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Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries #1
Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries
🚢 Murder, Mystery, and Mischief at Sea! 🐾
Cruise ship photographer Olivia Ocean thought her new job aboard the luxurious Moonlit Majesty would be smooth sailing—until she catches someone trying to toss a tiny kitten overboard. Her daring rescue of the furball (soon christened Pickle) doesn’t just save whiskers—it lands her smack in the middle of a deadly crime scene in the ship’s hidden cargo hold.
Now, armed with her camera, a clue-sniffing cat, and an inconvenient knack for stumbling into trouble, Olivia must navigate glittering ballrooms, secret crew-only passages, and buffets with suspiciously good cheesecake. Teaming up with the ship’s mysteriously handsome security officer, she’s determined to catch a killer before the next port of call—or at least before Pickle chews through another camera strap.
✨ If you enjoy these tropes, this cozy mystery is for
🐱 Adorable animal sidekick (Pickle the kitten steals every scene)
📸 Quirky amateur sleuth with a camera instead of a magnifying glass
❤️ Slow-burn sparks with a swoon-worthy security officer
🚢 A glamorous cruise ship = the perfect “locked-room at sea” setting
🍰 Humor, hijinks, and a buffet full of red herrings (and cheesecake)
🕵️ Whodunit fun with no gore, bad language, or graphic violence
If you love cozy mysteries with witty heroines, quirky sidekicks, laugh-out-loud banter, and tropical cruise ship vibes, you’ll be hooked by Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold—the first delightful whodunit in the Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries.
Cruise ship photographer Olivia Ocean thought her new job aboard the luxurious Moonlit Majesty would be smooth sailing—until she catches someone trying to toss a tiny kitten overboard. Her daring rescue of the furball (soon christened Pickle) doesn’t just save whiskers—it lands her smack in the middle of a deadly crime scene in the ship’s hidden cargo hold.
Now, armed with her camera, a clue-sniffing cat, and an inconvenient knack for stumbling into trouble, Olivia must navigate glittering ballrooms, secret crew-only passages, and buffets with suspiciously good cheesecake. Teaming up with the ship’s mysteriously handsome security officer, she’s determined to catch a killer before the next port of call—or at least before Pickle chews through another camera strap.
✨ If you enjoy these tropes, this cozy mystery is for
🐱 Adorable animal sidekick (Pickle the kitten steals every scene)
📸 Quirky amateur sleuth with a camera instead of a magnifying glass
❤️ Slow-burn sparks with a swoon-worthy security officer
🚢 A glamorous cruise ship = the perfect “locked-room at sea” setting
🍰 Humor, hijinks, and a buffet full of red herrings (and cheesecake)
🕵️ Whodunit fun with no gore, bad language, or graphic violence
If you love cozy mysteries with witty heroines, quirky sidekicks, laugh-out-loud banter, and tropical cruise ship vibes, you’ll be hooked by Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold—the first delightful whodunit in the Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
94 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Denise Jaden
74 books490 followersBestselling author Denise Jaden loves cozy socks, cozy cats, and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of several young adult novels, nonfiction books for writers, and cozy mysteries that will make you laugh out loud while dangling at the edge of your seat.
Prior to becoming an author, Denise worked at everything from mushroom farming to acting and Polynesian dancing. Now she does most of her writing in a holding tent in the background of one of the many film sets in and around Vancouver. Sign up for updates, exclusive bonuses, and find out more about Denise, her books, and her crazy cat at DeniseJaden.com
Prior to becoming an author, Denise worked at everything from mushroom farming to acting and Polynesian dancing. Now she does most of her writing in a holding tent in the background of one of the many film sets in and around Vancouver. Sign up for updates, exclusive bonuses, and find out more about Denise, her books, and her crazy cat at DeniseJaden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 4, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Fueled by memories shared by her Gran, Olivia Ocean applied for and has been hired as a photographer aboard the Moonlit Majesty cruise ship. She quickly realizes she may have made a mistake but unless she gets fired, the ship will be her home for the next 9 months. She jumps right into the job without any instruction and she knows she hasn't impressed Photo Manager Phillip Winston when he takes over her spot and sends her to the cargo hold to get a box of photo paper. As she tries to find Cargo Hold 8 and then the item she needs she hears several deckhands arguing about a kitten that has been found on board. One man is holding it over the railing of the ship. She screams and convinces the man to give her the kitten. Before he could pass her the cat the little guy raced through her hands and down the corridor and into the cargo hold she left open. When she finds the feline he is not alone. He is right next to a dead body.
Soon she is meeting with the Security Manager and he realizes she may be able to help him find the killer. He asks her to keep her eyes and ears open while she makes the rounds with her camera. Can she do that and stay under the killer's radar? Or will she be the next dead body found hidden in the cargo hold?
____
I enjoyed meeting Olivia Ocean. Her grandmother had told her many stories about working on a cruise ship in her 20s and that her ship family became her real family. Now, that her Gran had passed away she has no one. So looking for a new family she followed in her Gran's footsteps and took a job as a photographer on a ship. It didn't start out well but her new roommate Becky takes her under her wing and helps her learn her way around the ship and the ins and outs of life at sea. Becky also falls hard for the kitten. After the murder, Olivia meets the Security Manager, Miles Blackwell. Their relationship really expands throughout the story. We also meet Olivia's coworkers, Becky's friends, and a few passengers aboard the boat. The core characters developed nicely throughout the story and the interactions with others made sense.
Getting a look behind the scenes of a cruise ship was interesting. Usually, cozy mysteries revolve around a passenger sleuthing around the ship. Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold is told from the viewpoint of a worker who puts in long hours with barely time to eat or sleep while trying to sleuth out a killer. Olivia learned the murder victim was also a photographer aboard the ship who had received some recent recognition. This put her co-workers at the top of the suspect list. I was entertained following her around the ship and on day trips off the boat as she tried to track down any piece of evidence to move the case along. She worked closely with Miles but that didn't keep her from getting into quite a pickle. That's a pun you will realize when you read the book.
While Olivia's first voyage didn't live up to her Gran's memories, I think that is going to change as she spends more time on the ship and has time to meet more people.
The one thing that I was struck by was when Olivia arrived was that she was handed a camera and just told to go take pictures and then her boss was upset because she was too slow and not taking the type of pictures he wanted. No training, no shadowing, not even a paper handout with a description of a job. She did take some great pictures which I would have liked much better than what her boss wanted but just a few minutes of instruction would have made her first day much easier.
Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold has set this series off to a fine start with a fun and entertaining read. I am excited to cruise off with Olivia and her feline sidekick again soon. The possibilities of murder and mayhem while at sea seem endless.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Fueled by memories shared by her Gran, Olivia Ocean applied for and has been hired as a photographer aboard the Moonlit Majesty cruise ship. She quickly realizes she may have made a mistake but unless she gets fired, the ship will be her home for the next 9 months. She jumps right into the job without any instruction and she knows she hasn't impressed Photo Manager Phillip Winston when he takes over her spot and sends her to the cargo hold to get a box of photo paper. As she tries to find Cargo Hold 8 and then the item she needs she hears several deckhands arguing about a kitten that has been found on board. One man is holding it over the railing of the ship. She screams and convinces the man to give her the kitten. Before he could pass her the cat the little guy raced through her hands and down the corridor and into the cargo hold she left open. When she finds the feline he is not alone. He is right next to a dead body.
Soon she is meeting with the Security Manager and he realizes she may be able to help him find the killer. He asks her to keep her eyes and ears open while she makes the rounds with her camera. Can she do that and stay under the killer's radar? Or will she be the next dead body found hidden in the cargo hold?
____
I enjoyed meeting Olivia Ocean. Her grandmother had told her many stories about working on a cruise ship in her 20s and that her ship family became her real family. Now, that her Gran had passed away she has no one. So looking for a new family she followed in her Gran's footsteps and took a job as a photographer on a ship. It didn't start out well but her new roommate Becky takes her under her wing and helps her learn her way around the ship and the ins and outs of life at sea. Becky also falls hard for the kitten. After the murder, Olivia meets the Security Manager, Miles Blackwell. Their relationship really expands throughout the story. We also meet Olivia's coworkers, Becky's friends, and a few passengers aboard the boat. The core characters developed nicely throughout the story and the interactions with others made sense.
Getting a look behind the scenes of a cruise ship was interesting. Usually, cozy mysteries revolve around a passenger sleuthing around the ship. Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold is told from the viewpoint of a worker who puts in long hours with barely time to eat or sleep while trying to sleuth out a killer. Olivia learned the murder victim was also a photographer aboard the ship who had received some recent recognition. This put her co-workers at the top of the suspect list. I was entertained following her around the ship and on day trips off the boat as she tried to track down any piece of evidence to move the case along. She worked closely with Miles but that didn't keep her from getting into quite a pickle. That's a pun you will realize when you read the book.
While Olivia's first voyage didn't live up to her Gran's memories, I think that is going to change as she spends more time on the ship and has time to meet more people.
The one thing that I was struck by was when Olivia arrived was that she was handed a camera and just told to go take pictures and then her boss was upset because she was too slow and not taking the type of pictures he wanted. No training, no shadowing, not even a paper handout with a description of a job. She did take some great pictures which I would have liked much better than what her boss wanted but just a few minutes of instruction would have made her first day much easier.
Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold has set this series off to a fine start with a fun and entertaining read. I am excited to cruise off with Olivia and her feline sidekick again soon. The possibilities of murder and mayhem while at sea seem endless.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
December 7, 2024
A character with a name like Olivia Ocean needs to be on a cruise ship, and that’s exactly where author Denise Jaden puts her in Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold. This charming cozy mystery is a great series starter, and it succeeded in engaging my interest for future books while also delivering an entertaining story of its own.
Olivia Ocean’s first day on the job as a cruise ship junior photographer was not as idyllic as the picture her beloved late Gran had painted for her of ship life. My blood pressure went up right along with Olivia’s as she was unceremoniously thrust into her new job with little to no direction, a demanding boss, unfriendly coworkers, cramped rooms, and a maze of decks to navigate under a sense of urgency. Throw in a stowaway kitten that she rescued from being thrown overboard …right before she stumbled on a dead body… and I felt every ounce of Olivia’s stress. Her delightful roommate Becky and swoony security manager Miles are life preservers in the proverbial storm for plucky Olivia, and I am invested in the romantic possibilities between Miles and Olivia as the series progresses. (Because of course I am)
But it’s decidedly Pickle the rescue kitty who steals the show. This adorable scamp with special talents seems to have a knack for crime-solving, and it was such fun to see what he would get up to – or lead them to – next. Speaking of crime-solving, I loved how Miles appreciated Olivia’s help and actively involved her in the investigation. There were a variety of suspects and, even though I had an inkling of who was responsible, I wasn’t quite right about it and I was still taken by surprise when things suddenly took a more ominous turn. I loved the role Pickle plays in the process, too!
Bottom Line: Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold by Denise Jaden is an enjoyable start to an entertaining new cozy mystery series. Olivia Ocean is the perfect cruise ship protagonist-slash-amateur-sleuth, and I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at what goes into staffing a cruise (though it’s also convinced me to never work on one lol). The supporting characters are compelling as well, especially friendly Becky, dashing Miles, and of course the adorable Pickles. I’m interested to see how future books involve Olivia’s complicated (and not so likable) coworkers, and I’m definitely invested in watching Miles and Olivia’s relationship develop (hopefully) into something romantic. Fans of cruises, crime-solving kitties, and cozy mysteries will find lots to love aboard Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Olivia Ocean’s first day on the job as a cruise ship junior photographer was not as idyllic as the picture her beloved late Gran had painted for her of ship life. My blood pressure went up right along with Olivia’s as she was unceremoniously thrust into her new job with little to no direction, a demanding boss, unfriendly coworkers, cramped rooms, and a maze of decks to navigate under a sense of urgency. Throw in a stowaway kitten that she rescued from being thrown overboard …right before she stumbled on a dead body… and I felt every ounce of Olivia’s stress. Her delightful roommate Becky and swoony security manager Miles are life preservers in the proverbial storm for plucky Olivia, and I am invested in the romantic possibilities between Miles and Olivia as the series progresses. (Because of course I am)
But it’s decidedly Pickle the rescue kitty who steals the show. This adorable scamp with special talents seems to have a knack for crime-solving, and it was such fun to see what he would get up to – or lead them to – next. Speaking of crime-solving, I loved how Miles appreciated Olivia’s help and actively involved her in the investigation. There were a variety of suspects and, even though I had an inkling of who was responsible, I wasn’t quite right about it and I was still taken by surprise when things suddenly took a more ominous turn. I loved the role Pickle plays in the process, too!
Bottom Line: Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold by Denise Jaden is an enjoyable start to an entertaining new cozy mystery series. Olivia Ocean is the perfect cruise ship protagonist-slash-amateur-sleuth, and I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at what goes into staffing a cruise (though it’s also convinced me to never work on one lol). The supporting characters are compelling as well, especially friendly Becky, dashing Miles, and of course the adorable Pickles. I’m interested to see how future books involve Olivia’s complicated (and not so likable) coworkers, and I’m definitely invested in watching Miles and Olivia’s relationship develop (hopefully) into something romantic. Fans of cruises, crime-solving kitties, and cozy mysteries will find lots to love aboard Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 27, 2024
Uncovering a Murderer . . .
Olivia Ocean takes a job on the Moonlit Majesty cruise ship as a photographer as a way to honor the stories her Gran had fondly told her about her own experiences. Instead, she is kept extraordinarily busy, sent here and there as she tried to check in, rescuing a kitten about to be thrown overboard, and discovering the dead body of Derek Hudson in a pool of blood! Letting out a scream drew several crew members to the cargo hold, and Carl Sinclair sent someone to get Miles Blackwell, the head of security. Olivia used the opportunity to run off with the kitten to avoid a confrontation over the animal she would have to hide in her room. But of course Miles found her soon after since she was the one who found the body then ran from the scene of the crime. She sputtered so much trying to conceal the kitten’s meows that Miles got irritated and took her to his office to get the details of the murder scene from her. Her boss, the photo manager Philip Winston, had sent her to Cargo Hold 8 to get a box of photo paper when she found the body, of course not mentioning the kitten she was chasing after. But somehow he knew she wasn’t being totally truthful yet, and made her repeat her story. Would she tell him the truth? Carl had probably already mentioned the kitten, so she shouldn’t keep avoiding telling him everything. When she told him she had no idea who Derek Hudson was, he sent her back to work, telling her she would be pulling a double shift until they hired an additional photographer -- because Derek Hudson was the ship’s Senior Photographer!
With her insights and puzzle-solving talents, will Olivia help Miles with the investigation as they follow the clues to find out what happened? Olivia’s new pet, Pickle, will add some fun and excitement as well. With a ship full of suspects to question, will they find a way to track down the killer before time runs out?
Olivia Ocean takes a job on the Moonlit Majesty cruise ship as a photographer as a way to honor the stories her Gran had fondly told her about her own experiences. Instead, she is kept extraordinarily busy, sent here and there as she tried to check in, rescuing a kitten about to be thrown overboard, and discovering the dead body of Derek Hudson in a pool of blood! Letting out a scream drew several crew members to the cargo hold, and Carl Sinclair sent someone to get Miles Blackwell, the head of security. Olivia used the opportunity to run off with the kitten to avoid a confrontation over the animal she would have to hide in her room. But of course Miles found her soon after since she was the one who found the body then ran from the scene of the crime. She sputtered so much trying to conceal the kitten’s meows that Miles got irritated and took her to his office to get the details of the murder scene from her. Her boss, the photo manager Philip Winston, had sent her to Cargo Hold 8 to get a box of photo paper when she found the body, of course not mentioning the kitten she was chasing after. But somehow he knew she wasn’t being totally truthful yet, and made her repeat her story. Would she tell him the truth? Carl had probably already mentioned the kitten, so she shouldn’t keep avoiding telling him everything. When she told him she had no idea who Derek Hudson was, he sent her back to work, telling her she would be pulling a double shift until they hired an additional photographer -- because Derek Hudson was the ship’s Senior Photographer!
With her insights and puzzle-solving talents, will Olivia help Miles with the investigation as they follow the clues to find out what happened? Olivia’s new pet, Pickle, will add some fun and excitement as well. With a ship full of suspects to question, will they find a way to track down the killer before time runs out?
September 28, 2024
This book one of the Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries promises to be a venture into the unknown . A mystery set aboard a cruise ship we see on the cover , what of the cat and the barrel? What a splendid all at sea book by Denise Jade . The outlook is good but there’s maybe storms ahead . A crime indeed has occurred but it’s not just the attempted throwing of a cat overboard which in itself was absurd . Now while rescuing the kitten at chase a dead body is found ….oh my word! She needs to hide the poor kitty somewhere oh what a pickle. Hey that’s not a bad idea . Naming it Pickle. But leaving the scene to hide the cat has left her seeming guilty, what about that…Good job that the swoon of a security guy lets her go on by. And they join the hunt together perhaps that’s why. This has to be dealt with post haste! Olivia Ocean gets more than she bargained for on this adventure Into the unknown each nook and cranny and every dark corner she navigates the decks of Moonlit Majesty looking for clues.It’s a travesty , while on her first voyage with camera in hand , she’s the ship’s new photographer and she’s feeling grand. Until the discovery that is …what a sorry business it is. Tensions are fraught and answers to be sought after Derek Hudson’s body is found lain in his own pool of blood. Olivia vowed to help where she could . But with a bravado she didnt really feel . Can this slip of a girl find the culprit and send them to jail? A marvellous foray into a new cruise ship mystery series. I just could not put this book down , it compelled me to read on . The excellent prose the follow my nose plot are just a few things this book has got. The extraordinary way the writer sways the plot just when we think we’ve found the killer we have not. Red herrings and things make this storyline zing. Looking forward to reading the next instalment after this promising start to the series.
September 26, 2024
Olivia’s new life on a cruise ship hasn’t quite lived up to her expectations. Thrown into her photography job with no preparation, a grumpy boss, and jealous coworkers has her questioning her plan. Things get more complicated when she’s sent to the cargo hold to get photo paper and catches the deckhands preparing to throw a stowaway kitten overboard. Olivia is determined to save the kitten and follows it into the cargo hold stumbling over a dead body. Her desire to hide the kitten has her rushing from the crime scene, inadvertently making herself look guilty. Soon, though, she realizes her kitten has a knack for finding clues and she’s helping the security chief solve the case. But when she’s trapped by the perpetrator, can her clever cat lead Miles to her in time?
Denise Jaden is off to a great start in this new series. Olivia is adrift after the death of her grandmother and joins a cruise line to fulfill her grandmother’s wish for her. Olivia is a relatable character and her difficulties adjusting to life on the ship feel true to life. I love how supportive her roommate is, and the relationship with Miles as they work on the case. While many cruise ship cozies show the glamorous side of that life, Ms. Jaden brings realism by showing the hard work and grittiness that goes on behind the scenes. Fans of Ms. Jaden’s other series are familiar with her crime solving kitties, and Pickle is a worthy addition to that group. Looking forward to more adventures for Olivia and Pickle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Denise Jaden is off to a great start in this new series. Olivia is adrift after the death of her grandmother and joins a cruise line to fulfill her grandmother’s wish for her. Olivia is a relatable character and her difficulties adjusting to life on the ship feel true to life. I love how supportive her roommate is, and the relationship with Miles as they work on the case. While many cruise ship cozies show the glamorous side of that life, Ms. Jaden brings realism by showing the hard work and grittiness that goes on behind the scenes. Fans of Ms. Jaden’s other series are familiar with her crime solving kitties, and Pickle is a worthy addition to that group. Looking forward to more adventures for Olivia and Pickle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2024
Olivia is hired on a cruise ship as a junior photographer and is told to onto a cargo hold to get
some photo paper. As she reaches a cargo hold, she stops some crewmen from throwing a little kitten overboard and the little kitten runs into the cargo hold she just opened. As she tries to find it she comes upon it and a dead body! She conceals the
kitten and contacts the head of security who comes to investigate. The dead person turns out to be the main photographer of the ship!
Olivia conceals the kitten in her room but the kitten seems to have a mind of its own and investigates the death and finds clues pointing Olivia and Miles, the head of security, toward the proper suspects. Finally Olivia and Pickle confront them and things look bleak for Olivia but Miles arrives in time to save the day!
This is an exciting on ship mystery that will have you guessing whodunnit until just about the very end! It’s
always helpful to have a smart feline sidekick around to help out as well!
I give this book an enthusiastic recommendation as one I know you’ll enjoy! I know you’ll enjoy Olivia and Pickle and the scraps they get themselves into!
Pick it up today- you’ll be glad you did!
some photo paper. As she reaches a cargo hold, she stops some crewmen from throwing a little kitten overboard and the little kitten runs into the cargo hold she just opened. As she tries to find it she comes upon it and a dead body! She conceals the
kitten and contacts the head of security who comes to investigate. The dead person turns out to be the main photographer of the ship!
Olivia conceals the kitten in her room but the kitten seems to have a mind of its own and investigates the death and finds clues pointing Olivia and Miles, the head of security, toward the proper suspects. Finally Olivia and Pickle confront them and things look bleak for Olivia but Miles arrives in time to save the day!
This is an exciting on ship mystery that will have you guessing whodunnit until just about the very end! It’s
always helpful to have a smart feline sidekick around to help out as well!
I give this book an enthusiastic recommendation as one I know you’ll enjoy! I know you’ll enjoy Olivia and Pickle and the scraps they get themselves into!
Pick it up today- you’ll be glad you did!
September 24, 2024
I got swept away into this engaging and delightful story. Olivia Ocean (don’t you just love that name!) has taken a job as a photographer on a cruise ship. After hearing stories from her gram about working in one and after losing her she decides to take a chance on cruise life. What she doesn’t count on is life on board might not be as idyllic as her gram recalled. She sure doesn’t expect to find a murder victim after being run off her feet all on her first day! After some keen observations Miles (hunky chief of security) involves her in the investigation. It’s dangerous at but the two are up to the task of tracking down this killer.
Love this first in a new series! Poor Olivia her first day on board is like the first day at a new school time a hundred. She slowly settles in and finds her footing and a cute stowaway kitty! I loved the setting cruise ship mysteries are the new murder at a manor house stories! Great cast of characters, plenty of twists and limited resources make this book a wonderful mystery experience!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love this first in a new series! Poor Olivia her first day on board is like the first day at a new school time a hundred. She slowly settles in and finds her footing and a cute stowaway kitty! I loved the setting cruise ship mysteries are the new murder at a manor house stories! Great cast of characters, plenty of twists and limited resources make this book a wonderful mystery experience!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2024
Having heard all her grandma's stories of working on a cruise ship, when offered the chance to be the photographer for the Moonlit Majesty ship, Olivia jumps at the chance. But all is not always as it seems. While trying to rescue a cute kitten that was about to be thrown overboard, during the chase, and going into the cargo hold for photo paper, she stumbles over the dead body of Derek Hudson. With the kitten in her arms, she screams and runs to her room to hide the kitten. Miles Blackwell, the head of security was called to investigate and finds Olivia. But when she tells him she has no idea who the deceased is, he let her go. Of course, she wants to help and with her intuitive kitten she named Pickles, they help Miles and hunt for clues. There are so many twists and turns and red-herrings that you are taken to a surprise ending you didn't figure out. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next Olivia and Pickles adventure. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 11, 2024
As a general rule I don't read cruise ship stories. They just aren't my go to kind of book. But the kitty on the cover drew me in and I stayed, well that and I do love Denise Jaden's writing.
Having read all of Denise Jaden's other books I was interested since I just really enjoy her writing and they all have cats. She does a great job of giving you sufficient back story to make sure you understand how we got to the here and now. She opens the characters up to being the people you would want to meet.
Lucky for Pickle the kitty Olivia came along at just the right time. I'm hoping that perhaps future books will further showcase Pickle's talent for helping with investigations and help lift Olivia's sadness over the lost of her grandparents. Miles, the head of security, might also fill some of that void.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review. Also there is no cliffhanger ending.
Having read all of Denise Jaden's other books I was interested since I just really enjoy her writing and they all have cats. She does a great job of giving you sufficient back story to make sure you understand how we got to the here and now. She opens the characters up to being the people you would want to meet.
Lucky for Pickle the kitty Olivia came along at just the right time. I'm hoping that perhaps future books will further showcase Pickle's talent for helping with investigations and help lift Olivia's sadness over the lost of her grandparents. Miles, the head of security, might also fill some of that void.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review. Also there is no cliffhanger ending.
September 11, 2024
When Olivia Ocean signed on to be the junior photographer for a cruise line, she was nostalgic for the camaraderie that her grandmother had during her tenure.
She soon finds that her experience is nothing like her grandmother's cruise ship. Except for her roommate, people seemed to be only for themselves with a stowaway kitten almost the first casualty. Shortly after, she stumbles upon a dead body of a fellow photographer making her wonder who she can trust.
A wonderful introduction to the series as Olivia and readers navigate rough waters while trying to find the killer. Love the development of the main character and her relationships with security officer Miles and her feline sidekick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She soon finds that her experience is nothing like her grandmother's cruise ship. Except for her roommate, people seemed to be only for themselves with a stowaway kitten almost the first casualty. Shortly after, she stumbles upon a dead body of a fellow photographer making her wonder who she can trust.
A wonderful introduction to the series as Olivia and readers navigate rough waters while trying to find the killer. Love the development of the main character and her relationships with security officer Miles and her feline sidekick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2024
Excitement on the seas as Olivia Ocean begins her new life as a photographer on her 1st cruise contract. Having lost her grandparents that she took care of, Olivia takes the job on the cruise ship to relive stories her grandmother used to tell her. Those stories never prepared Olivia to find a dead body or deal with a stowaway kitten. Olivia works closely with the head of security to find clues and make sense of the crime. The murder victim had many secrets which leads to many suspects. Wonderful descriptions make you feel like you’re right there on the ship. And lots of fun surprises from Pickle the kitten. Wonderful start to a new series with a great cast of new characters. Really looking forward to Olivia’s next high seas adventure.
September 24, 2024
Great New Series Starter
I have read and enjoyed some of Ms. Jaden's other series, so I was excited to read this first book in a new series. The story was engaging and Olivia (the main character) was fun to meet. Boy her first day on board the ship was like a trial by fire and I was stressed for her! But of course she handled everything in stride. I like that she is making a little group of friends on board and love her sidekick kitten, Pickle. The plot was interesting and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep things exciting. I look forward to reading more books in this series and seeing Olivia blossom in her new career! I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 24, 2025
This is the first in the series. The main characters are Olivia and Miles. After the death of her grandparents who she had taken care of for a long time, Olivia becomes a photographer on a cruise ship. Her grams had worked on one when she was young and had painted such a pretty picture that Olivia had to go and try it out. Her first day she finds a dead body in one of he cargo holds and rescues a kitten the deck hands were going to throw overboard. Then people think she must have murdered the guy she found. With the help of Miles, head of security, she starts to look into the case. Now it looks like she asked to many questions. Can Miles or someone find her and help before it's too late ?
January 31, 2025
I love Denise Jaden. I love her Tabitha Chase series (TCS) and was excited to read her Olivia Ocean books. This is a great start to this series. I think it's going to be impossible to be as good as the TCS, but it sure is worth the read and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
I felt like I was on the cruise ship with Olivia and sweet Pickle. Denise Jaden's writing is so enthralling. I always feel like I am right there in the middle of all the action. The cruise ship setting was so fun and I really enjoyed getting to know all these characters. I can't wait to see what they're up to in the second book!
I felt like I was on the cruise ship with Olivia and sweet Pickle. Denise Jaden's writing is so enthralling. I always feel like I am right there in the middle of all the action. The cruise ship setting was so fun and I really enjoyed getting to know all these characters. I can't wait to see what they're up to in the second book!
July 4, 2025
A job on the high seas seems like a grand adventure until our heroine stumbles across a dead body. Now she has an entirely new adventure as she sets out to solve the murder.
This is book one of the series so no issues there.
This is a cozy with mystery which has become one of my favorite genres. The story is well written and easy to read with an intriguing cast of characters. The plot is solid and all the different issues keep things moving at a good pace. Overall, was an excellent story and I definitely look forward to reading more in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one of the series so no issues there.
This is a cozy with mystery which has become one of my favorite genres. The story is well written and easy to read with an intriguing cast of characters. The plot is solid and all the different issues keep things moving at a good pace. Overall, was an excellent story and I definitely look forward to reading more in the series.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2025
I Love Cruising, Even in Books
Maybe working on a cruise ship isn't as fun as it would seem, but if I could do things over again, that is definitely something I would have liked to try. Olivia Ocean is giving it a try after hearing about her grandmother's adventures and love of cruising while working. Unfortunately, she isn't off to a great start. She finds a dead body and a kitten before they even get out of the port. Pickle is a hoot and even though he is a cat, he acts more like a bloodhound. Maybe those whiskers are really antennae. Loved the book and the characters and the inside look at working on a cruise ship. Lots of great suspects and red herrings.
Maybe working on a cruise ship isn't as fun as it would seem, but if I could do things over again, that is definitely something I would have liked to try. Olivia Ocean is giving it a try after hearing about her grandmother's adventures and love of cruising while working. Unfortunately, she isn't off to a great start. She finds a dead body and a kitten before they even get out of the port. Pickle is a hoot and even though he is a cat, he acts more like a bloodhound. Maybe those whiskers are really antennae. Loved the book and the characters and the inside look at working on a cruise ship. Lots of great suspects and red herrings.
September 9, 2024
On her first day as a crew member on the Moonlit Majestic Olivia not only finds a kitten but also the body of a dead man. She starts to investigate and helps the ship's security officer. This is a nice mystery with likeable characters and a 'Houdini" kitten. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it. This is the first book I've read by this author but I'm looking forward to reading more of Olivia & Co and her other series.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
September 24, 2024
A cute cozy cruise ship mystery. On her first day as a ship photographer, Olivia, stumbles upon a kitten who is getting tossed over board and a dead body. She saves the kitten and helps to solve the murder with the ships head of security Miles. There are a limited amount of suspects but still plenty to investigate. Great start with some twist and turns for the start of a new series. Can't wait for the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2024
Detective: Olivia Ocean
Sidekick: Pickle the Cat
Love Interest/Co-Detective: Miles Blackwell
Hook: Olivia is a photographer on a cruise ship
Crime: Murder
Victim: Derek Hudson, Senior Ship’s Photographer
My thoughts: I liked Olivia and I thought that she was likable. Pickle was adorable. The details of what happens behind the scenes of a cruise ship are interesting. I thought the mystery was well done and the solution made sense. I think that this has the potential to be a really good series.
Sidekick: Pickle the Cat
Love Interest/Co-Detective: Miles Blackwell
Hook: Olivia is a photographer on a cruise ship
Crime: Murder
Victim: Derek Hudson, Senior Ship’s Photographer
My thoughts: I liked Olivia and I thought that she was likable. Pickle was adorable. The details of what happens behind the scenes of a cruise ship are interesting. I thought the mystery was well done and the solution made sense. I think that this has the potential to be a really good series.
March 8, 2025
This was so fun Olivia is a new Junior Photographer on board a Cruise ship when she overhears some Men planning to throw a kitten overboard. After she rescues the kitten and finds a body of a Man in the cargo hold. She is a suspect in the Murder and decides to investigate to find out who killed the Man. Miles the Head of Security along with her Kitten Pickles solve the case. There was a lot of danger for Olivia and a lot of suspects along with her doing her job as a Photographer. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
September 5, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Olivia Ocean is starting a new job as a photographer in a cruise ship. While trying to save a kitten from being thrown overboard, she finds a dead body. Miles Blackwell is security on the cruise ship. He needs to find out who killed Derek. Will they find out who is the murderer is? I really liked this book and can't wait to read more about Olivia and Miles.
September 19, 2024
A quirky who-dunnit mystery, with colourful characters and a great setting. I learnt so much about ships.
Olivia Ocean is very relateable as main character. If there is something like a feel-good mystery novel - this is it!
And although the feline isn't the main character, this cute kitten will steal your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Olivia Ocean is very relateable as main character. If there is something like a feel-good mystery novel - this is it!
And although the feline isn't the main character, this cute kitten will steal your heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2024
Olivia is fulfilling her grandma's dream of working on a cruise ship but it doesn't seem as glamorous as she recalls. Soon after, she's attempting to rescue a stray kitten when she discovers a dead body. With her new kitten by her side, she sets off to find out who whacked the dead man. This is a fun, cozy mystery with twists, turns and "pickle" to boot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2024
Everyone needs a Pickle in their lives. It would make things better I think. He was stinkin cute. And a little mischief finder. Smart little cookie. As you can see, he's my favorite character. You'll see why when you read it. This was a good story. I pretty much knew who had done it from the start BUT I liked seeing the twists that pulled you in other directions. It was good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
Great introduction to a new series. Olivia Ocean is I over her head with her first contact on a cruise ship. Her first day is simply horrible when she sees a crew member about to toss a kitten overboard. Of course it got worse when kitten leads her to a dead body. The characters are very diverse and raise lots of suspicions. I really had no clue who the murderer was and why hthe murder occurred. I adore the role Pickles plays.
July 23, 2025
Pretty good book for #1. I liked the setting having been on a cruise ship myself(as a guest of course hahaha) . I like the main character Olivia, Miles, and Becky, but the rest seemed awfully cranky!!! Like over the top cranky, maybe I haven’t been around people so miserable as them. I always say if you don’t like your job quit. I will be reading the second book. Looking forward for more adventures with Olivia, Miles and pickles. Happy Reading:)
September 23, 2025
I enjoyed this. I liked the mc and the storyline. Great kitten although we didn’t see too much of him. I couldn’t believe they made Olivia start work as soon as she boarded the ship though, especially without a tour. Surely she should have started the day before. And to work a 17 hour shift with nothing to eat or drink is just crazy. And then the next day, breakfast at 0600 and then nothing to eat or drink until the evening. It’s not sustainable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2025
Super cute book with a likeable protagonist and a darling kitty. Olivia is starting her first cruise assignment, and everything and everyone is so confusing. To make matters worse, she stumbles upon a dead body on her first day and is immediately considered a suspect. This was a fun book and I'm looking forward to more adventures.
September 7, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, from start to finish, it was fun, I loved the characters. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
September 26, 2024
a shipboard dream job turns into a bit of a nightmare for Olivia Ocean.
can she work things out so she has smooth sailing, or are her dreams sunk?
clever kitty shenanigans and ship-tastic sleuthing adventures.
can she work things out so she has smooth sailing, or are her dreams sunk?
clever kitty shenanigans and ship-tastic sleuthing adventures.
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