Calamity [and a Danish]

European Voyage #5

by Blake Pierce

When London Rose, 33, is proposed to by her long-time boyfriend, she realizes she is facing a stable, predictable, pre-determined (and passionless) life. She freaks out and runs the other way—accepting instead a job across the Atlantic, as a tour-guide on a high-end European cruise line that travels through a country a day. London is searching for a more romantic, unscripted and exciting life that she feels sure exists out there somewhere.

London is elated: the European river towns are small, historic and charming. She gets to see a new port every night, gets to sample an endless array of new cuisine and meet a stream of interesting people. It is a traveler’s dream, and it is anything but predictable.

Book #5, CALAMITY (AND A DANISH), takes them to the stunning city of Copenhagen. London is thrilled to sail into the historic harbor of Nyhavn, with its colorful homes lining the harbor, and to visit a delicious pastry festival, where the country competes for the best Danish in Denmark. But when she has the bad fortune to discover a dead body, London’s dreams turn into a nightmare, leaving her little time to solve the crime herself—or else find herself imprisoned.

Genres: Mystery

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2021

About the author

Blake Pierce is author of the bestselling RILEY PAGE mystery series, which includes seven books (and counting). Blake Pierce is also the author of the MACKENZIE WHITE mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); of the AVERY BLACK mystery series, comprising four books (and counting); and of the new KERI LOCKE mystery series.

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Blake loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.blakepierceauthor.com to learn more and stay in touch.

Reviews

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quinta e penultima tappa di questa crociera da incubo, in cui a ogni tappa c'è un morto. Anche questa volta, la Nachtmusik si trova nel porto di Copenaghen proprio durante un'occasione imperdibile. Questa volta si tratta di una gara di pasticceria. I Danish del titolo sono infatti i pasticcini danesi il cui impasto deve essere ripiegato 27 volte (un numero nefasto secondo le superstizioni di Jeremy Lapham, il presidente del consiglio di amministrazione della Epoch World Cruise Lines, un personaggio bizzarro e fissato con astrologia e numerologia... anche se, stavolta, non ha tutti i torti). Uno dei pasticcieri in gara, quello che verrà premiato come primo assoluto, verrà ucciso, e, a ruota, saranno accusati Bryce Yeaton - lo chef della Nachtmusik, iscritto anche lui da Mr. Lapham alla competizione - London e altri personaggi, fino a giungere alla soluzione, anche piuttosto inaspettata, questa volta.
Anche se non ho capito come mai, con tutti i ritardi che la crociera ha dovuto subire, ci sia un personaggio che ha intrapreso la crociera proprio per poter assistere a questa famosa gara di pasticceria danese... altra incongruenza del signor Pierce!
E adesso che mi manca l'ultimo romanzo, non posso non finire la serie. Anche perché, in seguito a un guasto, la nave è rimasta bloccata per riparazioni in un'isola della Svezia - non prevista nell'itinerario, naturalmente - in cui London ha finalmente ritrovato sua madre! Ma Mom! è naturalmente l'esclamazione con cui termina il libro, per cui mi toccherà arrivare per forza fino a Oslo!

[Carol Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

London Rose is the social director of the luxury cruise riverboat Nachtmusik. The vessel has a reputation for attracting calamity, and London has a the reputation of being a good sleuth. This story finds the riverboat in Copenhagen. While in port, the crew once again finds itself in the middle of a murder investigation and London’s boyfriend is the chief suspect. She must once again dust off her sleuthing skills and try to find the real killer so her boyfriend will be released from jail before the ship sets sail for its next port.

This book is filled with action from the beginning to the end. It is definitely one of those stories you will have a hard time laying to the side to sleep or do anything else. In addition, the characters are simply amazing. I particularly enjoyed the very eccentric CEO that is introduced in the first chapter. I also enjoyed the “tour” of Copenhagen. I have had the opportunity to spend some time in Copenhagen and I found the details within the story to be very descriptive and accurate.

This is the fifth book in this series. I have not ready any of the previous books, but I believe I will have to make time for them now since I enjoyed this one so well. I would consider this a good stand alone novel as I did not feel as though I were missing any parts of the backstory that were needed for this one.

If you like a good cozy mystery that is filled with action and humor, you will love this book. You will find it to be very enjoyable and free of sex scenes and profanity.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I am very familiar with Blake’s other writing, this was a series I somehow missed -And to my dismay! If this book is typical then I guess I’m going to have to go back and pick up the others! But it was ok to start with book 5, the characters and important details were easily portrayed as the story went on. London is the Social Director aboard the small river cruise ship Nachtmusik and her day gets a rough start when she is told to get to the upper deck at once. It seem the CEO of the cruise line, Jeremy Latham, has decided to helicopter over and drop down to the ship (followed by a cat and quite a bit of luggage)! He’s concerned that there has been a murder at each of the ships last 4 stops and is deciding what to do. But he’s an funny guy with his private on-call astrologer advising him about his decisions based on the stars and planets. Yet Jeremy seems to act on whims when he guides the tour of Copenhagen, talking to the statues, and then informing the head chef that he has signed him up for the annual pastry competition starting the next day! Of course, true to form there has to be a murder and London and her faithful dog Sir Reggie are investigating again, because her Fiancé, Chef Bryce is arrested! A great book. Thoroughly enjoyable with just enough twists to keep you from guessing the murderer. I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is as intriguing as it is fun. The cast of characters grows, and each addition brings something unique in this series. This time we meet Jeremy Lapham in person. The CEO of Epoch World Cruise Lines arrives with fanfare and immediately sets about searching for the reason the crew keeps getting embroiled in murder and mystery.

Copenhagen is the location for book five in this series, and once again, Pierce does a wonderful job of transporting the reader. I must say that one of my favorite parts of this series is London’s furry sleuthing companion, Sir Reginald. London must engage her sleuthing skills once again to solve the murder, but we get a bit of normalcy first, almost like the calm before the storm as you know someone is going to die. This time, she must also use her powers of persuasion to convince Jeremy Lapham that the voyage must go on. Afterall, there is only one more stop for the Nachtmusik.

This series is a much lighter read from Blake Pierce’s usual. It is the traditional cozy style whodunnit with a wacky group of guests and staff. The series is also humorous, and dare I say, this book in particular has been the most humorous to me. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics and conversations. There was a nice surprise and now I can’t wait to see how the last voyage goes.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

London Rose panicked when her long term boyfriend proposed to her. Realising she wasn’t ready to settle down, she gets a job as a ships social director aboard the Nachtmusik, a top line cruiser. The previous books were calls to 4 different ports, all with their own flavour, and murder. The next port of call is Copenhagen. However, although she wanted some excitement, it would be nice not to stumble over another body. Hopefully this port will be different.

I’m really enjoying this series. London is a really good character, sensible, sensitive and kind. So far she’s had interesting stops at each port during the course of the cruise. She’s ably assisted by Sir Reggie, the Yorkshire terrier that had belonged to one of the previous murder victims and now lives in her cabin with her. I love the fact that the author has included great descriptions of each city they come to, bringing them all to life. This one is no exception. In this book we have come to know most of the recurring characters well, and this time we meet the mysterious owner of the cruise line, who turns out to be a really good character too. Although this is light reading, there is still a good plot and I didn’t work out who dunnit until near the end. So roll on the next port on the itinerary.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced cozy murder mystery series that takes you from country to country on a wonderful visual tour along with the characters. London is the social director on the cruise ship, Nachtmusik. In Book 5 we are taken on a wonderful tour of Copenhagen - but also once again the trip is marred by a murder at the competition for the best made Danish. We also have the CEO of the cruise line, Jeremy Latham come aboard who is superstitious when it comes to numbers and he's a little bit eccentric. The crew are just a little bit nervous not knowing why exactly the CEO decided to come aboard just before the last tour stop. And to boot, he entered the ship's chef and London's boyfriend, Bryce, in the Danish making Competition without telling him until it was too late. But when there is a murder of one of the well-known Danish chefs who actually had words with Bryce is found murdered, Bryce becomes the number one suspect. To add to that, he found the murdered chef. Now it was up to London to clear Bryce's name with her trusty Yorkie, Sir Reggie. There are so many twists and turns in this one, you just can't put it down until the end! And we are treated to a good surprise ending! I can't wait to see what will happen in the next country, on the next tour.
I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is, I think, the fifth book in this charming series of adventures on a European river cruise. Having run out of Danube and Rhine rivers on it's itinerary, the ship somehow converts from a river vessel to an ocean-going ship and heads to the great city of Copenhagen.

Perhaps some of my fondness for this series resides in my familiarity with the places in the books. I love Copenhagen and can totally see this story happening in that city. Well, I don't think the law enforcement is as bumbling as described, and the city in the book has more of a small town feel than the cosmopolitan city Copenhagen really is today. I had a little trouble with the ship being moored in Nyhavn rather than Langelinie, but Nyhavn works in fiction. Maybe these little squabbles are my best review of the book. I'm now so familiar with the characters and their foibles and patterns that my mind occupies itself with logistics rather than plot.

I've recommended this series as among my favorite cozy mystery series because it is very reliable and the books are fun weekend reads. I await the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*audiobook version*

I'm really enjoying this series on audiobook. The narrator Sarah Kempton does a fabulous job of making it entertaining.
This time they're in Copenhagen and the CEO of the cruise line is present. But of course, there's another murder for London to solve as well as a jewel robbery. The stakes are high as Bryce is the prime suspect.
Lots of humor in the current story.
Also, I figured it out early on for once. Yeah me!
Huge surprise at the end so I can't wait to listen to the next book.

FYI: this series should be done in order as each book picks up where the previous book left off. Normally, I'm like 'whatever' in those situations but b/c this is about a protagonist who is a River Cruise Social Director, the order works brilliantly. I think it was smart of the writer to create it thusly. The reader is taken along on a beautiful journey along with the characters.


I'd highly recommend this series to those who like cozy's that involve travel as well as those who like mysteries on audio.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read by this prolific author. I really enjoy this series. It's light-hearted and fun despite London Rose's tendency to stumble across a murder victim in each port!

The author does a great job at bringing the setting to life each time and it feels like you are in the city in each book, Copenhagen in this instance. I also really like the characters with all their little quirks. In this particular story, we are introduced to the owner of the cruise ship who arrives unexpectedly at the start of the book , along with his cat Siegfried. His eccentricity adds to the overall enjoyment level of the story.

I am looking forward to the next book which will be in Oslo. It is supposed to be the last port on this cruise so I really hope that isn't the end of the adventures of London and the others.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calamity (and a Danish) is Book 5 in A European Voyage Cozy Mystery by Blake Pierce. I enjoyed this cozy mystery a lot. Book 5 is a little bit different because the CEO, Jeremy Lapham, comes aboard the riverboat before landing in Copenhagen. Everyone is in a tizzy and the first part of the story was really fun. When Mr Lapham entered Chef Bryce in a Copenhagen competition, there is a little bit of stress ending with the murder of one of the chefs. When the police zero in on Bryce, London and her faithful dog, Sir Reggie, set out to prove Bryce innocence. Blake Pierce is one of my favorite authors and I love her books. This series is outstanding and I have enjoyed every book, but, I was totally surprised with the ending. I can’t wait to read book 6! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[PAR]

Calamity (and a Danish) is book number 5 in the series A European Voyage Cozy Mystery takes place in Copenhagen. Book #5 is sweet, endearing, hilarious and so gently romantic. London sails into Copenhagen just at the time that the country is celebrating the national pastry competition. Throughout the country pastry chefs are competing for the very best Danish. But everything goes haywire when London discovers a dead body; and the police consider her the number one suspect. London is in a mess and every page seems to put her in a worst predicament than the worst. Can she find the real killer before she is herself imprisoned. I highly recommend this novel. The author has developed a solid story line and the characters are well developed. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series. Blake Pierce has the ability to transport me from my armchair to places near or far. This particular series is about London Rose. There are some predictable qualities to London’s travels and investigations, as in many cozy mysteries. However, what delights me about these books is that they take place in various cities in Europe. Pierce makes me wish I could go with London and see these cities. Calamity and a Danish takes the reader to Copenhagen. In addition, I enjoy the characters in this series, even the ones that can irritate London, have redeeming qualities, well except for the murders.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Infosleuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat and mouse games on and off ship!
This series is best read in order. We finally meet Jeremy Lapham, CEO of the cruise ship and his surprising sidekick. This changes the dynamic aboard the ship and some additional problems for the staff. This book is the funniest yet, with the first half of the book focusing on the cruise itself, with the usual on-board crises, and London Rose’s romance with Bryce. I really enjoyed visiting Copenhagen and trying to solve the mystery. The ending was quite a surprise and leaves me impatiently awaiting the next book. I really hope the series continues beyond this one cruise as this remains my favourite cozy mystery series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series never disappoints. I love the characters from the ever accommodating Social Director, London Rose to the quirky company CEO, Jeremy Lapham. This book takes us through Denmark and into Sweden with all the accompanying history and travel highlights. Add in a mystery and it's pretty much perfect!

When Jeremy Lapham the CEO of the cruiseline insists on making decisions based on astrology, planets, and consultations with his cat, London has her hands full. When Bryce the cruise chef/medic is accused of murder, London jumps in to clear his name.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Blake Pierce, a murder mystery that kept me guessing to the very end. This was my first book to read in the London Rose series and I am now in love with her character. I really enjoyed the verbal tour of Copenhagen and now I must have some danish to snack on. This was book #5 in this series but now I must read books 1 through 4 to catch up. I am a big fan of Pierce's other books and have read a number of them and really enjoyed each. I believe everyone will enjoy this book. A 5 star rating.

[Sharon K F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed
this series of books for the things I learned about the places where the murders took place along the Danube and Rhine River cruise. Being a “cozy mystery” the trope gets tiring by the 6th book, but the mysteries are all different and the places are all described in detail that makes me either remember or or want to visit the place.

I also appreciated the clean aspect of the book. Little to no swearing or sex. The main character takes 3 books to even get to a kiss! A refreshing change.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calamity and a danish is a much funnier story than the previous ones. Mr. Lapham the owner of the ship is quite a character and he made me laugh at the remarks and passages he brings to this story. As always there is murder, friendship, some romance, a lot of detective work, and all of these items come together in a very entertaining and easy-to-read story. There's also an unexpected ending that makes me look forward to reading the next story in the series!

[Jeanne Chepko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, pastries and a delightful cast of characters on board the cruise ship Nachtmusik. Once again London Rose Social Director/amateur detective finds herself investigating a murder and theft. Will she and Sir Reggie crack the case?? Witty character interactions! Wonderful twist at the end.

Love the inclusion of historical facts about Copenhagen.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions in this review are my own.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

London Rose is the social director, enjoying the fine cuisine on the cruise ship and the different ports of call. Until in Denmark her nightmare became a reality. More so with a suspect, mayhem to there itinerary and how will the passages accept the changes. Delightful, entertaining a good series
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eccentric visitors, dogs and cats as friends plus someone missing provided a delightful backdrop to the murder/theft theme. Alas, too many sweets and chefs get in the way of solving this page turning book. There are many emotional ups and downs, like waves on the water. A very enjoyable book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanette Melton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun mystery for London Rose and the crew of the Nactmusik. An ending with a cliff hanger that has me looking forward to the next in the series. I received a free copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Primarily fun - enjoyable characters, engaging plot, not a great deal of depth but very entertaining. What I like most is the travelogue aspects - I feel transported back to the locations, which is truly wonderful in the midst of travel restrictions.

[Wayne Inkster · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting cozy mystery that took twists away from the norm of the earlier books in the series... great ending too!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice cozy read it really didnt matter that I started on book 5. It was really enjoyable and engaging and a brilliant sitting in the summer garden read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!