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A Stranger On Board
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A luxury superyacht. And a killer picking you off, one by one...When ex-marine Sarah French joins a luxury superyacht as on-board security, she's excited to get her life - and career - back on track.Surrounded by crystal waters, it seems like the perfect place to start over.As they head into open water, though, tensions between the crew quickly build. And when someone goes missing, Sarah has a terrifying realisation.One of them is a killer. All of them are suspects.To protect the other passengers, Sarah needs to uncover the killer's identity, and return the boat safely to shore.But there's a storm on the horizon - and not all of them will make it out alive...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
April 3, 2022
You may think you would fancy a voyage on board the “floating palace“, superyacht “Escape“ but at the moment you definitely wouldn’t. It’s drifting, thousands of miles from land, icy sea water crashes its sides, the weather is shocking, there’s no light showing from the glittering chandeliers, the crew are huddling fearfully together whilst one solitary figure moves furtively on the side deck. What has put them into such a state of terror? What rottenness lies at the heart of this supposedly routine trip taking the refurbished vessel from Majorca to Antigua with a skeleton crew? It’s a plan of breathtaking audacity. Security officer Sarah French narrates, she’s a ’kick ass’ former royal Marine who is carrying her own demons.
Well, the superyacht sure is… super! There are good descriptions of it, it’s OTT but then if you’re mega rich why not and the setting especially at sea oozes atmosphere. The novel has multiple strands which makes for interesting reading with Sarah‘s backstory, the ship owners family issues, dysfunction amongst the crew as well as as the plan that endangers them. The dynamics are done well as is Sarah‘s story which comes to the surface a little bit at a time.
The issues on-board mount in intensity with a string of events that could be bad luck, incompetence or…? Add in natures fury and you have a never a dull moment, fast paced plot which I really enjoy. The tension becomes increasingly taut, there are multiple twists and turns, it becomes very exciting as it escalates and builds . The ending is good, maybe a tad unlikely but does it achieve excitement? Oh that would be a definite yes! The ultimate ending feels right too.
My only negative is that there are a lot of characters and although the author does a decent job at letting you “see“ them, Sarah inevitably is the only one that feels well fleshed out.
Overall, this would make a great action thriller movie as that’s what the author has made it feel like. Who would play Sarah ?? It definitely needs an actress with plenty of grit.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Well, the superyacht sure is… super! There are good descriptions of it, it’s OTT but then if you’re mega rich why not and the setting especially at sea oozes atmosphere. The novel has multiple strands which makes for interesting reading with Sarah‘s backstory, the ship owners family issues, dysfunction amongst the crew as well as as the plan that endangers them. The dynamics are done well as is Sarah‘s story which comes to the surface a little bit at a time.
The issues on-board mount in intensity with a string of events that could be bad luck, incompetence or…? Add in natures fury and you have a never a dull moment, fast paced plot which I really enjoy. The tension becomes increasingly taut, there are multiple twists and turns, it becomes very exciting as it escalates and builds . The ending is good, maybe a tad unlikely but does it achieve excitement? Oh that would be a definite yes! The ultimate ending feels right too.
My only negative is that there are a lot of characters and although the author does a decent job at letting you “see“ them, Sarah inevitably is the only one that feels well fleshed out.
Overall, this would make a great action thriller movie as that’s what the author has made it feel like. Who would play Sarah ?? It definitely needs an actress with plenty of grit.
With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 14, 2022
Solid 4.75 stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not wait to finish it!
I must admit, I am a fan of so-called closed room thrillers/mysteries so this book was right up my alley.
The writing was enjoyable, the main character strong, inspiring, yet human and relatable, in my personal opinion.
The set-up was nice, well-described and unusual, the mystery was engaging too, every time I put the book down (life reasons!), I wanted to pick it back up and speed through reading it but also savour it.
I would love to read more from this author, thank you so much for the ARC, NetGalley!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not wait to finish it!
I must admit, I am a fan of so-called closed room thrillers/mysteries so this book was right up my alley.
The writing was enjoyable, the main character strong, inspiring, yet human and relatable, in my personal opinion.
The set-up was nice, well-described and unusual, the mystery was engaging too, every time I put the book down (life reasons!), I wanted to pick it back up and speed through reading it but also savour it.
I would love to read more from this author, thank you so much for the ARC, NetGalley!
June 9, 2022
When ex-marine Sarah French joins a luxury superyacht as on-board security, she's excited to get her life - and career - back on track. /surrounded by crystal waters, it seems like the perfect place to start over. As they head in to open water, tough, tensions between the crew quickly build. And when someone goes missing, Sarah has a terrifying realisation. One of them is a killer. All of them are suspects.
Working on a superyacht as a security officer should be a piece of cake for ex-royal marine, Sarah French. But things don't always go to plan. From the first day things start going wrong with the yacht. Then a crew member goes missing.
You do have to suspend your beliefs a little whilst reading this book. People keep disappearing from the yacht, Sarah has to try and find out who is behind it all. The story begins on the eighth day of the voyage. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into this mysterious thriller, but once I was in, I was hooked. There's lots of complex characters and a little predictable in places. The pace is fast set from the beginning. I was rooting for Sarah all the way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMichaelJosephUK and the author #CameronWard for my ARC of #AStrangerOnBoard in exchange for an honest review.
Working on a superyacht as a security officer should be a piece of cake for ex-royal marine, Sarah French. But things don't always go to plan. From the first day things start going wrong with the yacht. Then a crew member goes missing.
You do have to suspend your beliefs a little whilst reading this book. People keep disappearing from the yacht, Sarah has to try and find out who is behind it all. The story begins on the eighth day of the voyage. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into this mysterious thriller, but once I was in, I was hooked. There's lots of complex characters and a little predictable in places. The pace is fast set from the beginning. I was rooting for Sarah all the way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMichaelJosephUK and the author #CameronWard for my ARC of #AStrangerOnBoard in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
This wonderful closed room thriller takes place on a super yacht sailing to the Caribbean and is told from the perspective of Sarah, an ex-marine who was recently discharged early from the service and appears to be suffering from PTSD. Sarah takes an easy gig on this sailing, she’s a security detail who’s mostly there for show so it should give her the time she needs to try and sort her out head from the past events while serving. Unfortunately things start to go very wrong onboard the yacht, there’s a fire, damaged electrical systems and a whole crew hiding secrets.
So when one of the crew suddenly disappears things take a deadly turn and Sarah races to figure out what’s going on, with no power, no water, no method of communicating, and no water, she’s really up against finding out the truth before she becomes the next victim.
This book gripped me in it’s claws and had me hooked until the very last page, I suspected every single one of the crew members at some point and when it was revealed who was behind it I hadn’t guessed right!! I do love a good murder mystery/who dunnit and being on a boat in the middle of the ocean? Well you can’t escape that.
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for sending me a proof in exchange for my review, absolutely loved it and is in my top 10 books for the year.
So when one of the crew suddenly disappears things take a deadly turn and Sarah races to figure out what’s going on, with no power, no water, no method of communicating, and no water, she’s really up against finding out the truth before she becomes the next victim.
This book gripped me in it’s claws and had me hooked until the very last page, I suspected every single one of the crew members at some point and when it was revealed who was behind it I hadn’t guessed right!! I do love a good murder mystery/who dunnit and being on a boat in the middle of the ocean? Well you can’t escape that.
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for sending me a proof in exchange for my review, absolutely loved it and is in my top 10 books for the year.
April 11, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Fast pacing and great characters. This would make an exciting film!
September 9, 2023
Ex marine Sarah French joins a luxury super yacht named "Escape" as onboard security. She is still suffering panic attacks and PTSD following her discharge from the navy.
As they head into open water tension builds between the crew and when someone goes missing, Sarah realises that there may be a killer onboard. Everyone is a suspect and there is no escape. Can she find out the truth before she becomes the next victim.
I do love a murder mystery and for me the added bonus of it being located on a yacht, in the middle of the ocean was just brilliant!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
As they head into open water tension builds between the crew and when someone goes missing, Sarah realises that there may be a killer onboard. Everyone is a suspect and there is no escape. Can she find out the truth before she becomes the next victim.
I do love a murder mystery and for me the added bonus of it being located on a yacht, in the middle of the ocean was just brilliant!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
An enjoyable holiday read for fans of Below Deck :) Ex Marine Sarah is hired as security on a luxury super yacht. Sarah suffers from PTSD but takes the job as it promises to be an easy task - which it isn't! Wonderfully descriptive, good character development and overall good whodunnit. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advance copy.
dnf
September 12, 2023DNF @ 24%
June 20, 2022
Strangely enough, this is the second thriller I have read this summer set upon a luxury yacht, the other being, ‘Dead Rich’ by G.W. Shaw. This is an excellent setting, especially for a holiday, beach read.
‘A Stranger on Board,’ has Sarah French as the main character, an ex-Royal Marine, who has suffered a traumatic experience and left the service. A friend of hers gives her a job, acting as Security on board the superyacht, ‘Escape.’ It is being moved, with a skeleton crew, from Majorca to Antigua. Time to get her head straight and perhaps catch the sun? Of course, nothing is that simple.
From the first, things begin to go wrong. There is an unexpected guest, who insists on travelling with them. The yacht has teething troubles, with systems on the blink. There are problems with the engines, oh, and there’s a storm brewing and not just out in the ocean, but also on board. This is pure escapism, but good fun, with interesting characters and a lot of excitement. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
‘A Stranger on Board,’ has Sarah French as the main character, an ex-Royal Marine, who has suffered a traumatic experience and left the service. A friend of hers gives her a job, acting as Security on board the superyacht, ‘Escape.’ It is being moved, with a skeleton crew, from Majorca to Antigua. Time to get her head straight and perhaps catch the sun? Of course, nothing is that simple.
From the first, things begin to go wrong. There is an unexpected guest, who insists on travelling with them. The yacht has teething troubles, with systems on the blink. There are problems with the engines, oh, and there’s a storm brewing and not just out in the ocean, but also on board. This is pure escapism, but good fun, with interesting characters and a lot of excitement. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
July 2, 2022
This story got off to a slow start and I wasn’t sure I was going to see it through…
That being said I did really enjoy the main character, Sarah. She was a reason why I kept on reading, she had some depth and I was interested to see where it was all going.
What is the story line had picked up, it was very fast paced which kept me reading. However, the plot is very unrealistic to me.
I also guessed one of the largest twists, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it didn’t shock me.
I’ve gone with a 3/5 for this book. Didn’t laugh it didn’t hate it… I probably won’t go around recommending it.
That being said I did really enjoy the main character, Sarah. She was a reason why I kept on reading, she had some depth and I was interested to see where it was all going.
What is the story line had picked up, it was very fast paced which kept me reading. However, the plot is very unrealistic to me.
I also guessed one of the largest twists, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it didn’t shock me.
I’ve gone with a 3/5 for this book. Didn’t laugh it didn’t hate it… I probably won’t go around recommending it.
March 19, 2022
Woah! Wow! Wowser! Umm.... let me catch my breathe for a min after finishing that, and I may be able to get some thoughts in order...
.... well first thought is OMG that was flipping awesome. I was completely gripped like I haven't been by book for absolutely ages, it drew me in slowly but once even the first things start to go a bit wrong, I was utterly hooked, and looking forward to my next fix with the book.
... it's rather claustrophobic, there is only really a finite number of suspects and they are all on the journey from hell on a super yacht together. And our hero is an ex-marine who is suffering from panic attacks and flashbacks to her time serving, but yet appears to be the one who what to be the hero.
.. I had absolutely no idea who to trust, nor had I really formulated my own ideas, I was just so enthralled by the writing, and the feeling as though I was onboard with them all, that I didn't get a chance to do anything but be swept away by this fabulous book.
.... I can't believe I've never read this author before, I know it was the superyacht setting that attracted me in the first place, but I'm certainly now curious to see what he will write next. I'm also so impressed with just about every aspect of the book, while also being rather relieved that i didn't read this while on a cruise!
Easily one of the best books I've read so far this year.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
.... well first thought is OMG that was flipping awesome. I was completely gripped like I haven't been by book for absolutely ages, it drew me in slowly but once even the first things start to go a bit wrong, I was utterly hooked, and looking forward to my next fix with the book.
... it's rather claustrophobic, there is only really a finite number of suspects and they are all on the journey from hell on a super yacht together. And our hero is an ex-marine who is suffering from panic attacks and flashbacks to her time serving, but yet appears to be the one who what to be the hero.
.. I had absolutely no idea who to trust, nor had I really formulated my own ideas, I was just so enthralled by the writing, and the feeling as though I was onboard with them all, that I didn't get a chance to do anything but be swept away by this fabulous book.
.... I can't believe I've never read this author before, I know it was the superyacht setting that attracted me in the first place, but I'm certainly now curious to see what he will write next. I'm also so impressed with just about every aspect of the book, while also being rather relieved that i didn't read this while on a cruise!
Easily one of the best books I've read so far this year.
Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 26, 2023
This book was the perfect thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and constantly keeping me on my toes
March 25, 2022
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review, with thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author. This has not impacted my review.
A Stranger on Board follows ex-Marine, Sarah, as she embarks on her first journey away from home following her traumatic and premature departure from the Royal Marines. Sarah is yet to face her demons surrounding her service, how it ended and her obvious PTSD, so when her friend, also a former soldier, offers her a job on a superyacht as a security liaison, they both assume it will be the perfect trip for her to get some downtime and deal with her emotions. It sounds great, a simple sail across to the Caribbean with an experienced crew with a dynamic like a sitcom cast and all Sarah has to do is be physically present so the company can get a tick on a piece of paper. That is until things start going wrong. The red flags start early, a rushed departure, an argument at the docks, but soon escalate into more serious problems such as a damaged electronics system, a fire, no lightning protection and secrets being kept by the captain and other crew members that might just put everyone at risk. When the captain disappears, Sarah soon finds herself relying on her instincts and her training to get to the bottom of the mystery. Who has been sabotaging their trip and what do they want?
This book deals with PTSD, family secrets, marine sabotage, and honestly, being stuck on a boat with no power, no backup generators, no water, fuel or communication systems sounds like my very own version of hell, so in my head, logically, it would make the perfect setting for a thriller. Unfortunately, I found it to be an incredibly slow burn. Firstly, I think it had a LOT of filler. Some of the moments, although good for getting a feel for the rest of the crew and their dynamic with one another, felt unnecessarily long-winded in spots. I found myself not particularly liking or caring for Sarah until towards the end of the book when we finally get to see some of this badass essence she had been indicating she had from the beginning. Secondly, it was a little predictable. I knew something was off with some of the characters around the 45% mark. I also think the reveal came a little too soon in the book, because it meant the conclusion took over 25% of the book and I don't like being in the know that long in a thriller.
I know this review sounds quite negative so far, but I will say this author knows how to build an interesting cast of characters. Each character was individual in their tones, I really liked the dynamic between a lot of them. I also think the story was incredibly well constructed, every little contingency seems to have been considered by the author, which is always great in a thriller. Overall, I just feel like it was a little too long and a little too predictable, but it would make a decent poolside read for a holiday if you're like me and enjoy thrillers while on holiday.
A Stranger on Board follows ex-Marine, Sarah, as she embarks on her first journey away from home following her traumatic and premature departure from the Royal Marines. Sarah is yet to face her demons surrounding her service, how it ended and her obvious PTSD, so when her friend, also a former soldier, offers her a job on a superyacht as a security liaison, they both assume it will be the perfect trip for her to get some downtime and deal with her emotions. It sounds great, a simple sail across to the Caribbean with an experienced crew with a dynamic like a sitcom cast and all Sarah has to do is be physically present so the company can get a tick on a piece of paper. That is until things start going wrong. The red flags start early, a rushed departure, an argument at the docks, but soon escalate into more serious problems such as a damaged electronics system, a fire, no lightning protection and secrets being kept by the captain and other crew members that might just put everyone at risk. When the captain disappears, Sarah soon finds herself relying on her instincts and her training to get to the bottom of the mystery. Who has been sabotaging their trip and what do they want?
This book deals with PTSD, family secrets, marine sabotage, and honestly, being stuck on a boat with no power, no backup generators, no water, fuel or communication systems sounds like my very own version of hell, so in my head, logically, it would make the perfect setting for a thriller. Unfortunately, I found it to be an incredibly slow burn. Firstly, I think it had a LOT of filler. Some of the moments, although good for getting a feel for the rest of the crew and their dynamic with one another, felt unnecessarily long-winded in spots. I found myself not particularly liking or caring for Sarah until towards the end of the book when we finally get to see some of this badass essence she had been indicating she had from the beginning. Secondly, it was a little predictable. I knew something was off with some of the characters around the 45% mark. I also think the reveal came a little too soon in the book, because it meant the conclusion took over 25% of the book and I don't like being in the know that long in a thriller.
I know this review sounds quite negative so far, but I will say this author knows how to build an interesting cast of characters. Each character was individual in their tones, I really liked the dynamic between a lot of them. I also think the story was incredibly well constructed, every little contingency seems to have been considered by the author, which is always great in a thriller. Overall, I just feel like it was a little too long and a little too predictable, but it would make a decent poolside read for a holiday if you're like me and enjoy thrillers while on holiday.
June 26, 2022
Ex-marine Sarah French is looking to get her life back on track following her discharge from the Navy. Still suffering panic attacks from PTSD, a job as security detail on a luxury yacht seems like the perfect solution. She makes a quick friend in Lily, a young woman who works onboard as a steward, & feels a frisson of attraction to one of the deckhands, Arno. When the niece of the owner makes a sudden appearance & decides to join the trip it throws off the whole atmosphere, added to this is the fact that the yacht refit is only half-finished, the sole engineer has a drinking problem, & Sarah overhears several arguments which hint at trouble below the surface.
When strange 'accidents' start happening like the fresh water tanks being emptied, Sarah begins to wonder if this trip is all it seems. Several days into the journey, the yacht is struck by lightning in a storm, disabling all their systems & Captain Greg disappears. They are all left drifting aimlessly with no communications & running out of food & fresh water, but even worse, Sarah realises that there may be a killer on board.
I do enjoy these 'locked room' type thrillers & this one started off well, I found Sarah French to be an intriguing character as one of the first female Royal Marines. I thought the tension was nicely tautened by the claustrophobic atmosphere & simmering mistrust between the crew. I should, however, have guessed what was on the way when one of the other ship's names made me go "Hey, Die Hard reference" at the start. Indeed, towards the end Sarah goes full 'John McClane' to root out the killer. It was an entertaining read, never dull, but at times Sarah didn't fully convince as a female character & the 'bad guys' were a little too obvious. I would definitely read another one of the author's books though as occasionally you need a book that's all about the action. 3.5 stars (rounded down on sites where half stars not allowed).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penguin Michael Joseph UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
When strange 'accidents' start happening like the fresh water tanks being emptied, Sarah begins to wonder if this trip is all it seems. Several days into the journey, the yacht is struck by lightning in a storm, disabling all their systems & Captain Greg disappears. They are all left drifting aimlessly with no communications & running out of food & fresh water, but even worse, Sarah realises that there may be a killer on board.
I do enjoy these 'locked room' type thrillers & this one started off well, I found Sarah French to be an intriguing character as one of the first female Royal Marines. I thought the tension was nicely tautened by the claustrophobic atmosphere & simmering mistrust between the crew. I should, however, have guessed what was on the way when one of the other ship's names made me go "Hey, Die Hard reference" at the start. Indeed, towards the end Sarah goes full 'John McClane' to root out the killer. It was an entertaining read, never dull, but at times Sarah didn't fully convince as a female character & the 'bad guys' were a little too obvious. I would definitely read another one of the author's books though as occasionally you need a book that's all about the action. 3.5 stars (rounded down on sites where half stars not allowed).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penguin Michael Joseph UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
July 29, 2022
As you might know I’m a big fan of a closed room thriller and A Stranger on Board was no exception.
Set on a super yacht, Sarah was employed as the security to help transport the boat, along with a skeleton crew, from Mallorca to the Caribbean. All that comes between them is the Atlantic Ocean and a traitor on board. Who is it though?
This was great from the get go; a washed up engineer, a last minute guest and an employer who won’t tell anyone why they have to depart super quick.
All the clues were there but I didn’t cotton on until the final third.
A great thriller, dark, suspenseful with a kick ass heroine at the centre of it all.
Set on a super yacht, Sarah was employed as the security to help transport the boat, along with a skeleton crew, from Mallorca to the Caribbean. All that comes between them is the Atlantic Ocean and a traitor on board. Who is it though?
This was great from the get go; a washed up engineer, a last minute guest and an employer who won’t tell anyone why they have to depart super quick.
All the clues were there but I didn’t cotton on until the final third.
A great thriller, dark, suspenseful with a kick ass heroine at the centre of it all.
September 14, 2023
I finished this book a week ago and am still unsure what I should rate this. I absolutely hated the first half of this. It was slow, full of extraneous details (that never became relevant to the story), and the characters were super unlikable. However, I really enjoyed the last bit of the book and was very satisfied with how things ended and that left me with a good impression. So I'm at a bit of a loss on how to rate this.
The characters in this book, excluding the protagonist, were so incredibly annoying. I actively disliked most of them and couldn't care less about all the interpersonal drama I was forced to read about. Probably a entire quarter of this book could have been deleted without changing the story. All the drama did help differentiate the characters, but I would have preferred to have a bunch of one-dimensional characters than characters I wanted to murder. There were also some weird feminist/social justice comments that were scattered throughout the book that seemed unnecessary since they weren't part of a larger conversation within the story. I was so close to DNFing this book and definitely would have if it hadn't been for bookclub.
That being said, I really loved the ending. I'm not saying it's a life-changing ending that deserves a rewards, but it was really fun and exiting to read! It also showed off the skills of the protagonist so she didn't end up being one of those characters that talked about how tough they were without showing any evidence. I wish the rest of the book had been as fast-paced as the ending and that the drama and romance subplots had been skipped over so I could get to the ending quicker.
I think this is a debut so I'll read the next book this author puts out and hope that it's better.
The characters in this book, excluding the protagonist, were so incredibly annoying. I actively disliked most of them and couldn't care less about all the interpersonal drama I was forced to read about. Probably a entire quarter of this book could have been deleted without changing the story. All the drama did help differentiate the characters, but I would have preferred to have a bunch of one-dimensional characters than characters I wanted to murder. There were also some weird feminist/social justice comments that were scattered throughout the book that seemed unnecessary since they weren't part of a larger conversation within the story. I was so close to DNFing this book and definitely would have if it hadn't been for bookclub.
That being said, I really loved the ending. I'm not saying it's a life-changing ending that deserves a rewards, but it was really fun and exiting to read! It also showed off the skills of the protagonist so she didn't end up being one of those characters that talked about how tough they were without showing any evidence. I wish the rest of the book had been as fast-paced as the ending and that the drama and romance subplots had been skipped over so I could get to the ending quicker.
I think this is a debut so I'll read the next book this author puts out and hope that it's better.
June 15, 2022
Thanks to netgalley for the arc ebook.
I loved the main character - it's refreshing to have a female action lead.
The pace builds the tension well. The only reason I'm not giving it full marks is I guessed something early on, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment overall.
I loved the main character - it's refreshing to have a female action lead.
The pace builds the tension well. The only reason I'm not giving it full marks is I guessed something early on, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment overall.
August 27, 2022
Everything that could go wrong on this yacht, did go wrong, and I thought at midway point it would become farcical but actually it was quite gripping and with a decent ending.
October 29, 2023
This is the first thriller I’ve read and it did not disappoint!
April 14, 2025
Slow. Boring.
couldnt get into it. DNF at page 130.
2 starts cause I like Sarah.
couldnt get into it. DNF at page 130.
2 starts cause I like Sarah.
August 27, 2023
2.5 stars
It's like Below Deck with a little murder thrown in.
The premise of this book had so much potential but it just did not deliver. This probably would have been better as an action movie rather than a novel. The writing just did not have the tension needed for a good thriller. The first half of the book was literally just like "Wow the weather is bad. The boat is rocking a lot" and like a few of Sarah's PTSD flashbacks. And the only other thing was when people disappeared (at like 50% through the book) but that wasn't shocking because it was mentioned in the synopsis. Like literally nothing else happened until at like 70% (?) it was revealed who the murderer is and then the rest of the book was just a bunch of action scenes. There was no mystery. All the characters were boring and it was hard to suspect anyone except for the people who were actually involved. Also Sarah made a lot of dumb decisions (like why did she trust Arno he was obviously sketchy). The setting had so much potential and the ending could have been really satisfying if the rest of the book had just been written differently and it wasn't so obvious how everything would play out.
It's like Below Deck with a little murder thrown in.
The premise of this book had so much potential but it just did not deliver. This probably would have been better as an action movie rather than a novel. The writing just did not have the tension needed for a good thriller. The first half of the book was literally just like "Wow the weather is bad. The boat is rocking a lot" and like a few of Sarah's PTSD flashbacks. And the only other thing was when people disappeared (at like 50% through the book) but that wasn't shocking because it was mentioned in the synopsis. Like literally nothing else happened until at like 70% (?) it was revealed who the murderer is and then the rest of the book was just a bunch of action scenes. There was no mystery. All the characters were boring and it was hard to suspect anyone except for the people who were actually involved. Also Sarah made a lot of dumb decisions (like why did she trust Arno he was obviously sketchy). The setting had so much potential and the ending could have been really satisfying if the rest of the book had just been written differently and it wasn't so obvious how everything would play out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2022
Overall - 4 out of 5
Genre - Thriller
Emotional rating - 🧐😬😬
Speed and ease to read - 🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️
Makes you think - ✖
Recommend the book - yes
▪️Synopsis
When ex-marine Sarah French joins a luxury superyacht as on-board security, she's excited to get her life and career back on track.
Surrounded by crystal waters, it seems like the perfect place to start over.
As they head into open water, though, tensions between the crew quickly build. And when someone goes missing, Sarah has a terrifying realisation.
One of them is a killer. All of them are suspects.
To protect the other passengers, Sarah needs to uncover the killer's identity, and return the boat safely to shore.
▪️How I found this book
The book starts by introducing Sarah, an ex-marine, who has a history that made her leave the marines. I liked her as a character as she felt like a strong female lead. She joins the crew of a super yacht as security.
Then the boat and the crew are introduced. This got confusing as a lot of characters were introduced quickly. The boat set sails and it is one disaster after another; first with the boat and then with the crew. This does seem slightly far-fetched due to the number of disasters that occur. The plot twist at the end is good - something different. The baddie can be guessed with the clues in the book.
The description of the boat is good and I liked the writing style. This is an easy read and an OK thriller. Just don't read it on a boat as it will get you worried with everything that could go wrong!
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Genre - Thriller
Emotional rating - 🧐😬😬
Speed and ease to read - 🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️🏃🏾♀️
Makes you think - ✖
Recommend the book - yes
▪️Synopsis
When ex-marine Sarah French joins a luxury superyacht as on-board security, she's excited to get her life and career back on track.
Surrounded by crystal waters, it seems like the perfect place to start over.
As they head into open water, though, tensions between the crew quickly build. And when someone goes missing, Sarah has a terrifying realisation.
One of them is a killer. All of them are suspects.
To protect the other passengers, Sarah needs to uncover the killer's identity, and return the boat safely to shore.
▪️How I found this book
The book starts by introducing Sarah, an ex-marine, who has a history that made her leave the marines. I liked her as a character as she felt like a strong female lead. She joins the crew of a super yacht as security.
Then the boat and the crew are introduced. This got confusing as a lot of characters were introduced quickly. The boat set sails and it is one disaster after another; first with the boat and then with the crew. This does seem slightly far-fetched due to the number of disasters that occur. The plot twist at the end is good - something different. The baddie can be guessed with the clues in the book.
The description of the boat is good and I liked the writing style. This is an easy read and an OK thriller. Just don't read it on a boat as it will get you worried with everything that could go wrong!
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
(3.5 stars)
This book is one of those that after finishing, it took me a while to work out how I felt about it. Which means - perhaps to your relief - that I haven't had time to think of a preamble for this review, so I'm just going to have to jump right in there.
First things first: I loved the main character, Sarah French. She's an ex-Royal Marine, which means that there isn't much she hasn't seen or had to face. But she's suffering severe post-traumatic stress disorder and also can't, or perhaps won't stop blaming herself for the death of her partner in action. The panic attacks come without warning and are crippling. She's splendidly portrayed: tough and vulnerable at the same time, and I both admired her and felt for her.
I wasn't quite so sure about the plot. The most luxurious and super of all superyachts is about to set sail on its maiden 3000-mile voyage from Majorca to Antigua, with just a skeleton crew on board. It should have been an easy journey, yet the insurers have insisted that a security guard is on board: hence Sarah's presence. Of course, the reader knows immediately that things are going to go wrong, and so it proves to be. Many things go wrong, each one a little bit more frantic and perhaps a bit less plausible than the one before.
Overall, though, I enjoyed it. Yes, it's a bit too far-fetched in the same way that the plot of a James Bond film is too far-fetched, but at the same time it manages to be as effortlessly entertaining as, well, a James Bond film. If you like fast-paced action thrillers, there's a lot to enjoy here.
The trouble is that it's not easy to blend a fast-paced action thriller and a psychological study. It can be done, because Agatha Christie managed it in 'And Then There Were None'. However, (a) Agatha Christie was a writing genius and (b) she studied the psychology of all of her characters, rather than one in particular.
Angela Marsons has sort of done the same thing from a slightly different angle in her DI Kim Stone series. However, (a) Queen Angie is also a writing genius and (b) she's had a series of 16 novels to explore her psychologically-damaged main character, rather than just one book.
So to say that Cameron Ward hasn't quite pulled off the same trick as those two legendary authors is absolutely no insult. But I just didn't think that the way the plot and the main character came together really quite worked. I felt that the character of Sarah might have been better suited to a slightly slower pace, to allow the reader to really get into her head. Whereas the heroine for a story such as this perhaps needed to be, well, a bit more like James Bond. Larger than life, rather than human.
You can think of this book, then, as curry-flavoured ice-cream, or perhaps a two-seater convertible Land Rover. An interesting idea, and a fine effort has been made to execute it. But ultimately, it can't quite manage to be two things at once.
But that's just my opinion. However, you could also think of this book as one of the many small SUV cars on sale at the moment. I don't really like them because they can't drive off-road as well as a proper 4x4, nor are they as good to drive on the road as an estate car made by the same manufacturer. So I wouldn't buy one. But judging by the number that seem to be littering our roads, I seem to be in a minority. So if you're tempted to read this book, please go ahead. You - like plenty of other people - might think differently to me.
My thanks to the author, Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for the digital ARC of this book, which was published on 23rd June. I have reviewed it voluntarily and honestly. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my personal blog.
This book is one of those that after finishing, it took me a while to work out how I felt about it. Which means - perhaps to your relief - that I haven't had time to think of a preamble for this review, so I'm just going to have to jump right in there.
First things first: I loved the main character, Sarah French. She's an ex-Royal Marine, which means that there isn't much she hasn't seen or had to face. But she's suffering severe post-traumatic stress disorder and also can't, or perhaps won't stop blaming herself for the death of her partner in action. The panic attacks come without warning and are crippling. She's splendidly portrayed: tough and vulnerable at the same time, and I both admired her and felt for her.
I wasn't quite so sure about the plot. The most luxurious and super of all superyachts is about to set sail on its maiden 3000-mile voyage from Majorca to Antigua, with just a skeleton crew on board. It should have been an easy journey, yet the insurers have insisted that a security guard is on board: hence Sarah's presence. Of course, the reader knows immediately that things are going to go wrong, and so it proves to be. Many things go wrong, each one a little bit more frantic and perhaps a bit less plausible than the one before.
Overall, though, I enjoyed it. Yes, it's a bit too far-fetched in the same way that the plot of a James Bond film is too far-fetched, but at the same time it manages to be as effortlessly entertaining as, well, a James Bond film. If you like fast-paced action thrillers, there's a lot to enjoy here.
The trouble is that it's not easy to blend a fast-paced action thriller and a psychological study. It can be done, because Agatha Christie managed it in 'And Then There Were None'. However, (a) Agatha Christie was a writing genius and (b) she studied the psychology of all of her characters, rather than one in particular.
Angela Marsons has sort of done the same thing from a slightly different angle in her DI Kim Stone series. However, (a) Queen Angie is also a writing genius and (b) she's had a series of 16 novels to explore her psychologically-damaged main character, rather than just one book.
So to say that Cameron Ward hasn't quite pulled off the same trick as those two legendary authors is absolutely no insult. But I just didn't think that the way the plot and the main character came together really quite worked. I felt that the character of Sarah might have been better suited to a slightly slower pace, to allow the reader to really get into her head. Whereas the heroine for a story such as this perhaps needed to be, well, a bit more like James Bond. Larger than life, rather than human.
You can think of this book, then, as curry-flavoured ice-cream, or perhaps a two-seater convertible Land Rover. An interesting idea, and a fine effort has been made to execute it. But ultimately, it can't quite manage to be two things at once.
But that's just my opinion. However, you could also think of this book as one of the many small SUV cars on sale at the moment. I don't really like them because they can't drive off-road as well as a proper 4x4, nor are they as good to drive on the road as an estate car made by the same manufacturer. So I wouldn't buy one. But judging by the number that seem to be littering our roads, I seem to be in a minority. So if you're tempted to read this book, please go ahead. You - like plenty of other people - might think differently to me.
My thanks to the author, Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for the digital ARC of this book, which was published on 23rd June. I have reviewed it voluntarily and honestly. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my personal blog.
June 20, 2022
Discover the locations in A Strangr on Board
If you have ever fancied sailing on a luxury yacht then this is going to be the book for you! You get to do that here but there’s is a dark stain in this luxury world and there’s not much that glistens nicely here! You expect luxury and relaxation but there is trouble afoot and as each thing happens, it gets you right between the eyes like a errant yacht sailing whipped by the wind and smacking straight in your face.
The premise and atmosphere are deliciously dark. I have never sailed for any length of time on a boat but imagine that the smaller the boat, the more claustrophobic it could be. Luxurious it might be, a gilded cage is still a cage. The guests on the boat in the novel are a bunch of misfits which makes this novel shine. One character, Sarah, is ex-marine and has PTSD and suffers flashbacks so you know their time on the yacht is going to be eventful.
The yacht in question is saling from England to Antigua and you get the full sense of the journey. The blue seas, the winds, the nightfalls from the deck. It’s a wonderful place to be. Well, not for some of the characters mind you for what will happen later on in the journey. Sarah has the very dangerous job of providing security for the journey. However, she also has to find out who is sabotaging the journey and more importantly, why. Two weeks on board….if they last that long.
The unusual setting of a super yacht in the middle of the Atlantic ocean made for a nice change for a thriller. Recommended. Imagine reading this on board a cruise of some kind???
July 4, 2022
I’d like to thank Jen from Michael Joseph for contacting me to take part in this blog tour.
This story follows the journey of Sarah, an ex-marine who is struggling following a traumatic event, who is hired as security on board a super yacht. Whilst trying to fight her inner demons Sarah befriends the different crew members and sets to work. I liked Sarah and was intrigued by her back story, her combat skills were also very impressive and I liked how quick thinking she was.
This one did start off a little slow for me, I was waiting for the first passenger to disappear and started to question when it would happen? However when it did happen the whole book seemed to take off and the action just kept coming.
I honestly didn’t know who to trust on the yacht. Everyone seemed to have an agenda and motive, each one as unreliable as the next. Sarah certainly had her work cut out for her, trying to figure out what exactly was happening onboard The Escape. I did have a few inclines along the way which turned out to be correct but I loved following the breadcrumbs left by the authors.
As everything was building up the ending proved to be as explosive and dramatic as I had hoped. Each scene played out in my head like a movie so I’m pleased to see the movie rights have already been secured.
If you love a thriller that keeps you guessing and has you more twisted than a game of Twister then this is for you! Entertaining, engaging and explosive!
This story follows the journey of Sarah, an ex-marine who is struggling following a traumatic event, who is hired as security on board a super yacht. Whilst trying to fight her inner demons Sarah befriends the different crew members and sets to work. I liked Sarah and was intrigued by her back story, her combat skills were also very impressive and I liked how quick thinking she was.
This one did start off a little slow for me, I was waiting for the first passenger to disappear and started to question when it would happen? However when it did happen the whole book seemed to take off and the action just kept coming.
I honestly didn’t know who to trust on the yacht. Everyone seemed to have an agenda and motive, each one as unreliable as the next. Sarah certainly had her work cut out for her, trying to figure out what exactly was happening onboard The Escape. I did have a few inclines along the way which turned out to be correct but I loved following the breadcrumbs left by the authors.
As everything was building up the ending proved to be as explosive and dramatic as I had hoped. Each scene played out in my head like a movie so I’m pleased to see the movie rights have already been secured.
If you love a thriller that keeps you guessing and has you more twisted than a game of Twister then this is for you! Entertaining, engaging and explosive!
August 31, 2022
Thank you to @netgalley for allowing me an ARC of this book.
Ex-marine Sarah French takes a job as on-board security on a luxury super-yacht to try to get her life and career back on track. The crew all seem nice enough with most of them working together previously, except Sarah. The atmosphere soon turns sour between the crew and Sarah is faced with uncovering a killer and returning the remaining crew and boat back to safety.
I really enjoyed the setting of the super-yacht for this mystery and the terminology used to make it as though I was in the environment with the crew. Although it is set on the yacht, the plot has several strands running through it making it feel much deeper than you’d initially think. Sarah’s backstory is hinted at throughout but is slowly revealed towards the end creating the tension of why Sarah left the marines and why she has flashbacks. There are many twists and turns building excitement along the way with lots of characters to keep you on edge and wondering what might happen next and the overall ‘whodunnit’.
An engaging mystery in a unique setting.
Ex-marine Sarah French takes a job as on-board security on a luxury super-yacht to try to get her life and career back on track. The crew all seem nice enough with most of them working together previously, except Sarah. The atmosphere soon turns sour between the crew and Sarah is faced with uncovering a killer and returning the remaining crew and boat back to safety.
I really enjoyed the setting of the super-yacht for this mystery and the terminology used to make it as though I was in the environment with the crew. Although it is set on the yacht, the plot has several strands running through it making it feel much deeper than you’d initially think. Sarah’s backstory is hinted at throughout but is slowly revealed towards the end creating the tension of why Sarah left the marines and why she has flashbacks. There are many twists and turns building excitement along the way with lots of characters to keep you on edge and wondering what might happen next and the overall ‘whodunnit’.
An engaging mystery in a unique setting.
June 20, 2022
An ex-Royal Marine is employed as a security guard on a luxury cruise liner as it crosses the Atlantic. It’s not long before she questions what her purpose is and the motives of those on board. Who is being honest and who is a criminal? As the body count increases she must act fast to prevent a disaster at sea.
A very slow start but a promising idea for a plot. Unfortunately the all important hook was missing. An isolated location is almost always a winner for a setting and there was a diverse group of characters but the plot got lost behind some tiresome detail which left me floundering in apathy.
The ending was just too unbelievable for my liking. How bad was their aim is all I’m asking? The author may have wanted to tie up all the loose ends but the epilogue needs some serious chopping.
Overall The Stranger on Board was not for me. Great idea that just missed the boat.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A very slow start but a promising idea for a plot. Unfortunately the all important hook was missing. An isolated location is almost always a winner for a setting and there was a diverse group of characters but the plot got lost behind some tiresome detail which left me floundering in apathy.
The ending was just too unbelievable for my liking. How bad was their aim is all I’m asking? The author may have wanted to tie up all the loose ends but the epilogue needs some serious chopping.
Overall The Stranger on Board was not for me. Great idea that just missed the boat.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2022
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah 3 months out of the Royal Marines gets a job through her friend and ex colleague Mitch on board a super yacht acting as security whilst the yacht goes from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, the yacht just has a Skeleton crew as it’s got no VIP passengers onboard , so it should be the easiest job in the world for Sarah.
Tensions started to fray almost immediately after they set sail, I loved finding out about all the workings of the yacht and the crew and all the gossip between them all but who would have predicted all the catastrophes that happen on this voyage? I didn’t that’s for sure!
Sarah is one hell of a women , I was on the edge of my seat reading this it had so much action it could be a Hollywood blockbuster!. I really hope we get second book, it deserves one.
Sarah 3 months out of the Royal Marines gets a job through her friend and ex colleague Mitch on board a super yacht acting as security whilst the yacht goes from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, the yacht just has a Skeleton crew as it’s got no VIP passengers onboard , so it should be the easiest job in the world for Sarah.
Tensions started to fray almost immediately after they set sail, I loved finding out about all the workings of the yacht and the crew and all the gossip between them all but who would have predicted all the catastrophes that happen on this voyage? I didn’t that’s for sure!
Sarah is one hell of a women , I was on the edge of my seat reading this it had so much action it could be a Hollywood blockbuster!. I really hope we get second book, it deserves one.
May 3, 2022
A book of three thirds, two of which (beginning and end) were gripping, one of which (if you hadn't guessed - the middle) was somewhat pedestrian.
The main storyline follows a security guard onboard a multi-million dollar yacht taking its maiden voyage across the Atlantic ocean.
As the plot progresses, the ship suffers mechanical challenges with all not being as it seems with the rest of the crew.
The story is a unique idea that works on paper; however, for me, the way it all ended was farfetched and disappointing.
That being said, I would be very interested in not only reading the sequel but interested in watching any Hollywood film that could piggyback off the back of it.
For these reasons it was worthy of a four-star review (rather than three).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Michael Joseph UK for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The main storyline follows a security guard onboard a multi-million dollar yacht taking its maiden voyage across the Atlantic ocean.
As the plot progresses, the ship suffers mechanical challenges with all not being as it seems with the rest of the crew.
The story is a unique idea that works on paper; however, for me, the way it all ended was farfetched and disappointing.
That being said, I would be very interested in not only reading the sequel but interested in watching any Hollywood film that could piggyback off the back of it.
For these reasons it was worthy of a four-star review (rather than three).
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Michael Joseph UK for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2022
3.5 stars rounds up to 4.
Sarah, an ex-royal Marine, is hired to act as protection on a superyacht. What is supposed to be a relaxing trip across the Atlantic to help her address the reason she left the Royal Marines turns into something much more dangerous. Suddenly equipment is getting damaged, people are going missing and it’s a race against time to reach their destination.
The book was a claustrophobic thriller, Sarah was a complex and damaged central character. Unfortunately with a limited cast of characters and some obvious early signposting the enemy within was fairly obvious. It was still overall an enjoyable story and I will definitely look out for more from this author in future.
Sarah, an ex-royal Marine, is hired to act as protection on a superyacht. What is supposed to be a relaxing trip across the Atlantic to help her address the reason she left the Royal Marines turns into something much more dangerous. Suddenly equipment is getting damaged, people are going missing and it’s a race against time to reach their destination.
The book was a claustrophobic thriller, Sarah was a complex and damaged central character. Unfortunately with a limited cast of characters and some obvious early signposting the enemy within was fairly obvious. It was still overall an enjoyable story and I will definitely look out for more from this author in future.
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