising how many places there were to hide bodies too ;)  Adding in the cruise activities as the ship sailed gave the story real momentum and credibility. Mike and Jason worked well together, although it was clear they didn't expect a relaxing cruise cruise to turn into a busman's holiday - no wonder their girlfriends were demanding a do-over! That said, Michelle and Rachel weren't just along for the ride. As a medical examiner and EMT respectively, they provided solid and meaningful support to the detectives

The cruise employees brought colour and fun to the mix, and made the story zing with humorous interactions and subplots.

I'm not so sure I'd have labelled this as a thriller, though the pace and tension certainly picked up towards the end but I was never truly convinced the main characters were in over their head, or that they were in serious danger.

The narration was excellent, making it an easy story to follow which is super important in audiobooks. My only issue was the format of the story in individual MP3 files, organised by chapter. It meant I had to start each chapter rather than have the story run on automatically as it would with an Audible version. As someone who listens to audiobooks over a number of days, it was particularly frustrating to return to the author's website and not be able to see where I had left off listening.

Overall, Lethal Voyage was an enjoyable murder mystery with characters who bounced off each other naturally. There was plenty of humour to offset the disturbing increase in dead bodies, and great banter between the main characters. I'd recommend to anyone who likes a solid mystery with suspense, secrets and more than enough gags to lighten the load.
Profile Image for Bobbie.
1,560 reviews
June 6, 2023
Intriguing suspense with surprising plot twists. Dynamic characters. My kind of read.
Profile Image for Jay Williams.
1,718 reviews33 followers
October 2, 2020
This book does a great job of capturing the cruise ship environment. Mike and his partner track down a murderer while encountering stiff resistance from the Security Director for the ship. Lots of excitement, violence and danger, but even a sleepy reader will have no problem figuring out the culprit. I found the book interesting, but not heart-pounding.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2020
If grit and humour and foibles are what you look for in your detectives, then Mike Stoneman is right up your alley! Lethal Voyage grabs you from the first page and doesn't let up till the ship is back in harbour. Mike Stoneman is the kind of cop you wish they all were; acerbic, no one's fool, and gets the job done.

Join him as he goes on what's supposed to be an R&R cruise and watch as it becomes anything but! Full of twists and turns, red herrings, and "oh I think I've got it" moments; Lethal Voyage is a page-turner. Kevin Chapman writes a compelling story with characters you'll love . . . and some you'll hate - but that's life too, isn't it? Highly recommend this as it's a great standalone read. But as mentioned, I'll be reading more about Mike Stoneman!

[I was fortunate to read a pre-publication copy of this book through the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions herein are entirely my own.]
Profile Image for Anna Willett.
Author 24 books879 followers
December 22, 2020
I’m a fan of Mike Stoneman, an avid cruiser and huge fan of musical theatre with Chicago being a favourite, so this was the perfect read for me. I was delighted with the accuracy of descriptions concerning routines, processes and the vibe on a cruise ship. Chapman certainly does his homework.
The story grabbed me on page one and didn’t let up until the very end. A superbly written thriller with well-rounded characters and enough twists and surprises to keep the reader glued to the page. I also love the light and shade which Chapman weaves into every story.
When a theatrical agent’s wife falls to her death, a six day cruise turns into a murder investigation for Detective Mike Stoneman and his companions. A juicy mystery thriller with everything I’ve come to expect from Kevin Chapman.
Lethal Voyage is the third in the Mike Stoneman Thriller Series, but can be read as a standalone.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Linda Thompson .
411 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2020
Lethal Voyage is an engaging story that hooks you on page 1 and doesn’t let up until the very end, and even then you just know that Mike Stoneman will be back to solve another crime. Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are the perfect team of detectives who don't let up until they solve the crime. Michelle and Rachel as Stoneman’s and Dickson’s girlfriends respectively, are the perfect additions to this crime solving team. Michelle is a medical examiner and Rachel an EMT, and both add substance to the story. Urged to get out of NYC for a bit, Stoneman and his friends had no idea that their vacation cruise would turn into more work than play. And when more than one person on the ship is murdered, these four butt heads with the chief of ship security more than once. Chapman’s ability to stay on point is remarkable, and I really enjoyed Lethal Voyage. I’m looking forward to reading more books Mike Stoneman thrillers.
Profile Image for Haris.
Author 11 books115 followers
November 17, 2020
Elmore Leonard had certain books that had idiosyncratic characters and humor intermingled with grit and violence. That’s what Kevin Chapman’s Lethal Voyage reminded me of. I haven’t read the first two books in the Mike Stoneman series. Doing so might have helped flesh out the main characters for me a bit more, but I still found them very engaging and this third book in the series very enjoyable. (And intend to dig into the first two.) I’ve never taken a cruise, so I found all the details fascinating. It’s a great setting for a thriller and the supporting characters were vivid, offbeat and distinctive. The main characters didn’t feel like they were in much danger through most of the action, though the danger did ramp up as the story progressed and that kept me turning pages all the way to the end.
Profile Image for Carianne Carleo-Evangelist.
893 reviews18 followers
November 25, 2020
Probably my favorite book of the three that comprise this series. I’m not a cruiser, but I did recently visit Bermuda and it was great to see some familiar haunts even as the case moved away from Mike and Jason’s typical beats.

Even with the deliberate air of mystery around one of the women, the limited number of characters allowed those that were part of the narrative to grow into fully fleshed people vs just characters on a page. I felt as if I knew the Blooms and wanted to know more about Elisabeth’s hold on Marjorie. While I can’t recall whether we met Ferguson in a prior book, it was nice to have him on the ship to tie the ship security and NYPD together.

A fun, quick read, and great use of Chicago as the ship’s show to further tie things together.
Profile Image for Phillip Vega.
Author 6 books44 followers
October 10, 2021
Vacations are meant for relaxation. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for our protagonist, NYPD homicide detective, Mike Stoneman, and Micelle McNeill, medical examiner, and next name on a killer’s list, as the pair, along with Mike’s partner, Jason, and his girlfriend, hop on a cruise.

This is my second novel from author, Kevin Chapman, and his Mike Stoneman novels are becoming my latest addiction. When are Netflix or Prime going to adapt this series into a tv show?!

This Detective Stoneman story is realistic, full of twists and turns, and delivers an outcome that equally satisfies and makes you yearn for more. The great news is there are other Mike Stoneman adventures! For fans of the mystery thriller genre, I highly recommend this five-star murder-mystery story.
Profile Image for Barbara  Daniels Dena.
628 reviews31 followers
September 27, 2020
This author certainly knows the details of cruising and the workings of a cruise line. I was impressed with the manner in which he wove the characters into the storyline of murder on the high seas. I didn't suspect the villain until the very end, but I did suspicion where the emerald was as I read one passage. Each character had traits well defined for this novel. I enjoyed the banter among the cruising four and the angst between the cruise line employees as they felt their positions were being threatened. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery and also enjoys life as a cruising vacationer.
Profile Image for Gayle.
21 reviews
September 26, 2020
I’ve never been on a cruise, but I’ve always wanted to take one, so a crime mystery on a cruise ship pulled me right in. I have not yet read books one and two of the Mike Stoneman series, but I didn’t feel any awkward moments where I felt like I missed something from the previous books. This truly can be a standalone book. I enjoyed the exchanges with the four main characters – they seemed to mesh well and kept the story interesting. Overall, this was a very hard to put down read!
Profile Image for JT.
466 reviews7 followers
October 7, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. This is the first book I have read by Kevin G. Chapman. I really enjoyed the characters and the venue of the story line. I felt like I was actually on board the ship watching all of the drama play out. That is not my usual experience. The fast pace and twists made this a fun and angst ridden read. I was able to enjoy this book even reading it out of sequential order of the series. That being said I am now interested in going back and starting with the first book in the Mike Stoneman series.
1 review
October 13, 2020
We are fans of Mike Stoneman and avid cruisers. With the addition of a celebrity infused poker game and a world class production of Chicago, we were both hooked. Mike and Michele receive a cruise in order for them to "get outta town" for a while, Jason and his new girlfriend Rachel come along for the ride and fireworks ensue. Great romp, great mystery and great couple dynamics make this book a must-read.
Buzz & Beth
Profile Image for Robert Williscroft.
Author 43 books82 followers
October 5, 2021
Lethal Voyage continues the story of Mike Stoneman and Michelle McNeill. In this story, Mike is still recovering from injuries sustained in Deadly Enterprise, but he and his partner, Jason Dickson, along with Michelle and Jason’s girlfriend, Rachel, are taking a sea voyage to get Mike and Jason out of town and away from reporters following their last job. Chapman paints his canvas meticulously so that the reader has a clear mental image of the cruise ship, its crew—especially the dance troop performers, and the other passengers.

When people start dying, the ship’s head of security tries to keep it undercover in order to protect the cruise line’s reputation. An old friend of Mike’s is also a passenger. He heads the security for the entire cruise line. Mike, Jason, and Michelle become involved as the situation goes from bad to worse. No more plot details so I don’t spoil anything, but Chapman has done another bang-up job with this third book in the Stoneman Series. You do not have to be a mystery aficionado to enjoy this tale. It’s just a delightful story told by a damn fine writer.

One more thing: Chapman added to his realism by including reference to one of Dawn Brookes’ mystery novels that take place on a cruise. I had the pleasure of reviewing her first two books. Chapman has one of his characters reading her seventh.
168 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2021
Mike Stoneman Does it Again

Mike, Michelle, Jason, and Rachel go on a cruise to get away from the notoriety from the men’s last case but find that murder happens even on vacation. Mike tries to help the cruise line’s head of security who is not very accepting until an old friend and ex-cop who happens to be the head of security for the whole line tells him to include Mike. More twists and turns happen constantly until the killer is found. Very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Maria.
73 reviews
November 2, 2020
I received an ARC copy of Lethal Voyage through Typo Killer.

Traveling on a cruise ship and seeing all the sites of exotic countries and locations has always been a bucket list dream, until I read Lethal Voyage and realized how easy it would be to commit a murder onboard and get away with it. That being said, Lethal Voyage, rather than scare me out of ever getting on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean with a bunch of strangers, it has made a true-crime lover all the more excited and perhaps even a little prepared to become an amateur detective and solve my own who-dun-it murder mystery.

The first scene in the third installment of the Mike Stoneman’s murder mystery series begins with a gruesome murder. Already the reader is thrown into a thrilling "oar-deal" with twists and turns you really can’t see coming even when it’s right in front of your face wielding a bloody knife. What I loved about the way the story was told in Lethal Voyage was that the reader is given insight to both parts — the murder and the crime scene — so not only is the reader present for the ghastly murders, but we get a glimpse into the thought process of the detectives on the case.

Unlike most murder mysteries that dive into something as serious as a serial murderer, Lethal Voyage had multiple humorous moments sprinkled in between some of the more thrilling scenes. While I have never been abroad a cruise ship, unless you count the medium-sized boat my high school rented for a night on the water for prom, Kevin Chapman does an excellent job describing both the interior and the atmosphere of being on water for multiple days.

Mike and Michelle were definitely my favorite duo. Mike’s been crushing on Michelle since the first book in the series, and . All the characters were interesting in their own ways — the suspects, the murderer, the victims, and the ones investigating everything all had their own stories and agendas, and everything flowed really well between the POVs mentioned in each chapter.

This is a novel I anchor-age everyone to try out. There’s humor, suspense, twisting secrets, and murders by the boatloads (last pun, I promise).
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book. This was an unusual case for NYPD homicide detective Mike Stoneman and his partner Jason but I enjoyed every minute. Although having said that I am not sure I want to go on a cruise anytime soon. The two detectives and there partners find themselves caught up in a disappearance, a suicide and murder. As if that wasn't enough they also face opposition from the ships own security, who wants everything hushed under the table. The story was well written and thought out, transporting you aboard the ship along side the two detectives as they investigate. The story is told by multiple characters, so you have an idea of what the killer is thinking, even if you don't know who it is. I like the characters and the fact that they all work well as a team, whether working the case or relaxing with friendly banter at the poolside but to be honest there was so much going on with the case that there wasn't much time for sitting by the pool, unless it's the reader themselves. I can't wait to get stuck into the next case.

After there last case hit the media Mike and Jason need to lie low for a while, they do this by taking there girlfriend's on a cruise. The problem is there is trouble in the cabin next door and when the wife is found dead of an apparent suicide Michelle isn't so sure. Especially as the wife had only just finished telling her she wouldn't give him half of her money in a divorce. The ships security is quick to cover it up, leaving no clues or witnesses to question. That is until Mike stumbles over another body, one that was very much murdered. The ships security has no choice but let Mike and his team investigate. Can they find the connections between the victims or will the killer strike again?

I liked the narration. I know the author is the narrator but he does such a professional job that you would think that is his full time job. Each character gets there own voice which must brings the story to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books348 followers
December 8, 2020
It begins with a gruesome and well-crafted crime by a spurned lover.

Mike Stoneman is going on a cruise. The introduction is slow as the whole thing settles into a well-researched and highly technical plot. Sporadic characters are dropped randomly in a disordered sequence, puzzling the reader into an ambiguous stupor.

Good writing, but the pace could be quicker and clearer. I liked how strong it started with the murder, but it’s not so easy to follow. It’s got a lot of ship theater. Finally, we get somewhere by chapter 15 when a woman falls off the balcony to her death, which Mike has his doubts about. Was it an accident, suicide, or murder?

I thought perhaps we’d finally get this show on the road, but it kept its slow pace the entire way. It’s got a lengthy process and investigation, which really seemed more like speculation rather than investigation. The team was thinking up some possibilities while enjoying a dull cruise. I also didn’t see the correlation between the first crime and the fall.

Okay thriller that’s slightly lacking in thrill.
Profile Image for Linda Thompson .
411 reviews10 followers
November 17, 2020
Lethal Voyage is an engaging story that hooks you on page 1 and doesn’t let up until the very end, and even then you just know that Mike Stoneman will be back to solve another crime. Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are the perfect team of detectives who don't let up until they solve the crime. Michelle and Rachel as Stoneman’s and Dickson’s girlfriends respectively, are the perfect additions to this crime solving team. Michelle is a medical examiner and Rachel an EMT, and both add substance to the story. Urged to get out of NYC for a bit, Stoneman and his friends had no idea that their vacation cruise would turn into more work than play. And when more than one person on the ship is murdered, these four butt heads with the chief of ship security more than once. Chapman’s ability to stay on point is remarkable, and I really enjoyed Lethal Voyage. I’m looking forward to reading more books Mike Stoneman thrillers.
256 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2020
My first read from this author and enjoyed this mystery. This book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. Good storyline and character development. A psycho killer on the high seas, will the murderer get away with the killings? How could no evidence be found at the crime scenes? What could be the motive? Three murders, are they connected? There will be characters you love, some will frustrate you and others that you will despise. Contains murder, suspense, humor, twists and romance. What more could you ask for in a book. Recommend. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.
2,026 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2022
I really enjoyed book 3 in the "A Mike Stoneman Thriller" series. NYPD detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson are told to get out of town, so they take their girlfriends on a cruise. When another passenger died under suspicious circumstances, the two detectives are drawn into an investigation. The mystery was convoluted and came to a satisfactory conclusion. I liked the interaction between the detectives and their girlfriends, and the flashes of humor sprinkled throughout the tale. Kevin G Chapman's narration was good, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Author 34 books6 followers
July 18, 2022
cruising can be murder

Mike Stoneman does it again. You’d think he’d get to take a vacation, but when a passenger dies suspiciously two cabins down, Mike’s instincts kick in and he’s on the trail of a murderer. Michelle and Jason help him along as everyone’s vacation goes sour. Like the other Mike Stoneman books, this is another great mystery. Good realistic action and excellent human characters. I especially liked how Michelle got to be an ME while on vacation as well. The only downside is this one felt a bit like a trope. “Cop on a cruise ship” has been done a few times from Poirot to Columbo, and I sincerely hope cruise lines do better than portrayed.
Profile Image for Kevin.
Author 22 books242 followers
September 26, 2020
Lethal Voyage is currently in pre-order (Kindle edition) on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HSW1HPD

"A tight, fast-paced thriller – and another winner from Kevin G. Chapman. Fans of the Mike Stoneman series will not be disappointed."
- Dan Alatorre, USA Today bestselling author of The Gamma Sequence and Double Blind

"Filled with action, drama, and surprising twists, Lethal Voyage is a captivating addition to the Mike Stoneman series guaranteed to thrill readers old and new!"
- InD'tale Magazine

“The action never stops in this skillfully plotted thriller. This is a great new series!”
- Valerie Davisson, author of the Amazon Best-Selling Logan McKenna Mystery series.
48 reviews
July 6, 2021
The Mike Stone man crime thriller series by Kevin G. Chapman is well worthy of a five-star rating

The Mike Stoneham crime thriller series by Kevin G. Chapman which includes Righteous Assassin, Deadly Enterprise and Lethal Voyage is well worthy of a five-star rating. The storyline is unique and the characters are believable and well defined. The series is a must-read for all crime thriller enthusiasts. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series Fatal Infraction who h is due out in lat July 2021.

558 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2022
Tempted and enjoyed

Hope I never land up on a cruise with this much going on behind the scenes!! A cleverly out together Iove trust at the end of the day. Add in the fact that Mike and Jason, along with their wives were meant to be on vacation makes this yet another good read in the series. May well be tempted again for the next novel!!
Profile Image for Joni Fisher.
Author 6 books365 followers
September 5, 2022
A wild ride on a cruise ship draws two couples into crime solving. Fast-pacing, snappy dialogue, and distinctive characters drew me into the story through twists and turns to the exciting conclusion.

This award-winning novel will appeal to fans of Patterson as the body count grows and the vacationing detectives forgo their vacation plans.
269 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It started off slower than I was expecting, but once it got going it really took off. I didn't want to quit reading. The characters are very likeable and well developed. I highly recommend this book.
18 reviews
January 21, 2021
A really great book with rich characters, excellent writing and a lot of fun plot twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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