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The Poker Face of Murder: A gripping cozy mystery with twists
The Midnight Tide’s poker tournament should be all glitz, glamour, and high stakes—until a deadly hand is dealt.
When a notorious high-roller is found lifeless in his suite, his winnings vanished and two golden poker chips eerily placed over his eyes, Cruise Director Rose Dela Cruz knows this isn’t just a simple robbery gone wrong.
As whispers swirl through the ship’s elegant halls, Rose and her loyal beagle Rex follow a trail of counterfeit chips, tampered casino footage, and buried grudges that run deeper than anyone suspects.
With the clock ticking toward the ship’s next port, every friendly smile hides a secret, and every ally could be the one holding the winning card — or the deadly ace.
In a game where trust is the ultimate gamble, Rose must uncover the truth before the killer disappears beneath the waves… and justice is lost to the sea.
When a notorious high-roller is found lifeless in his suite, his winnings vanished and two golden poker chips eerily placed over his eyes, Cruise Director Rose Dela Cruz knows this isn’t just a simple robbery gone wrong.
As whispers swirl through the ship’s elegant halls, Rose and her loyal beagle Rex follow a trail of counterfeit chips, tampered casino footage, and buried grudges that run deeper than anyone suspects.
With the clock ticking toward the ship’s next port, every friendly smile hides a secret, and every ally could be the one holding the winning card — or the deadly ace.
In a game where trust is the ultimate gamble, Rose must uncover the truth before the killer disappears beneath the waves… and justice is lost to the sea.
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2025
15 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 3, 2025
Loved this story, Rose Dela Cruz, cruise director finds another dead body. I have read other books in this series, and they just keep getting better and better. This time the Midnight Tide is starting a new cruise route and adding a casino along with a high-stake poker game. World renowned poker players show up to play and is murdered after winning the first tournament. Rose and her crew work hard to solve the mystery. This story keeps you guessing until the end.
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.
July 27, 2025
The Moonlight Tide is sailing new seas, with a new course and a new venue. Headed for the Caribbean, a casino has been fitted to entertain the passengers, and a celebrity tournament is held to kick off the debut. When one of the players, a much-disliked alleged cheat, is found dead in his luxury suite, it's up to cruise director Rose Dela Cruz and key members of the staff to track down the murderer before the ship docks and the perpetrator slips away.
While this is the fourth book in the series, it is the first I've read, which may have coloured my perceptions. With this acknowledged, here are my thoughts:
It took longer than I like to establish the premise of this particular story. On the flip side of the coin, I got a chance to meet all the main characters and get to know them, so this was in some ways a bonus. The players had traits that made them easily identifiable, and, given the large cast, this was entirely necessary. I found myself in the awkward position of having to suspend my disbelief at times. A continuity error pulled me out of the world as I flipped back and forth to see if I had misread a part of the story. I also had concerns about the ethics of the relationship between two crew members. The murder itself was unusual, but the investigation felt disjointed.
The Poker Face of Murder strikes me as an excellent vacation read, and I recommend it for those cosy lovers who enjoy a read that mirrors their beach life.
Thank you to Audrey Alden and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
While this is the fourth book in the series, it is the first I've read, which may have coloured my perceptions. With this acknowledged, here are my thoughts:
It took longer than I like to establish the premise of this particular story. On the flip side of the coin, I got a chance to meet all the main characters and get to know them, so this was in some ways a bonus. The players had traits that made them easily identifiable, and, given the large cast, this was entirely necessary. I found myself in the awkward position of having to suspend my disbelief at times. A continuity error pulled me out of the world as I flipped back and forth to see if I had misread a part of the story. I also had concerns about the ethics of the relationship between two crew members. The murder itself was unusual, but the investigation felt disjointed.
The Poker Face of Murder strikes me as an excellent vacation read, and I recommend it for those cosy lovers who enjoy a read that mirrors their beach life.
Thank you to Audrey Alden and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
June 26, 2025
The back story of the protagonist is just barely mentioned in this book, but before Rose Dela Cruz became the cruise director for the Midnight Tide, she had a private investigator business, so she has some previous experience that she puts into play in checking out a murder of a high roller poker player. The ship has just started a new cruise route, in the Caribbean, with a freshly christened casino being showcased with a big poker tournament. Checking out reports from one of the passengers of strange thumping noises in an adjacent cabin, she finds the dead body of one of the tournament players, a man about whom there have been rumors that he has been winning more often than chance would predict. To make matters even weirder, his eyes have been covered by gold poker chips, chips which are not part of the casinos stock.
The murder does turn out to be connected to high stakes cheating, but with a number of twists and turns that keep you guessing right up until the end. I am a fast reader, and whether I finish a book this size in one day or a few more than that often depends on what else I have going on, but in this case, I was easily kept engrossed from start to finish.
I received an ARC of the book, and this is my candid review. I also followed a free link to its prequel, Murder on the Midnight Tide, which I will review later.
The murder does turn out to be connected to high stakes cheating, but with a number of twists and turns that keep you guessing right up until the end. I am a fast reader, and whether I finish a book this size in one day or a few more than that often depends on what else I have going on, but in this case, I was easily kept engrossed from start to finish.
I received an ARC of the book, and this is my candid review. I also followed a free link to its prequel, Murder on the Midnight Tide, which I will review later.
January 4, 2026
Rose Dela Cruz is the cruise director aboard the Midnight Tide, and this voyage looks to be exciting since the ship has just added a new casino, complete with a promotional poker tournament. Unfortunately, one of the tournament players is well known on the circuit—and widely suspected of cheating. When he wins the first day’s event, accusations quickly follow. What no one expects is for him to be found dead later in his suite, with all of his winnings missing.
Rose and her dog, Rex, immediately begin investigating, aided by friends and fellow cruise employees. What makes this cozy mystery stand out is that, while it isn’t dark in tone, it also isn’t as lighthearted as many cozies tend to be. The investigators follow false leads and make incorrect assumptions along the way, which makes the mystery feel more realistic and engaging. Because the solution isn’t easily laid out—as it often is in other cozy mysteries—this story was especially to my taste.
I would recommend not only this book, but the entire series.
Rose and her dog, Rex, immediately begin investigating, aided by friends and fellow cruise employees. What makes this cozy mystery stand out is that, while it isn’t dark in tone, it also isn’t as lighthearted as many cozies tend to be. The investigators follow false leads and make incorrect assumptions along the way, which makes the mystery feel more realistic and engaging. Because the solution isn’t easily laid out—as it often is in other cozy mysteries—this story was especially to my taste.
I would recommend not only this book, but the entire series.
June 14, 2025
Cruise director Rose Dela Cruz has her chips on the table, the floor and other places galore ,real or fake ones but what about those gold ones on the eyelids of Jasper Thorne? What’s the message there? Gamblers beware or is this the tip of something more? It’s certainly chilling…gah! A finger to the neck shows a faint pulse but ooh heck. The fella has been winning hard and fast at the casino so Rose was wanting to investigate the matter, has someone taken affront to his easy winning ways and possibly dodgy plays, or is there something entirely different at play here? She has her trustee sidekick Rex by her side ,so there’s nowhere for the person most sinister to hide. Great mystery as usual by Audrey Alden who’s pen and wit make reading one of her books a win every time as her storytelling style is compelling and makes you smile too. There is nothing she can’t write without it being a delight . Wonderfully ,sublime storyline with characters who are divine. Bravo and good show!
June 23, 2025
Rose Dela Cruz, Cruise Director on the Midnight Tide, and former PI, is preparing for the ship’s new route from Miami to San Juan. The Midnight Tide is going all out by installing a new casino and holding a high-stakes poker tournament.
On the first night of the cruise, Jasper Thorne, a notorious high-roller and suspected cheater, is found murdered after he wins the first night of the tournament.
Rose and her trusty beagle, Rex, along with Rose’s sister, Stacy, Captain Ben Anderson, Rose’s boyfriend and several crew members, begin an investigation that turns up counterfeit chips and a number of suspects.
This book was UNPUTDOWNABLE! Every time I thought I knew “whodunnit”, I found another suspect!
And the end…Oh my gosh! You’ve got to read this book!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.
On the first night of the cruise, Jasper Thorne, a notorious high-roller and suspected cheater, is found murdered after he wins the first night of the tournament.
Rose and her trusty beagle, Rex, along with Rose’s sister, Stacy, Captain Ben Anderson, Rose’s boyfriend and several crew members, begin an investigation that turns up counterfeit chips and a number of suspects.
This book was UNPUTDOWNABLE! Every time I thought I knew “whodunnit”, I found another suspect!
And the end…Oh my gosh! You’ve got to read this book!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.
June 24, 2025
Audrey Alden sets this mystery on a cruise ship during a poker tournament.
A contestant dies. Someone placed gold chips over his eyes.
Rose Cruz, the cruise director, investigates. She carries trauma from past cases. She hides it, but it shows. Her therapy sessions and dissociation ground the story.
The pace drags early on, and the murder takes time to arrive.
The victim, Jasper Thorne, lacks depth. His death feels hollow.
The later chapters gain speed. Rose pulls the threads as each clue adds weight. The mystery holds firm.
The story works best when it stays close to Rose. Her thoughts steer the plot.
The dialogue moves fast. The setting feels tight. Every scene stays on course. The emotional beats hit. The writing stays clear.
The dialogue moves fast and keeps pace with sharp scenes, clear writing, and well-placed emotion.
A contestant dies. Someone placed gold chips over his eyes.
Rose Cruz, the cruise director, investigates. She carries trauma from past cases. She hides it, but it shows. Her therapy sessions and dissociation ground the story.
The pace drags early on, and the murder takes time to arrive.
The victim, Jasper Thorne, lacks depth. His death feels hollow.
The later chapters gain speed. Rose pulls the threads as each clue adds weight. The mystery holds firm.
The story works best when it stays close to Rose. Her thoughts steer the plot.
The dialogue moves fast. The setting feels tight. Every scene stays on course. The emotional beats hit. The writing stays clear.
The dialogue moves fast and keeps pace with sharp scenes, clear writing, and well-placed emotion.
June 30, 2025
I absolutely love the Rose Cruz mysteries from this author. I'm always thrilled when a new one pops up. This one involves a professional poker player all but trussed up in death, so intense as always, but I do want to mention something I found… refreshing is the wrong word but maybe 'grounded in realism' is a better phrase. Rose is starting to deal with mental issues from having the unfortunate luck of continuously finding dead bodies. I certainly can't blame her (I know I would!), but I feel more connected to the character in seeing the realistic reaction to feeling surrounded by death. She starts seeing a therapist and, as someone who regularly sees one myself, I always like seeing good representation of that in the novels I read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2025
It doesn't pay to gamble
Another great book in author Audrey Alden's series, A Rose Cruz Cozy Murder Mystery. I love reading her books they are so enlightening and fresh, and the protagonist and characters are very entertaining and fun.
Rose Dela Cruz, the Midnight Tide's Cruise Director, is always involved in another murder on the cruise even though she hopes that the next cruise will go smoothly without a hitch.
However, that doesn't seem that doesn't happen.
The author does a splendid job of pulling it all together with every book she rights, and it makes the storyline believable and enjoyable to read.
I love how the protagonist's Beagle, Rex, plays his part so well and draws the reader into loving him and rooting for him to help solve the crime.
I will continue to read Audrey Alden's books as long as she writes them.
Another great book in author Audrey Alden's series, A Rose Cruz Cozy Murder Mystery. I love reading her books they are so enlightening and fresh, and the protagonist and characters are very entertaining and fun.
Rose Dela Cruz, the Midnight Tide's Cruise Director, is always involved in another murder on the cruise even though she hopes that the next cruise will go smoothly without a hitch.
However, that doesn't seem that doesn't happen.
The author does a splendid job of pulling it all together with every book she rights, and it makes the storyline believable and enjoyable to read.
I love how the protagonist's Beagle, Rex, plays his part so well and draws the reader into loving him and rooting for him to help solve the crime.
I will continue to read Audrey Alden's books as long as she writes them.
June 27, 2025
Cruising on the Midnight Tide . . .
Rose Dela Cruz is the Cruise Director on the Midnight Tide. They are installing a new casino and highlighting it with a high-stakes poker tournament to stir up excitement. But when Jasper Thorne, suspected of cheating in the game, ends up dead in his room, his hefty winnings missing and gold poker chips covering his eyes, Rose, her dog Rex, and a few other crew members start an investigation into what happened that night. They need to follow the clues and solve the murder quickly before they arrive at the next port and lose any chance of capturing the murderer. Fast-paced and a fun read! Lots of action, character development, and some really good plot twists add to the excitement as we follow along with Rose and Rex.
Rose Dela Cruz is the Cruise Director on the Midnight Tide. They are installing a new casino and highlighting it with a high-stakes poker tournament to stir up excitement. But when Jasper Thorne, suspected of cheating in the game, ends up dead in his room, his hefty winnings missing and gold poker chips covering his eyes, Rose, her dog Rex, and a few other crew members start an investigation into what happened that night. They need to follow the clues and solve the murder quickly before they arrive at the next port and lose any chance of capturing the murderer. Fast-paced and a fun read! Lots of action, character development, and some really good plot twists add to the excitement as we follow along with Rose and Rex.
July 2, 2025
Another Rose Cruz and Rex her very intuitive, clue finding Beagle had a private investigator business prior to becoming the cruise director for the Midnight Tide. In this book she has her hands full trying to find the murderer of a cheating, high roller. With the help of Rose’s sister, Stacy, Captain Ben Anderson and crew members she is on the case. Will she be able to find a murderer before he finds her? This is another great addition to the Rose Cruz murder mystery series that I highly recommend. In fact, I recommend the entire series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
June 18, 2025
Well, this one stumped me from the beginning, and I confess halfway through I had to peak at the ending. I was too consumed with suspects and red herrings, and I needed to know!!!! It did not ruin my enjoyment of the story at all. A passenger is murdered and there are questions of a possibility of a conspiracy on board. The murder was just the tip of the iceberg going on here. Get into this drama filled suspenseful read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
June 18, 2025
This has been such a great series to read, and I finished The Poker Face of Murder in one sitting.
Audrey’s storytelling feels so natural and real, like catching up with a friend who’s sharing all the juicy secrets.
The tension builds just right, and the protagonist Rose comes alive in a way that makes you care about every twist and turn.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with heart and surprises that keep you guessing, this book is definitely for you. I can’t wait to see what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Audrey’s storytelling feels so natural and real, like catching up with a friend who’s sharing all the juicy secrets.
The tension builds just right, and the protagonist Rose comes alive in a way that makes you care about every twist and turn.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with heart and surprises that keep you guessing, this book is definitely for you. I can’t wait to see what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2025
The Midnight Tide is now cruising in the Caribbean and on this cruise they decide to have a casino and a high stakes poker game. The winner of the game on the first night Jasper is not a fan favorite as he has been accused of cheating. Then a lady next to his room hears some load noises and when Rose Dela Cruz, the cruise director, goes to check she finds him dead on the floor with gold chips over his eyes. Now it's up to the crew to figure out who is the murderer and what happened to the money. Great fast reading story.
I received an arc and this is my voluntary review.
I received an arc and this is my voluntary review.
June 26, 2025
Rose is cruise director aboard the Midnight Tide. This ship includes a casino, and a high stakes poker tournament. When the first night’s winner is killed and the money missing, Rose and her dog Rex are on the case! This is an entertaining mystery with realistic characters, twists and turns, and a little romance. I liked the glimpses into life on a cruise ship, and the relationships and caring attitudes between the characters are a plus. Part of a series, but can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 28, 2025
This was a lovely read.
I find Rose and her band of companions aboard the cruise ship enchanting.
What I enjoyed about this story is that what started out as a 'simple' murder ended up being anything but.
I like the way Rose takes us through all the steps she goes through to unravel the mystery.
Her little dog Rex is of course a joy.
This was a very compelling read.
I look forward to the next one in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I find Rose and her band of companions aboard the cruise ship enchanting.
What I enjoyed about this story is that what started out as a 'simple' murder ended up being anything but.
I like the way Rose takes us through all the steps she goes through to unravel the mystery.
Her little dog Rex is of course a joy.
This was a very compelling read.
I look forward to the next one in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2025
This the first book in this series that I have read and I am know going to have to read the rest of the series as I enjoyed this one so much. The author keeps everyone guessing who the murderer is right from the start. Rose Dela Cruz the Cruise Director with her dog Rex and a whole lot of people help her solve this mystery. I finally figure out some of the player in the thief but not all of them until the every end which is what you want. I can't wait until the next book comes out in this series.
July 3, 2025
I enjoy this series, the fact that it's on a cruise ship makes it fun. You can imagine yourself there, just kicked back enjoying life and boom! There's a murder. Of course Rose and Rex have to figure out what's going on. This particular book was just a tad more somber than the others I've read in this series; due to getting into some fairly deep thinking with the therapist. Still a good read, lots of twists and turns to figure out the murder. Great characters throughout.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
The Poker Face of Murder is Book 4 in A Rose Face Cozy Mystery by Audrey Alden. Rose and her beagle, Rex, are wonderful characters. As the cruise ship director, she has unusual problems. But, a high rolling gambler dead in his room was not on the calendar. Rose is clever and soon she knows there is more to the murder than meets the eye. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 21, 2025
The Midnight Tide sails with high betters for their first Poker Tournament. Jasper Thorne suspiciously wins in no time a quarter of a million dollars, and is accused of cheating not for the first time. A great twist and turn story where Cruise Director Rose Dela Cruz is trying to figure out of all the players who exactly is the murderer. Time is running out and she’s not sure she will solve the case. Definitely keeps you guessing which makes it a great story that you can’t pass up.
June 22, 2025
I have read the other 3 books of this series, and I enjoyed each of them. This book was no exception. This was a case of too many suspects and not enough proof. I thought this story was touching as Rose deals with the anxiety she has suffered from finding dead bodies everywhere she cruises. The characters are fun and definitely support Rose. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I strongly recommend reading this story.
June 25, 2025
Entertaining story.
An entertaining story with an unusual murder of Jasper on the high seas following his big casino win. Rose with her beloved dog, Rex, as well as her boyfriend, the ship's captain, leads an investigation. Numerous suspects, but no clear clues emerge. Enjoyable, easy to read book that I recommend.
I read this book as an advance reader. I am voluntarily writing this review.
An entertaining story with an unusual murder of Jasper on the high seas following his big casino win. Rose with her beloved dog, Rex, as well as her boyfriend, the ship's captain, leads an investigation. Numerous suspects, but no clear clues emerge. Enjoyable, easy to read book that I recommend.
I read this book as an advance reader. I am voluntarily writing this review.
June 26, 2025
Rose and Rex are an amazing team. The books in this series are so much fun to read (they all can be read stand-alone). The look behind the scenes on a cruise ship and the pressure of solving the mystery before the end of the cruise, will keep you glued to the pages. And the characters are always interesting. Fun to read.
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.
June 26, 2025
This was an enjoyable murder mystery with lots of suspects. As the title suggests, the setting involves a poker game with high stakes players on a cruise ship. Rose, the main character and cruise director, is determined to find the whodunit. The task proves difficult and there are some twists throughout keeping the reader engaged.
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.
June 28, 2025
A cozy murder mystery involving Poker and wow...who did it???? How is it that certain people are winning so easily? And oh no, the winner is found dead not long after claiming all the win. It is up to Cruise Director Rose Cruz and her dog Rex with her friends to find out what happened. Where did the gold poker chips come from and what a way to ruin a perfectly good cruise. Enjoyed this little murder mystery.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2025
Rose is the cruise director on the Midnight Tide. This cruise features a poker tournament. When a famous high-rolleris found dead in his cabin and his winnings missing, Rose knows this wasn't just a simple robbery. With her beagle Rex at her side, Rose uncovers more than she expected. The killer could be anyone! Can Rose find the killer before the ship reaches its next port? Great story for anyone who loves cruising! I loved it and I hope there's more to come in this series!
July 12, 2025
There is a big thing happening on The Midnight Tide. A Poker competition for high rollers. The winner is notorious because fellow players are sure he somehow cheats. Rose somehow knows she must follow him to his cabin, but, she gets waylaid by an anxious mother. When she gets to his cabin she finds him dead with a gold chip on each eye. Ones they don’t use on the ship. I found this quite an intense book with lots going on, but, even though I know little about Poker, I enjoyed it.
July 26, 2025
This was enjoyable read that gave me the cozy feeling of being on a cruise. The main theme of this specific story focused on poker games and the casino on board. It reminded me of various movies that included the same theme. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and especially the setting. I had never read any from this series before, but I’m planning on reading the previous books in the series now.
I received this as an ARC book, but the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this as an ARC book, but the thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2025
This was my first book of this series and I really enjoyed it! Great characters for the working crew of the cruise ship. Very likable as I read through all the clues and plot twists. I recommend this book to those interested in murder mysterious. I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
Another great Rose Cruz mystery. The Midnight Tide builds a casino and hosts a poker tournament. There is a lot going on in this book, and one murder uncovers it all. I think they should have stuck to the script that they approved of and just stole the money. Can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews