A Cruise to Murder: A Loretta Lafayette Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery

Loretta Lafayette Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery #2

by Avery Kent

A luxury cruise and a birthday bash, that leads to a deadly splash.

When world-famous singer and TV star Loretta Lafayette boarded a lavish Caribbean cruise, she expected sunshine, cocktails and calm seas, not a front-row seat to homicide. But when a spoiled, sharp-tongued heiress is found dead by the pool at dawn, Loretta’s vacation goes overboard.

With the ship stuck mid-voyage and the security team floundering, Loretta teams up with her quirky friend Alistair, his quick-witted niece Amy and Chester, the emotional-support dog who has an uncanny knack for sniffing out clues, better than any ship’s radar.

Together they navigate choppy waters filled with tangled affairs, blackmail schemes and jealous lovers whose smiles hide razor-sharp motives.

As a flirtatious ship entertainer, a powerful billionaire, betrayed friends and a charming crew member drift onto the suspect list, the trio discovers a conspiracy, someone would kill to keep buried.

But when the investigation hits rough seas and someone close to Loretta is put in danger, this cruise turns into a race against time. Because the killer is still on board, and the final port may come too late.

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2026

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta Lafayette, Amy, Alistair, and Chester are expecting a relaxing cruise this time around. Then drama boards in the form of a spoiled heiress and her friends. Conniving, backstabbing Chelsea is used to getting whatever she wants, and is not above manipulating and using those around her. On the night of her 25th birthday bash, her lies catch up to her and someone stops her for good. Loretta wakes up after falling asleep in the pool lounge to find Chelsea wrapped in a towel, dead. Worried that she slept through the conflict, she offers to help with the investigation. Unfortunately, the head of security isn’t interested in finding the truth. One of the junior officers, Liam, asks for their help. When it’s found that he has a motive, they wonder if he’s just trying to steer suspicion elsewhere. With multiple suspects and potential motives, can our amateur sleuths and their canine companion track down the culprit?

Avery Kent has crafted an excellent mystery in the second Loretta Lafayette mystery. A victim that left destruction in her wake making nearly everyone a viable suspect. For every clue, there’s reasonable doubt that it’s viable. Loretta, Amy, and Alistair must use all their wits to figure it out. Chester the emotional support chihuahua charms throughout, with a wonderful surprise for him at the end. I was kept guessing who the killer was and who to trust along with Loretta and company. The mystery was tied up in a satisfying manner and a new member was added to the group for upcoming adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Giannina Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy for an honest review. Loretta, Amy, Alistair with Chester embark on a cruise. They encounter Chelsea, who is celebrating her birthday on board with her family and friends. Unfortunely, Chelsea's manipulatins have caused tension with her friends. Max, Chelsea's father asks Loretta if she would perform at the party and attend with her friends.
All goes well until Loretta ,who fell asleep on deck in the early hours, wakes up to Chelsea's body in a lounge chair further down on deck. Loretta and friends are pull into the investigation because the security supervisor would rather pick an obvious culprit rather than investigate properly.
One of the security people, Liam who knew of Chelsea conniving also helps with the investigation. There are many suspects and motives and we have a wonderful time solving all the leads. A wonderful story and meeting Loretta, Amy, Alistair and Chester with the addition of Liam. I can't wait to see what happens in their next adventure. Highly recommend.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this fun cozy mystery series; I read and enjoyed the first book, but this book stands alone well. A mid-life singer, Loretta, her good friend Alistair, and his niece, Amy, are on a cruise as a reward from the cruise line for solving a murder their last trip. Loretta is also booked to sing at the big, fancy birthday party for Chelsea, an adult spoiled and manipulative brat. Chelsea’s rich father has paid for a lot of Chelsea’s friends to cruise with them, along with several family members. Once again, there’s a murder, and once again, Loretta et al will occupy themselves with solving the crime, especially since the head of security isn’t up for the task. The mystery is twisted and well-written and I can definitely recommend it and the series. I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta Lafayette boarded a cruise ship ,unaware what terror she’d find midships by the pool .Shes a world famous singer but this is a stinger and no mistake but there’s other lives at stake it seems because the murderer is still onboard and they cannot make a mistake by underestimating his or her motives and strengths nor if they’d go to any length to keep secrets . The killer might be one of the friends who beams . All nice and all . Those are the worse suspects of all. Good job she has friends helping out . There’s Alistair and his niece Amy ,her dog Chester who’s good at sniffing out clues . Not quite the cruise she’d cruise but there’s a lot to lose if the culprit’s of caught ,and there’s more and more passengers becoming fraught. Excellently penned by Avery Kent . A mystery storyline that’s divine in it’s telling and ever so compelling

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent follow up to the "Poisoned Aboard: A Loretta Lafayette Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery." All of our favorites are back: Loretta, Alistair, Amy and, of course, Chester. The victim in this book is Chelsea, a very unlikable character. So, naturally there are numerous suspects. It would have included me if I was there.

Of course our four detectives are out in front trying to discover the real killer since the security chief is very unqualified for anything other than a lost book. Thankfully there is Liam. I really enjoy the twist and turns of the plot. And Chester is beyond adorable. Can't wait for the next book.

I highly recommend both books.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and honest. I also preordered the book for future readings.

[Cat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cruise to Murder brings back favorites in Loretta Lafayette and her small band of sleuths. Looking for a nice relaxing cruise they are once again embroiled in *gasp* murder. Another fun read from Avery Kent. Great characters, a perplexing mystery and a new friend. I enjoy this author's books for their imagination, straight talk and a good time had reading and trying to figure out the "who done it". A bit longer than expected from the average cozy read but thoroughly enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at sea!

Loretta Lafayette, Amy, Alistair, and their feisty dog Chester set sail on an Oceanic cruise of the Bahamas. Passengers on the luxury trip include a spoiled heiress and the entourage of friends celebrating her birthday. When the birthday girl is found dead poolside, the vacation becomes a murder investigation. Chester sniffs out important clues as Loretta and her friends search for the killer.

Good mystery! Lots of clues to unravel. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is taking us to the high seas with Loretta and her group. Unfortunately, there is a murder and the body is found just a little ways from where Loretta had fallen asleep on a lounge chair on deck. She hadn't heard a thing. Amy, Alistair, Loretta, and Liam the on board security office start investigating the crime and things didn't turn out the way they expected.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta and her friend Alistair, his niece Amy and Chester the dog are all go on a cruise little expecting to be in the midst of a murder . There is a lot going on than it seemed . Lots of suspense and humour to this captivating read. I enjoyed this book which was superb. I received this ARC copy via Booksprouts and recommend this book to other readers.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining story!

I enjoyed this book with all its twists and turns as Loretta, Amy and Alistair and the sweet little Chester, investigate a murder.  The ending was an unexpected surprise that I didn't see coming. I can easily recommend this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review. 

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the series (all can be read standalone). I always enjoy the warmth of the characters and their interactions and personalities. A storyline with plenty of surprises. Just a wonderful book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loretta, Allistair, Amy, and dog Chester are looking forward to a relaxing cruise. It was a gift from the Cruise line for solving a murder. Chelsea is also a guest on board. She is a spoiled brat, expecting to have everything her way. Not surprising, she is murdered. Loretta and team are once again investigating the murder. Another fun mystery full of antics and twists. Enjoy.

[Lisa Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story was good

This adventure with Amy, Uncle A, Chester, and Loretta was enjoyable, but it dragged on for too long.
But I am still looking forward to reading the next book.