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Kennedy Reeves Cozy Cocktail Cruise Mystery #1
A Boat for a Goat
Kennedy Reeves, cruise director for the Helio, has been called back to work after being on land for the last year. She looks forward to greeting her the business world's newest mega-millionaire couple, the Club Diva Boys, the Ladies from Harmony Lakes, and Vera Jameson (a businesswoman who could make a drill sergeant cry). Everything looks shipshape until the consultant hired by the corporate office arrives, and he has a very different course charted. Join Kennedy, her friends, and their zany passengers as they navigate the turbulent waters of their first cruise in A Boat for a Goat
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2022
108 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Mac
6 books14 followersMJ Mac writes cozy mysteries marked by dry humor, layered intrigue, and clever twists. She is the creator of the beloved Kennedy Reeves Mysteries, recognized by the Chanticleer International Book Awards.
After four decades in corporate America, she turned her strategic eye toward fiction, crafting stories featuring strong heroines (and villains) where high seas, high stakes, and high jinks collide.
She is currently developing the Frankie Rossi Mysteries, set to release in 2027.
After four decades in corporate America, she turned her strategic eye toward fiction, crafting stories featuring strong heroines (and villains) where high seas, high stakes, and high jinks collide.
She is currently developing the Frankie Rossi Mysteries, set to release in 2027.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 3, 2024
While I enjoyed it enough while I was reading it, I had some issues with it.
Let's start with the sub-title, "a Kennedy Reeves Cozy Cocktail Cruise Mystery." Now I realize the definition of "cozy" is rather nebulous, but a book where the characters are repeatedly berated by an over-the-top antagonist for hundreds of pages is not cozy to me — it's likely to set off PTSD from previous bad bosses I've suffered through. The definition of "mystery," however, is not nebulous at all, and this novel didn't feature a mystery until the 2/3 mark, and it wasn't much of a mystery at all, as it was immediately clear who the murderer was (my only hesitation was that it was so obvious I assumed it had to be a red herring). So yeah, my initial complaint is one of meeting expectations, as this book was not what it promised on the cover.
My other issues I actually mentioned in that rant about how it wasn't a cozy mystery. The antagonist was so over-the-top it was beyond belief that anyone could behave that way. It made the highlight of the book the point at which they were finally dispatched with, as one, it was cathartic, and two, I wouldn't have to read about their absurd behavior any longer. And my other issue was again that the murder took place so late in the book, and there was no real investigation of it whatsoever.
Those complaints aside, I did enjoy the characters, and spending time with them on the cruise ship. It was engaging enough that I'm considering reading the next in the series, A Cruise for Sous, hoping that the pacing and antagonist/mystery are handled better.
Let's start with the sub-title, "a Kennedy Reeves Cozy Cocktail Cruise Mystery." Now I realize the definition of "cozy" is rather nebulous, but a book where the characters are repeatedly berated by an over-the-top antagonist for hundreds of pages is not cozy to me — it's likely to set off PTSD from previous bad bosses I've suffered through. The definition of "mystery," however, is not nebulous at all, and this novel didn't feature a mystery until the 2/3 mark, and it wasn't much of a mystery at all, as it was immediately clear who the murderer was (my only hesitation was that it was so obvious I assumed it had to be a red herring). So yeah, my initial complaint is one of meeting expectations, as this book was not what it promised on the cover.
My other issues I actually mentioned in that rant about how it wasn't a cozy mystery. The antagonist was so over-the-top it was beyond belief that anyone could behave that way. It made the highlight of the book the point at which they were finally dispatched with, as one, it was cathartic, and two, I wouldn't have to read about their absurd behavior any longer. And my other issue was again that the murder took place so late in the book, and there was no real investigation of it whatsoever.
Those complaints aside, I did enjoy the characters, and spending time with them on the cruise ship. It was engaging enough that I'm considering reading the next in the series, A Cruise for Sous, hoping that the pacing and antagonist/mystery are handled better.
December 8, 2023
A fun romp and mystery on the Caribbean!
I bought this book yesterday morning after meeting the author and reading the blurb on the paperback. I didn't really know what to expect. And now it is 07:00 the next morning, I just finished this book--and bought the rest of the series!
This book covers Kennedy Reeves return as a cruise director on a cruise ship's first voyage after Covid. One would expect a few problems, what with all the new health and sanitary requirements, but all of the original senior staff are back and happy to be working together once again. Many of the passengers are also thrilled to be back on the water.
But then the GOAT appears, an obnoxious consultant supposedly hired to review the staff by the corporate office. Instead, he seems intent on causing chaos, discord, and fear of job loss to one and all.
There are a lot of interesting side characters, both crew and passengers (and even the ship itself), an unexpected whodunit, and a twisty but satisfying ending.
I bought this book yesterday morning after meeting the author and reading the blurb on the paperback. I didn't really know what to expect. And now it is 07:00 the next morning, I just finished this book--and bought the rest of the series!
This book covers Kennedy Reeves return as a cruise director on a cruise ship's first voyage after Covid. One would expect a few problems, what with all the new health and sanitary requirements, but all of the original senior staff are back and happy to be working together once again. Many of the passengers are also thrilled to be back on the water.
But then the GOAT appears, an obnoxious consultant supposedly hired to review the staff by the corporate office. Instead, he seems intent on causing chaos, discord, and fear of job loss to one and all.
There are a lot of interesting side characters, both crew and passengers (and even the ship itself), an unexpected whodunit, and a twisty but satisfying ending.
June 29, 2023
A Boat for a Goat by MJ Mac is the first book in the Kennedy Reeves cozy mystery series and the perfect choice to add to your summer vacation reading list. In this adventure, cruise director Kennedy and her cast of colorful characters take sail on the Helio’s first ship to leave port since the travel interruptions caused by Covid-19. MJ Mac nails it with her detailed descriptions of the colorful guests. I found myself rooting for the crew, laughing out loud at some of the guest’s antics, and wishing I was there so I could get rid of Gunner the Goat personally. I won’t spoil the fun by revealing more; you’ll have to order your own copy to find out who Gunner is and what becomes of him and everyone else on board the Helio. If this story gets under your skin as it did for me, you’ll probably want to order the rest of the books in the series as I did.
April 30, 2024
Since I enjoy taking cruises, I could really relate to the happenings in A Boat for a Goat. Kennedy Reeves is the cruise director of the Helio cruise ship of the Sunny Days Cruise Line. The staff includes her friend/spa manager Mila Casimir and the Director of Security Omar Meier. When the Helio is ready to set sail again after a long break, Kennedy and her staff are eager to get started. Unfortunately the unexpected appearance of future vice president Gunner Owen Archer (greatest of all time-Goat!) has everyone on edge. He seems to find fault with everything and everyone. His untimely death in the spa area, lands Mila as the main suspect to his murder! This first book in the Kennedy Reeves Cozy Cocktail Cruise mystery series has an assortment of zany characters on board, a mystery to solve, the hint of a romance, and surprises. I enjoyed reading it.
July 17, 2025
This one didn't really come across as a cozy genre book. The story started quite slow, I'm assuming to provide background as to why Kennedy wanted to be on the ship and away from home. The protagonist was a horrible person, and the team reactions seemed way out of bounds. The tears and resolutions to just quit were far more dramatic than warranted. With all the lead up, it was a done deal who would die. The murder and investigation (what little was discussed) happened past the book 50% mark. Parts of this were cute but some parts were a bit painful and overly stigmatized. Overall, it was just ok. I'll try book 2 to see if the approaches I wasn't as comfortable with will continue or were just slow start-ups.
May 15, 2024
Not real goats were harmed in writing this book
Kennedy is looking forward to setting off on her next work cruise. Maybe to get away from her overbearing match making mother. Or maybe to see the Head of Security as well as her best friend. As with all customer service jobs there are demanding people and unique people. This cruise has plenty of both. Never mind the newly rich, the Divas or the geriatric crowd, who killed the VIP?
Kennedy is looking forward to setting off on her next work cruise. Maybe to get away from her overbearing match making mother. Or maybe to see the Head of Security as well as her best friend. As with all customer service jobs there are demanding people and unique people. This cruise has plenty of both. Never mind the newly rich, the Divas or the geriatric crowd, who killed the VIP?
June 11, 2024
This was a cute and really funny read. I met the author while in Panama and she had me convinced to read this, with her bubbly personality. I could hear her voice coming through Kennedy’s dialogue so it was actually pretty cool for me. I do wish the “mystery” happened sooner as most of the book is the day-to-day banter and fun on a cruise ship. But if you’re looking for a fun summer read, this is it. Especially if you’re on vacation…bonus if it’s a cruise :)
August 2, 2025
mystery brings everyone together
I thought this was a fantastic story of friendship and a description of life on a cruise ship. We have characters that stick together through good times like a grand opening and the tough times like a murder suspect. Kennedy has family issues she wants to stay away from so she is waiting patiently for the company to call her back from a long furlough. When they do can she remember how to get herself back together?
I thought this was a fantastic story of friendship and a description of life on a cruise ship. We have characters that stick together through good times like a grand opening and the tough times like a murder suspect. Kennedy has family issues she wants to stay away from so she is waiting patiently for the company to call her back from a long furlough. When they do can she remember how to get herself back together?
October 24, 2022
Fun, with a few twists.
The characters in this book are entertaining and their interactions are delightful. While the traditional whodunit event takes a while to occur, the bigger mysteries are the motivations of several characters, which only come to light at the very end. A fun debut novel - I'm looking forward to MJ Mac's next book!
The characters in this book are entertaining and their interactions are delightful. While the traditional whodunit event takes a while to occur, the bigger mysteries are the motivations of several characters, which only come to light at the very end. A fun debut novel - I'm looking forward to MJ Mac's next book!
April 30, 2024
I hated the anti hero
The fact that I love cozy mysteries I did try to give this book a chance. I really tried. I have worked in hospitality services and have had put up with both really bosses and customers that you cannot please but this was just too much. I believe the author wanted us to hate this guy but come on
The fact that I love cozy mysteries I did try to give this book a chance. I really tried. I have worked in hospitality services and have had put up with both really bosses and customers that you cannot please but this was just too much. I believe the author wanted us to hate this guy but come on
April 16, 2025
Dnf 20%
Quite boring in the beginning with the ungrateful mc and her family. This isn’t my usual genre but I like cruising so figured I’d give it a try. I was hopeful the story would pick up when they got onboard, but it didn’t. I wasn’t interested in meeting the cast of zany characters so I decided to quit.
Quite boring in the beginning with the ungrateful mc and her family. This isn’t my usual genre but I like cruising so figured I’d give it a try. I was hopeful the story would pick up when they got onboard, but it didn’t. I wasn’t interested in meeting the cast of zany characters so I decided to quit.
October 2, 2023
Light fun and intrigue
It might help to have been on a cruise before this book can be fully appreciated, but it’s a good story rife with mystery and some very interesting characters whose personalities were all well-developed by the author.
It might help to have been on a cruise before this book can be fully appreciated, but it’s a good story rife with mystery and some very interesting characters whose personalities were all well-developed by the author.
November 14, 2023
Excellent!!
Very, very entertaining. Made me want to jump in and get involved with some things for the characters in this story. The kind of book you don’t want to put down. Thanks for a very good read!
Very, very entertaining. Made me want to jump in and get involved with some things for the characters in this story. The kind of book you don’t want to put down. Thanks for a very good read!
February 3, 2024
another great cruise even though it had an evil man aboard,!
Lots of fun but also sad things to this story! The crew had to have a stiff upper lip and still take care of the passengers at the risk of their jobs! Weight for the ending!
Lots of fun but also sad things to this story! The crew had to have a stiff upper lip and still take care of the passengers at the risk of their jobs! Weight for the ending!
April 16, 2024
cute and fun mystery
This was a cute book. I gave it 4 star because it kind of jumped from one characters pov to another. Also the antagonist was such a horrible jerk it made it hard to read sometimes. But still worth the read for some laughs and a good whodunit
This was a cute book. I gave it 4 star because it kind of jumped from one characters pov to another. Also the antagonist was such a horrible jerk it made it hard to read sometimes. But still worth the read for some laughs and a good whodunit
May 4, 2024
A murder mystery somehow made lighthearted and quite fun? A fast paced book that was a pleasant read, although the characters were one dimensional caricatures. I’ve never been on a cruise so I enjoyed reading about the experience from the perspective of the staff.
July 7, 2024
Muy divertido
Una lectura ligera y entretenida, para disfrutar. Los personajes son muy divertidos, y la trama en general me enganchó rápidamente. Me gustó mucho y ya tengo ganas de leer el próximo!
Una lectura ligera y entretenida, para disfrutar. Los personajes son muy divertidos, y la trama en general me enganchó rápidamente. Me gustó mucho y ya tengo ganas de leer el próximo!
August 6, 2025
Nope, the first book just went on and on until eventually someone died and within a few chapters it’s solved. No suspense. The pacing was just not my cup of tea. I think I’m tapping out of this series.
October 4, 2022
LOVED!!! A light cozy mystery on a cruise ship. Characters are funny and real!
January 16, 2023
Wow! Fantastic read!
Great descriptions, easy reading and intrigue to go with it! Everyone should read this book! Ready for the next one!
Great descriptions, easy reading and intrigue to go with it! Everyone should read this book! Ready for the next one!
January 27, 2023
New author with surprising insight into her characters! Couldn’t put it down!
October 31, 2023
A terrific story with a fun set of characters. Going to start the next one.
March 11, 2024
It is a very funny and cozy read. It is also very easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes slow paced books.
June 10, 2024
Enjoyable if you like cozy mysteries and 'below deck' on TV.
Felt a bit like forced and over the top in describing some characters. Will give the next one a go.
Felt a bit like forced and over the top in describing some characters. Will give the next one a go.
June 21, 2024
A good read
Fun mixed in with drama; good guys and bad. Kept me interested. Didn't find any glaring errors which always makes for a more enjoyable experience.
Fun mixed in with drama; good guys and bad. Kept me interested. Didn't find any glaring errors which always makes for a more enjoyable experience.
September 12, 2024
DNF: too much about COVID and ZERO mystery and I was 20% in. The writing was ok but I read to escape reality not relive it!
May 3, 2025
Very predictable
May 19, 2025
Goat
Loved this book! It has all the best moments and drama you can ask for. Very entertaining to the end!
Loved this book! It has all the best moments and drama you can ask for. Very entertaining to the end!
May 5, 2024
My first cozy mystery book! I originally gave the book 2 stars but changed it to 3. There was a lot of side conversations and backstory that didn’t significantly contribute to the mystery plot but that seems to just be typical for the genre. A nice easy read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews