Blog Tour: The Cruise Club by Caroline James

Welcome on board the Diamond Star! The sun is shining, the drinks are flowing, and the sightseeing is amazing.

This is the second book from author Caroline James set on board the Diamond Star. I hadn't read the first book, The Cruise, but it didn't really matter as it appears that the story is set on the same ship but with only a couple of crew members returning as characters, one of which was the old style comedian Dickey Delaney. I was surprised in a good way to see Sid and Fran from The French Cookery School (
which I reviewed here) pop up on the cruise on holidays

Carmen Cunningham is an author who has had one successful cosy mystery novel published. She has a contract for two more, but the words just aren't coming. She also has a very difficult and demanding mother, Betty, who is really, really horrible to her the vast majority of the time. One day, Carmen sees an advertisement for a Mediterranean cruise where there is a special guest. Her author hero Ruskin Reeve is going to be on board and leading writing workshops. Thinking that maybe this might help her writing so she books! Of course, as soon as Betty finds out she is insistent that she too will go on the cruise and must be in the cabin next to Carmen. Poor Carmen. Every time her mother bashes on the wall with her walking stick she is expected to react immediately.

Once on board, we meet a variety of characters from Dickey to the drag queen Melody, who don't initially like each other which is tricky seeing as they are sharing a backstage dressing room. We meet Ruskin who has his own reasons for coming on the cruise, Theo a famous TV chef, Holden who is an American gentleman and a few other characters.  

When mystery author Ruskin initially meets Carmen he pretty much dismisses her, which might say something about him but it also reflects how Carmen feels about herself. She dresses in boring, drab clothing, hasn't had her hair done in forever and hides behind her big glasses. However, colourful Fran gets hold of Carmen and helps give her a makeover, and magically, Carmen begins to shine. Of course, her mother does her best to knock that shine off.

For the crew on the Diamond Star, things start to get a bit problematic when there are a series of jewellery thefts on board. Can the author of mysteries figure out who the thief is before they have to alert the authorities and cause panic on board?

My favourite things about this book was the ports that the boat stops in at. It visits places like Rhodes, Crete and Malta. There was also a description of the ship passing through the Corinth Canal, which as a smaller ship it was able to do, although I don't think cruise ships go through there too often, regardless of their size. All of the places describe made me wish I could go on a Mediterranean cruise now.

We enjoy a cruise. Together we have been on two. The first was to the Caribbean and then recently to Japan. Separately we had done the Pacific Islands. One thing I don't remember seeing much of were the upside down pineapples which apparently mean that you are up for some "good times" if you get my drift. Maybe they were there but I just wasn't seeing them.

If you are looking for a quick, easy and fun escapist read which takes you on a journey through the Mediterranean this is a book for you. There's humour, romance, some interesting characters (good and bad), a bit of a mystery and more. 

I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews. Be sure to check out other stops on the tour shown below. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. 

Rating 4/5

About the Book

The Cruise Club

Because the best adventures are still to come…

Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood romcom full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment. Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she's about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/CruiseK

About the Author 

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated readers and cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, is set to make waves when it launches in 2025.

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in Venus, her holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.



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