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Kennedy Reeves Cozy Cocktail Cruise Mystery #2
A Cruise for Sous
Secrets and scandal are the spices of this cruise when Classic Style Network chooses the Helio as the location for a cut-throat cooking competition, and it’s up to Kennedy to keep things from boiling over. Old and new friends are also on this mouth-watering cruise: the Gents from Breezy Bayou, David from Club Diva, Jones and Terri Butler, and Emily Abbott, the great-granddaughter of the cruise line’s founder. In between taking care of the passengers and making sure the competition goes smoothly, Kennedy is also in charge of decorating the ship for the holidays. “It’s just a few trees,” Alfred, her boss, wrote. And when travel writer Monique Patrick begins stirring the pot by asking uncomfortable questions, it could become a recipe for disaster.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2022
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 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 18, 2024
So I haven't read the first book in the series. I got this and the third book for free and it seemed like this would work on its own. There are a fair number of references to the first book, but it doesn't really detract from the story. I did also read this on a cruise, which was some extra fun.
As far as this book goes, I'm not sure what to rate this. The plot is extremely light. There is a plot, but it's so light. Most of the "plot" is just cruise events. The big mystery doesn't even get its inciting incident until like two-thirds of the way through. I spent most of the book wondering "so........when does the plot start?" And then the mystery is kind of trivial.
The characters are dynamic. And a lot. There are some issues with the characterizations but over all I'm actually very impressed with how easy it is to keep all of the many characters straight.
This really sounds like I didn't like the book, but honestly, for getting it for free, I'm not displeased. That said...I'm not sure I'd recommend it. Maybe if you were specifically looking for a book that takes place on a cruise.
As far as this book goes, I'm not sure what to rate this. The plot is extremely light. There is a plot, but it's so light. Most of the "plot" is just cruise events. The big mystery doesn't even get its inciting incident until like two-thirds of the way through. I spent most of the book wondering "so........when does the plot start?" And then the mystery is kind of trivial.
The characters are dynamic. And a lot. There are some issues with the characterizations but over all I'm actually very impressed with how easy it is to keep all of the many characters straight.
This really sounds like I didn't like the book, but honestly, for getting it for free, I'm not displeased. That said...I'm not sure I'd recommend it. Maybe if you were specifically looking for a book that takes place on a cruise.
September 25, 2023
In this second installation in the Kennedy Reeves mystery series, MJ Mac picks up where she left off, with the next Caribbean sailing of the Helio. This time, cruise director Kennedy has her hands full with more colorful characters that will be sure to get under your skin. The four contestants vying for the title of Classic Style Network’s top chef join returning cruisers on the Christmas voyage that has all the ingredients for a recipe of comedy and intrigue.
A Cruise for Sous was the perfect read for me to let go and relax after a full day. Packed full of hilarious scenes that had me laughing out loud and my husband’s curiosity piqued, I could hardly turn the pages quickly enough to find out what crazy antic would be next to challenge Kennedy. I had suspicions about who the culprit was when one of the passengers went missing, but with such a huge cast of despicable characters to choose from, I was in suspense until the very end.
A Cruise for Sous was the perfect read for me to let go and relax after a full day. Packed full of hilarious scenes that had me laughing out loud and my husband’s curiosity piqued, I could hardly turn the pages quickly enough to find out what crazy antic would be next to challenge Kennedy. I had suspicions about who the culprit was when one of the passengers went missing, but with such a huge cast of despicable characters to choose from, I was in suspense until the very end.
January 9, 2024
I want a cruise on the Helios!
MJ Mac packs so much action into a 6-day timeline: holiday decorations and shows, a live televised chefs' competition, and a passenger disappearance. Yet she never loses track of her characters, especially Kennedy, the cruise director, completing their day-to-day tasks as well. And once again, I was not expecting the villain who was revealed at the end. I always hate when reviewers write "I can't wait for the next one" after just reading a book, but I must admit I am glad I already bought the next one! And then there's the new one, just out
this week! Maybe I will just spread them out and finish #4 when #5 comes out. Nah, I will just reread the available ones as each new one comes out. Maybe while taking a cruise...
MJ Mac packs so much action into a 6-day timeline: holiday decorations and shows, a live televised chefs' competition, and a passenger disappearance. Yet she never loses track of her characters, especially Kennedy, the cruise director, completing their day-to-day tasks as well. And once again, I was not expecting the villain who was revealed at the end. I always hate when reviewers write "I can't wait for the next one" after just reading a book, but I must admit I am glad I already bought the next one! And then there's the new one, just out
this week! Maybe I will just spread them out and finish #4 when #5 comes out. Nah, I will just reread the available ones as each new one comes out. Maybe while taking a cruise...
April 15, 2026
A good edit could have reduced the page count
There were some great characters and situations, but the obnoxious writer was too long-winded and too vicious. The four chefs and their background stories were interesting, but two of them were so over the top that they became nauseating. A great editor could have fixed this story.
There were some great characters and situations, but the obnoxious writer was too long-winded and too vicious. The four chefs and their background stories were interesting, but two of them were so over the top that they became nauseating. A great editor could have fixed this story.
August 2, 2025
Very light and easy read. The mystery was pretty easy to guess - both who the victim, and who the perpetrator would be. A few small surprises or twists, but nothing major. Overall, the characters are easy to like and relate to. I will continue with the series but not with any rush.
May 5, 2026
Flat, one dimensional characters carry you through a plot with extremely predictable twists. Only finished it because it was an easy, quick read but found myself often bored or rolling my eyes at the complete lack of nuance and depth.
January 27, 2023
Kennedy has some new characters on her cruise and some former cruisers! Cooking competition and surprising results!
November 16, 2023
Excellent second story in the series. There always seems to be on or more characters with extreme personalities who you either love or hate. Fun.
August 20, 2024
No mystery why the book was free.
August 2, 2025
A cruise to remember
The author created a wonderful story about a cruise ship that hosted a chef competition! Kennedy Reeves figured out the mystery of the missing passenger
The author created a wonderful story about a cruise ship that hosted a chef competition! Kennedy Reeves figured out the mystery of the missing passenger
January 10, 2026
Enjoyed the series.
February 13, 2026
This was a fun cozy mystery. The mystery takes place on a cruise ship and with a cooking competition on board. This was a fun read with some great characters.
February 10, 2026
This is the second book in the Kennedy Reeves Mysteries by MJ Mac. Kennedy Reeves is the crise director in charge of decorating the Helio for its Christmas voyage through Mexico. Classic Style Network is having a cooking competition for top chef on the cruise. The competition becomes very competitive with chefs vying to be top chef. Kennedy tries to run things smoothly after things become heated after travel writer, Monique Patrick asks uncomfortable questions and people become suspicious. I really enjoyed this wonderful cozy mystery novel. There are several delicious cocktail recipes throughout the book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews