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A lavish cruise, a wealthy guest list, and a murder to solve before port.


My private investigator's career hit a dead-end.

I sought peacefulness.

So, I took the job of Cruise Director—aboard The Midnight Tide.

Tranquility vanished on day one.

An obnoxious passenger met a poisonous end.

With Ben, Cole, and Rex, we dove into a web of suspects.

All the alibis were foolproof.

As the mystery deepened, the killer remained elusive.

A second poisoning attempt—sent a chill down my spine.

My investigative instincts kicked into high gear.

Each clue unraveled more of the puzzle.

But then, everything changed in an instant.

Time started slipping away.

The ship is fast approaching port.

The killer is ready to disappear.

We could lose the truth... forever.

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Published November 9, 2023

126 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

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Audrey Alden

12 books39 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Pritt.
479 reviews28 followers
December 4, 2024
Great debut Novel

These couple in this book are cute! I can't wait to see their relationships take off. I enjoyed how the killer was someone you wouldn't exactly think did it. I enjoyed the scenes and transitions to the next scenes. This book was well written. The characters were well thought out. I can't wait to read the next book!
2 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
Dead Man's Dish takes you on a thrilling ride as Rose, the new cruise director, and her sister, Stacy, embark on a cruise around Scotland. What Rose doesn't expect is stumbling upon a mesmerizing murder mystery.

This story has all the elements of a gripping tale and will leave you hooked until the last page. I received an ARC of the book, these thoughts are coming straight from my own experience.

If you're in the mood for a suspenseful read that keeps you guessing, "Dead Man's Dish" won't disappoint. It's the kind of book that will have you eagerly turning the pages, hungry to uncover all its secrets. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
November 9, 2023
Who Killed Eleanor Bridges ? . . .

Rose Dela Cruz is ready for a change of career, especially when she is offered a job as Cruise Director aboard a fancy cruise ship, alongside the handsome Captain. It should be easy to select entertainment for the customers and much less stressful than her private investigator job had been. But then she finds Eleanor Bridges, one of Europe’s wealthiest real estate tycoons, slumped over in the dining room. Hopefully she has simply dozed off at the table. So Rose quietly whispers to her that she can escort her back to her suite. But the woman didn’t even flinch! So… uh… lifeless? Checking for a pulse that isn’t there, she realizes the woman is actually dead and asks the waiter to calmly clear the room. Then she calls Captain Ben Anderson, followed by Cole Hester, the security chief.

Dr. Monty Bates, the ship’s medical examiner, is brought in to verify whether this was a heart attack or something else. He did an autopsy and ran tests. Eleanor’s blood work revealed maitotoxin, which would can come from eating contaminated shellfish and quickly induces cardiac arrest. No one else has yet reported any issues from the clams they ate, and the toxin works immediately. With Rose’s beagle Rex joining the team, they are ready to search for the killer before they reach port and he or she escapes. And Rose is finally thinking of someone else they had overlooked as a suspect, making it clear that time is running out!
30 reviews
November 9, 2023
Loved it. The story captivates you right from the beginning and keeps you interested until the last page.
Rose Dela Cruz leaves her private investigator career behind to start a new job on the lavish cruise line and ship The Midnight Tide as the Cruise Director. Well, on the first night a very wealthy woman ends up dead. At first it looks like a heart attack but is discovered to actually be murder. So now Miss Rose Dela Cruz needs to solve the mystery before the next port.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer M..
3 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2023
Get ready for an exciting mystery on a cruise ship, where Rose and her team must catch a killer before the ship docks. The suspense is intense, with lots of twists and turns. Rex, the four-legged companion, adds to the intrigue. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. It's a must-read for mystery enthusiasts!
2,658 reviews48 followers
April 4, 2025
Rose may have bit off more than she can chew this time. Rose is a cruise director of a ship and she finds a dead guest at dinner!! What to do? Rose and Rex are on the job along with Rose's sister Stacey. There was so much subversion and deciet that made this extra juicy to read. I was gobsmacked and blindsided by who the culprit was, but when the facts and motives came out , I have to admit I was on the killer's side. The old lady was wicked evil to the bone and careless about destroying other's lives. This time she lost. Lol. Some shipboard romances brewing too! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,359 reviews266 followers
November 8, 2023
Rose Dela Cruz is busy trying to make her private investigation business a success. She takes a break to go on a cruise with her sister when she has to put her P.I. skills to use to solve a murder. The captain of the ship is so impressed, he offers her a position as Cruise Director. She’s not sure she qualifies, but the captain convinces her she’ll be a great addition to the team.

Her first cruise as Cruise Director is anything but quiet. Rose discovers a very wealthy passenger has died under suspicious circumstances. She and the captain decide to keep it quiet from the rest of the crew and passengers until they’ve had a chance to investigate.

Rose Dela Cruz is a strong, lively new sleuth in the amateur sleuth world. She has her sister, as well as a cute beagle, to help out. They work well together and make a great team.

I love cruise ship mysteries and this one did not disappoint. It’s fun and the author made me feel as if I was actually on the cruise ship investigating with Rose.

There is never a dull moment on this cruise. The story is fast-pace with a couple of potential suspects. This is the second book in the series and definitely won’t be my last. I don’t think you have to read the first one, but I think it’s so much better if you do. It gives you more background as to Rose’s circumstances.

Overall, a delightful, exciting cozy mystery. I can’t wait to read the next one.







FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Shelly Neinast.
Author 4 books23 followers
December 11, 2023
2nd vacation much needed

Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023

Although I didn't read book 1 first, I really enjoyed reading book 2. The protagonist, Rose was fun to know and her little beagle too.
I live reading books set on cruise ships but I was hoping to read more about events going on onboard and maybe of off ship scenery and romances.
I was surprised at that Rose or anyone else didn't suspect other people closer to home though but maybe later.
It was a great little YA cozy mystery that was clean and entertaining and can't asked for anything more.
Although I didn't read book 1 first, I really enjoyed reading book 2. The protagonist, Rose was fun to know and her little beagle too.
I live reading books set on cruise ships but I was hoping to read more about events going on onboard and maybe of off ship scenery and romances.
I was surprised at that Rose or anyone else didn't suspect other people closer to home though but maybe later.
It was a great little YA cozy mystery that was clean and entertaining and can't asked for anything more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shelly Neinast.
Author 4 books23 followers
December 16, 2024
A 2nd vacation is much needed

Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023

Although I didn't read book 1 first, I really enjoyed reading book 2. The protagonist, Rose, was fun to know and her little beagle, too.
I live reading books set on cruise ships, but I was hoping to read more about events going on onboard and maybe of off ship scenery and romances.
I was surprised at that Rose, or anyone else didn't suspect other people closer to home, though, but maybe later.
It was a great little YA cozy mystery that was clean and entertaining and can't ask for anything more.
Although I didn't read book 1 first, I really enjoyed reading book 2. The protagonist, Rose, was fun to know and her little beagle, too.
I live reading books set on cruise ships, but I was hoping to read more about events going on onboard and maybe of off ship scenery and romances.
I was surprised at that Rose, or anyone else didn't suspect other people closer to home, though, but maybe later.
It was a great little YA cozy mystery that was clean and entertaining and can't ask for anything more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,270 reviews76 followers
November 9, 2023
Awesome ! Ex detective Rose Dela Cruz embarks on her new career as Cruise director on The Midnight Tide Cruise Ship and her sister Stacey joins her maiden voyage as they set sail around Scotland . When an obnoxious passenger meets a poisonous end on day one of the voyage , Rose , Stacey and who can forget Beagle Rex . A dishy Captain and the head security officer investigate with clues unraveling to reveal more mystery , the killer remains elusive but they have to act fast when a second attempt is made. The ship due to dock soon they haven’t got much time to solve the crime. Lots of twists and turns and puzzles to cipher. Set sail into Audrey Alden’s new Mystery that’s as deep as the ocean and as vast as your ( and Audrey’s) imagination . An immersive experience , great writing style , superb storytelling with sublime characters and descriptions.
I read a free copy and my review is voluntary and in my own words
861 reviews16 followers
November 9, 2023
Rose Dela Cruz might have switched from private investigator to cruise director, but as she quickly discovers on her second voyage on the Midnight Tide that doesn't stop the mysteries from following her aboard! Good thing she has loyal sniffer Rex on the case to help her untangle this tricky murder mystery with almost as many leads and suspects as passengers on the ship. Will the clues lead her to the correct suspect before they escape? Or will more passengers fall victim to the plot?

Fun, light, read definitely way on the cozy side of things. Don't expect any realistic procedural police work in this one! Recommended for readers who like twisty mysteries with brilliant doggy sidekicks and multiple motivated suspects that keep you guessing until the surprise twist ending.

This reads like book 2, I think maybe there is a prequel? as there are references to previous events, but can be read as a standalone.
1,040 reviews9 followers
November 8, 2023
Rosa Dela Cruz has put her P I job on hold & become a Cruise Director on the Midnight Tide. Full of wealthy people, one of whom was extremely rude when she got on board. The Captain had met her many times before & was used to her. After dinner that night, Rosa notices that the obnoxious woman appeared to be asleep at the table. She turned pit to be dead! Her grandson who is on board with her, seems to have disappeared. In the end Rosa’s trusted dog tracks him down, he’d been hiding from his grandmother! The passengers are not allowed off at the first port of call & they are not happy! By the second port they are insisting they go ashore. Eventually things fall into place & the murder gets sorted out.
Profile Image for Brenda Hymes.
92 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book about a Private Investigator who takes a job as a Cruise Director. Rose is taking a break from her PI business and is starting a new career on board The Midnight Tide. What could go wrong?
The first night, a wealthy woman dies at dinner. Who committed the crime? How to determine the motive? Rose digs into the investigation and amongst some twists and turns working with the new head of security and the dreamy captain, they need to figure it out before the killer walks off the ship in port.
With the help of her wanna-be bloodhound Rex can Rose catch the killer?
I enjoyed the storyline, characters and surprising ending. Can’t wait to read the next one!
I received this ARC in return for an honest review.
1 review
November 7, 2023
I recently finished my second book by Audrey Alden Dead Man’s Dish, and I’m already hooked! This story revolves around Rose Dela Cruz, who takes on the role of cruise director on the Midnight Tide, a cruise ship that becomes the backdrop for a murder mystery. This book kept me engaged as I tried to piece together the puzzle and figure out whodunit.

In a nutshell, Audrey Alden’s Midnight Tide series is a captivating treasure trove of mysteries.
If you enjoy mystery novels with a touch of fun, this one’s right up your alley. I’m definitely planning to read more from this series as new books come out.
728 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2023
No love on this boat for a 65 year old Eleanor Bridges when she embarks on her last cruise with her grandson.  Having previous experience with mysteries in her previous PI business, Rose finds herself involved in another mystery to solve as to whether the culprit is crew or guest on this ship with hundreds of people who can escape at any port. 

With the support of Ben and her sister who was supposed to be on holiday, she narrows down the list of suspects but the question still came down to what was the motive.  

A page turner that you wouldn't want to put down, it is possible to consume in one day. 

I received a complimentary ARC book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
628 reviews7 followers
November 10, 2023
When her P.I. agency starts going south, Rose Dela Cruz closes up shop and accepts a position as a cruise director. It seems like a dream job until a very wealthy passenger dies the first night of the cruise. Suddenly she finds herself using her P.I. skills to try to find the killer before the cruise is over. Lots of suspects but they all seem to have an iron clad alibi. Will Rose, the captain, the head of security and Rose's sister be able to find the killer or will the killer just walk off the ship when the cruise is over? Great characters and plenty of twists and turns will keep you interested. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Cara.
Author 61 books68 followers
November 13, 2023
Dead Man's Dish is a fun, intriguing read. Rose and her sister Stacy are very likable and very smart. When Rose takes a new, dream job as cruise director on the Midnight Tide, she's thrilled and ready to go with the waves of fun on the open sea. A murder in the dining hall during dinner drowns her hopes and plunges her into a deepening murder mystery. Rose, aided by Stacy, Captain Anderson (her crush) and Cole, head of security, delve into the murder, but they run into waves of blocks. So many suspects, but Rose doesn't believe that the main suspect did it. Her good instincts take her to the read murderer and a surprising motive.

Fun story in an exotic location . Loved it.
245 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2023
A cruise with a ruse…

I rate this book a 3.5 because it is what it is – a quick, easy and enjoyable read. It kind of felt like a “Murder She Wrote” for TV. I am not complaining since I love all mysteries and yet, it seemed a bit too obvious to me and unlikely when it came to Rex, Rose's dog. So, if you guessed “who”, the big question was “why”.

When I commit to read a book for a voluntary review, I always follow through. If you are into a “light” read with some amateur sleuthing this book is for you. Personally, I gravitate towards more complexity, depth of character and intrigue which compels me to keep reading…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
90 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2023
Rose Dela Cruz and her sister Stacy aren’t strangers to the Midnight Tide. After recently taking a cruise on this ship and helping to solve the case of missing artifacts, the Captain thinks Rose’s ability to think fast would make her the perfect candidate for Cruise Director aboard the Midnight Tide.
Rose changes her career to be aboard a ship with a hunky Captain, lining up entertainment and overseeing that everything runs smoothly should be a piece of cake, until it’s not…a dead body in the dining room, was it natural causes, food poisoning or murder? Lot’s of things to consider. This quick read will have you searching along with Rose to figure out the cause of death.
1,009 reviews12 followers
November 9, 2023
A fatal meal

An elderly lady is found dead on a cruise on The Midnight Tide. Rose De la Cruz, the Cruise Director finds her corpse. It looks like a heart attack but she was in good health so her death is suspicious. Was it her grandson, or one of the staff or a passenger? After all, the victim was a nasty woman who hurt lots of people. An entertaining read which is intriguing. Good cast of characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for S. Policar.
Author 24 books134 followers
November 9, 2023
This was a great (even if it was predictable) cozy murder mystery. I really liked how the characters are relatable. My only gripe is that our main character for as smart as she's depicted, entirely bypassed her prime suspect even though there was a lot of evidence pointing to that person. The evidence against the suspect is blindingly obvious, so I wasn't sure why the PI had no idea about anything. Other than that it's a good, quick read that will engross the reader from the first page until the last.
I give this book 4 of 5 Paws and look forward to seeing more books in this series.
436 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2023
Rose and her clue-sniffing dog, Rex, have left behind her poor-performing PI business to become the Cruise Director on a cruise ship. During her first cruise, one of the passengers is poisoned and it's up to her and her pooch to discover the truth. This is a cute, short, cozy mystery that was entertaining though a little obvious. I can see why her PI business failed since she couldn't spot the obvious clues pointing to the real killer. Overall, it was still a fun, quick read.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
213 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2023
Rose is hired as cruise director on a luxury cruise ship. She and head of security Cole must investigate a murder that happened on the first day out. A very wealthy woman is poisoned at supper? The poison produces a heart attack. Rose’s trusty beagle Rex finds a uniform in the trash believed to have been used by killer. Keeps you guessing right up to the end.

This was a great book. Very well written, very suspenseful. Really enjoyed it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving an honest opinion and review voluntarily.
137 reviews
November 11, 2023
I'm not a big fan of Rose Dela Cruz, former PI with a slow business who is hired in this story as a Cruise Director. She seems to be a much better investigator in this book with the assistance of the ship's captain and the head of security. The problem with this book was having to stumble over way too many obvious proofing errors. This could be because I received the book as an ARC team member. The mystery is cleverly solved and can be a good read if the errors are fixed. This is my voluntary and honest review of this book.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,698 reviews46 followers
November 13, 2023
Super fun suspenseful read featuring cruise director Rose and her sister Stacy who find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery while sailing around Scotland. With her trusty beagle, Rex, Rose embarks on an sleuthing expedition to find out who killed Eleanor Bridges, one of Europe's richest real estate tycoons. I don't want to give too much away, but this cozy story is full of red herrings, liars and people have agendas that don't include helping Rose solve the crime! It's funny and a great escape.
Profile Image for Lee  Rush.
361 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2023
Cute, light cozy mystery cruise.

It was a great time for a light read, and I was fortunate to stumble across this little cozy mystery.

Set aboard a cruise ship, a murder is the catalyst for a series of events and investigations on the high seas.

The characters were well rounded and the action engaging. I have a hard time swallowing a dog being able to roam around a cruise ship at will; but a suspended my disbelief for the want of a good story.

Enjoyable but a bit forgettable. A nice way to spend an evening.
414 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2025
I was thoroughly entertained from the first page to the last. In this captivating story, Rose, with the help of her sister Stacy, her dog, and head of security Cole, is investigating a crime. With too many suspects and not enough clues, they faced significant challenges in solving the mystery. As the first book in the series, I really enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the next installment. It's a page-turner with wonderful characters and definitely worth every minute spent reading. I highly recommend it to all fans of cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,832 reviews12 followers
November 7, 2023
A well written and entertaining cozy mystery. Rose ex private detective and now cruise director, her sister Stacy and the adorable Beagle Rex become involved in a murder investigation when a unpopular a guest is murdered. The story is good, an excellent mystery with decent suspects, a little far fetched but it is a cozy mystery. Loved Rex. I will definitely be reading more of these books. I received a complimentary copy from the Author am leaving a honest voluntary review.
1,074 reviews10 followers
November 8, 2023
Revenge murder?

An easy reading enjoyable mystery investigating the murder of a wealthy woman on board the Midnight Tide Cruise ship. I love the storyline with Rose and her trusty beagle, Rex, working with the handsome ship captain, Ben, and others to identify the murderer. Only a handful of suspects, but are they guilty? A well written, enjoyable mystery!

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,501 reviews16 followers
November 8, 2023
I love mysteries set in isolated settings and this one has everyone on a cruise ship not allowed to leave while Rose and the gang try to find the culprit before they dock and the killer gets away. Rex is an amazing companion and gives his four legged assistance. Lots of twists and turns. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews