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Pineapple Port Mysteries #14
Pineapple Cruise
When Mariska trades the brisket she won at “meat bingo” for three tickets on the new Gulf Voyager cruise ship, she, Darla, and our detective Charlotte enjoy a ladies' cruise to Key West. But when passengers start dropping like anchors, they find themselves afloat in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico...and a murder mystery.
Charlotte notices the victims were all sitting at their assigned dinner table...does that mean they're next?
"Too much!! Wow! I don't think I've had so much laughter and fun in a cozy mystery ever! " - Amazon Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The handsome ship's doctor is up to no good, the cruise director is shifty, the captain seems clueless, and one of their tablemates just dropped dead in her oatmeal. Charlotte thinks she can solve the mystery, but she'll need Darla's pickpocketing skills and Mariska's unusual fighting style...
Meanwhile, Declan gets an unexpected, giraffe-pattern-covered visitor while babysitting Charlotte's terrier—she plays a mean game of rummy and brought along a stalker...
Fans of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None will love this cruise-bound caper!
Charlotte notices the victims were all sitting at their assigned dinner table...does that mean they're next?
"Too much!! Wow! I don't think I've had so much laughter and fun in a cozy mystery ever! " - Amazon Reader ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The handsome ship's doctor is up to no good, the cruise director is shifty, the captain seems clueless, and one of their tablemates just dropped dead in her oatmeal. Charlotte thinks she can solve the mystery, but she'll need Darla's pickpocketing skills and Mariska's unusual fighting style...
Meanwhile, Declan gets an unexpected, giraffe-pattern-covered visitor while babysitting Charlotte's terrier—she plays a mean game of rummy and brought along a stalker...
Fans of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None will love this cruise-bound caper!
ebook
Published October 1, 2021
165 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Amy Vansant
78 books833 followersAmy Vansant is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author who writes with an unique blend of thrills, romance and humor (occasionally with a touch of time travel or fantasy). Check out the Pineapple Port Mystery series or her Urban Fantasy Thriller, the Kilty Series!
Website: http://www.amyvansant.com/
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!
Website: http://www.amyvansant.com/
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 20, 2025
4.25 stars
September 8, 2025
wow!!! I have enjoyed all the Pineapple Port mysteries as they are normally funny and well written but after the dramatic plot twist to the series in the last book I wasn't sure where the author would go next. However this book has just blown them all out of the water. I just loved every second of this mystery. I think it was because they were stuck on board a ship with a killer, that, with all the secrets and cover ups, nobody actually knew about. Other than the listener of course, it really captured my imagination. I am so glad Darla and Mariska went on the adventure with Charlotte, as they are two of my favourite characters but don't think Declan and the rest of the men folk still have there own adventure/problems. The story is told by multiple characters and this works well because you are given clues that Charlotte isn't but don't worry it all comes together with a dramatic finale. I have read or listened to a lot of cozy mysteries set on cruise ships but nothing thing like this one turned out to be. There was so many possible murder victims or targets that I had no idea who the killer was. The story can be read as a standalone because it is that good but why would you want to miss out on such a great series.
When Mariska wins a brisket at "meat bingo" she is reluctant to swap it for three tickets to travel on the maiden voyage of new cruise ship but the idea of a girl's holiday in the sun wins out and she invited Darla and Charlotte. They are assigned the biggest table but the bubbly hardly starts to flow before one of the guests gets sick. The another table mate suffers a heart attack. Is the table cursed? Or are they just unlucky? Then another guest asks her to help find her missing husband and Charlotte begins to think something more deadly is going on. Can she get the captain or any of the crew to take it more seriously? And what about all the notes written on pink paper? did everybody get them or just the ones who have strange things happening to one member of the party. As she and her friends found one in there room, does this mean they could be next? You would think finding a killer or his next victim would be easy with them all stuck in one place but with everybody keeping secrets and acting shifty Charlotte faces her most difficult case yet. At the same time Declan is facing his own challenges looking after Charlotte's dog, who hogs all the bed, entertaining her surprise house guest that likes to play games and catching her stalker.
I like the narrator. She is the voice of charlotte and her friends and i can't imagine listening to anybody else in the role
When Mariska wins a brisket at "meat bingo" she is reluctant to swap it for three tickets to travel on the maiden voyage of new cruise ship but the idea of a girl's holiday in the sun wins out and she invited Darla and Charlotte. They are assigned the biggest table but the bubbly hardly starts to flow before one of the guests gets sick. The another table mate suffers a heart attack. Is the table cursed? Or are they just unlucky? Then another guest asks her to help find her missing husband and Charlotte begins to think something more deadly is going on. Can she get the captain or any of the crew to take it more seriously? And what about all the notes written on pink paper? did everybody get them or just the ones who have strange things happening to one member of the party. As she and her friends found one in there room, does this mean they could be next? You would think finding a killer or his next victim would be easy with them all stuck in one place but with everybody keeping secrets and acting shifty Charlotte faces her most difficult case yet. At the same time Declan is facing his own challenges looking after Charlotte's dog, who hogs all the bed, entertaining her surprise house guest that likes to play games and catching her stalker.
I like the narrator. She is the voice of charlotte and her friends and i can't imagine listening to anybody else in the role
October 9, 2021
I wasn't sure how this next book would be after the way the last one ended, but no worries! This one is just as fantastic as the rest of the series! I loved the setting of the cruise ship, and the drama was super exciting!
Highly recommend!!
Highly recommend!!
October 1, 2021
Another brilliantly enjoyable adventure
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review. I love the humour in this series, the unexpected plot twists, interesting characters and location of this book.
I received an ARC of this book but voluntarily leave this review. I love the humour in this series, the unexpected plot twists, interesting characters and location of this book.
June 6, 2022
a twisty fun cruise ship mystery
PINEAPPLE CRUISE:A Whodunnit on the Gulf by Amy Vansant is a scary-fun mystery set on the maiden voyage of a cruise ship in the Gulf. Unlike the Titanic, it doesn't sink, but people die anyway!
What is it about Table 12 in the dining room? Why are the cruisers assigned there being bumped off? And what's with the pretty pink greeting cards (with ominous inscriptions) and the tiny vase of rose buds in each of their staterooms?
Charlotte, a newbie private detective in Pineapple Port is asked to investigate the seemingly doomed 3- day cruise. She and her two elderly friends - who traded a winning Bingo prize for the cruise tickets - dig in, but nothing makes sense, until it finally does. And then it's almost too late.
The author has created a cast of funny but believable characters and put them into one hilarious situation after another, such as the pickpocket scene, the floor of the bathroom stall scene, and the vengeance killing of a monster flying insect scene! Eccentric or slimy, calculating or clueless, you will guffaw or gag, but you won't be able to put this book down.
Oh yeah, then there flashbacks to Charlotte's home and her boyfriend Declan' who is house and dog-sitting while she's away. He has a hilarious mystery to solve as well when one very strange little old lady - who claims she's being stalked - appears and settles in Charlotte's house with him!
4.5 STARS
PINEAPPLE CRUISE:A Whodunnit on the Gulf by Amy Vansant is a scary-fun mystery set on the maiden voyage of a cruise ship in the Gulf. Unlike the Titanic, it doesn't sink, but people die anyway!
What is it about Table 12 in the dining room? Why are the cruisers assigned there being bumped off? And what's with the pretty pink greeting cards (with ominous inscriptions) and the tiny vase of rose buds in each of their staterooms?
Charlotte, a newbie private detective in Pineapple Port is asked to investigate the seemingly doomed 3- day cruise. She and her two elderly friends - who traded a winning Bingo prize for the cruise tickets - dig in, but nothing makes sense, until it finally does. And then it's almost too late.
The author has created a cast of funny but believable characters and put them into one hilarious situation after another, such as the pickpocket scene, the floor of the bathroom stall scene, and the vengeance killing of a monster flying insect scene! Eccentric or slimy, calculating or clueless, you will guffaw or gag, but you won't be able to put this book down.
Oh yeah, then there flashbacks to Charlotte's home and her boyfriend Declan' who is house and dog-sitting while she's away. He has a hilarious mystery to solve as well when one very strange little old lady - who claims she's being stalked - appears and settles in Charlotte's house with him!
4.5 STARS
October 13, 2021
Mariska and Darla trade I brisket for free cruise tickets to the Keys. Girl trip time! When people from their table all seem to slowly disappear or get sick Charlotte is on the case! Meanwhile, Declan is dog and house sitting when a sweet old lady shows up saying Charlotte was expecting her. She seems sweet but she is a card shark with a mystery of her own for Declan to unravel!
In this book we meet some interesting characters! Some parts r really funny. I loved the original plot. It was very interesting and intriguing! I love the whole Pineapple Port series but I think this is my favorite. I highly recommend this funny series to make u laugh and escape the world for a bit.
In this book we meet some interesting characters! Some parts r really funny. I loved the original plot. It was very interesting and intriguing! I love the whole Pineapple Port series but I think this is my favorite. I highly recommend this funny series to make u laugh and escape the world for a bit.
October 19, 2021
This time you get a double mystery. While Mariska, Darla, and Charlotte are on a not-so-fun cruise solving a murder, Declan has a unexpected house guest with a stalker. When one cruise member after another drop dead, the doctor thinks it is from medical problems. But when someone disappears without a trace and another reports a near miss from a boat motor almost hitting her, Charlotte knows something is terribly wrong and probably related to the mysterious pink notes and flowers left in some of the cabins. She and her cohorts investigate the murders and find a surprising ending. Declan has an easier time finding out who the stalker is.
September 20, 2022
Another one that surprised me
Ok, I was not sure how this one would end but glad the girls survived!
When trading a large brisket bingo prize for cruise tickets, Mariska, Darla and Charlotte did not expect a slew of deaths and a case for Charlotte to solve. However, when several passengers get sick or disappear, Charlotte can't not investigate. Not in her nature to ignore clues pointing to something suspicious about the deaths.
It was one of those that took awhile but if not for Julie's help, I don't think she would have figured it out before another death or the killer got away.
Another good one!
Ok, I was not sure how this one would end but glad the girls survived!
When trading a large brisket bingo prize for cruise tickets, Mariska, Darla and Charlotte did not expect a slew of deaths and a case for Charlotte to solve. However, when several passengers get sick or disappear, Charlotte can't not investigate. Not in her nature to ignore clues pointing to something suspicious about the deaths.
It was one of those that took awhile but if not for Julie's help, I don't think she would have figured it out before another death or the killer got away.
Another good one!
October 12, 2021
This is the best book of the series so far in my opinion. There were so many laughs and a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Zany characters throughout with just enough adults in the room to focus on the mystery. Well written as always this couldn't have been better A+.
Mariska and Darla trade a brisket won at bingo for cruise tickets. Now Declan has to entertain Betty the game shark while Charlotte cruises with the ladies and tries to solve some murders.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Mariska and Darla trade a brisket won at bingo for cruise tickets. Now Declan has to entertain Betty the game shark while Charlotte cruises with the ladies and tries to solve some murders.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
May 5, 2023
A Who-Dunnit on the Sea!
This book is the 14th in a great, humorous, cozy mystery series. In this episode, Our three ladies trade for a 3-day cruise to Key West. The older gals can only think about the sun, food, and booze! It should be a fun cruise, but it doesn't turn out that way! The plot is full of great twists and possibilities. And the folks back home are having quite a time, too! This book brings out all of the reasons sea cruising has never appealed to me. This is a fun mystery in a fun series.
This book is the 14th in a great, humorous, cozy mystery series. In this episode, Our three ladies trade for a 3-day cruise to Key West. The older gals can only think about the sun, food, and booze! It should be a fun cruise, but it doesn't turn out that way! The plot is full of great twists and possibilities. And the folks back home are having quite a time, too! This book brings out all of the reasons sea cruising has never appealed to me. This is a fun mystery in a fun series.
May 9, 2023
When Mariska won a brisket at bingo she was thrilled, until a woman came over and offered to trade her 3 tickets for a weekend cruise to the Keys in exchange for the brisket. Seems like a good deal, until they get on the ship and strange things start happening. Someone has a hit list of people who aren't going to make it home. First one person gets violently ill, next another person collapses in the dining hall and the accidents keep coming. Lots of twists and turns and even more surprises but in the end Charlotte and the ladies figure things out. Great Read..
October 10, 2021
This is the fourteenth in the Pineapple Port Mystery series. The plot lines in this story are two: whom is stalking the hustler, Bettie Giraffe and who & why are people being disposed of on a new cruise ship.
I found the story well written and as usual the characters are distinct. I enjoyed this book and it can be read as a standalone.
Looking forward to the next installment.
I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy and am not required to leave a positive review.
I found the story well written and as usual the characters are distinct. I enjoyed this book and it can be read as a standalone.
Looking forward to the next installment.
I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy and am not required to leave a positive review.
October 25, 2021
What could possibly go wrong on a leisurely 3 day cruise? Especially when a cruise for 3 was a trade for a brisket won in a bingo game? Charlotte, Darla and Mariska find out in a hurry when a flurry of bizarre events plague the maiden voyage of the ship they're on. Meanwhile, back at Pineapple Port, an unexpected guest and a stalker become a mystery of their own to be unraveled!
Fun, funny and fabulous!
Fun, funny and fabulous!
October 3, 2021
Meat Bingo??? Who knew the want of a brisket could lead to such a mess aboard a cruise to the Keys. And of course Charlotte, Darla and Mariska would wind up smack dab in the middle of more than one murder. And back at home poor Declan is stuck with a giraffe-loving lady with a stalker. The fun never ends. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2021
After winning a brisket at a bingo, Mariska trades it for a cruise to the Gulf of Mexico. She, Darla, and Charlotte all go. But this cruise has deadly intentions for some of the passengers. Charlotte notices that the murder victims are all seated together at a table, and so is Charlotte and her friends!!! Will they be shark bait? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 19, 2022
Pineapple Cruise (Pineapple Port Mysteries #14) by Amy Vansant
I just love all of these characters and mysteries. Somehow, I read this one out of chronological order but enjoyed it even more. In this one, the Charlotte, Darla and Mariska swap a brisket for a girl's cruise. Unfortunately, it also turns into a murder cruise. Loads of fun and mysteries unfold.
I just love all of these characters and mysteries. Somehow, I read this one out of chronological order but enjoyed it even more. In this one, the Charlotte, Darla and Mariska swap a brisket for a girl's cruise. Unfortunately, it also turns into a murder cruise. Loads of fun and mysteries unfold.
March 24, 2023
Fun mystery
This is a fun story in a fun series. Charlotte, Darla and Mariska go on a cruise - people start getting sick or having accidents - Charlotte starts investigating. Meantime, back home, Declan is house sitting Charlotte's dog and an old lady friend of hers shows up and tells him she has a stalker. So, as usual, a couple different stories going on. Love this series!
This is a fun story in a fun series. Charlotte, Darla and Mariska go on a cruise - people start getting sick or having accidents - Charlotte starts investigating. Meantime, back home, Declan is house sitting Charlotte's dog and an old lady friend of hers shows up and tells him she has a stalker. So, as usual, a couple different stories going on. Love this series!
October 4, 2021
Received as a gift from the authors newsletter/ Facebook group, shes done Pineapple Port justice once again. This story was more hard- boiled than some, but still great characters and plot. Loved it. Ive enjoyed this series from the get-go.
October 5, 2021
Wow wow wow
This whodunnit mystery kept me guessing and guessing and guessing. I even read with a sheet and blanket over the top of my head and phone so I could finally know the culprit. Yep yep yep You are going to be surprised!!!!!!
This whodunnit mystery kept me guessing and guessing and guessing. I even read with a sheet and blanket over the top of my head and phone so I could finally know the culprit. Yep yep yep You are going to be surprised!!!!!!
October 19, 2021
Another fun entry in the series. Relatively short, humorous, and entertaining. Characters are interesting, the setting is (usually) a retirement community in Florida with loads of details, and the story/plot is engaging.
October 21, 2021
Free cruise be warned
Oh my! Going on a cruise. Charlotte is finally going on a vacation, wrong! Crazy, crazy events happen. A murder, others get sick what a cruise. Charlotte is asked to help. Poor Declan!!!!
Oh my! Going on a cruise. Charlotte is finally going on a vacation, wrong! Crazy, crazy events happen. A murder, others get sick what a cruise. Charlotte is asked to help. Poor Declan!!!!
October 28, 2021
Exciting!
Pineapple Cruise was a great read. I thought Pineapple Circus was really good but Pineapple Cruise topped it. The plot was exciting, and kept you guessing who the culprit was right to the end. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Pineapple Cruise was a great read. I thought Pineapple Circus was really good but Pineapple Cruise topped it. The plot was exciting, and kept you guessing who the culprit was right to the end. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
February 7, 2022
Trading Up?
Who knew trading a brisket for tickets on a new cruise line would lead to murder? Only the crew from Pineapple Port could fall into a situation like this. There are chills, thrills, and humor in this story.
Who knew trading a brisket for tickets on a new cruise line would lead to murder? Only the crew from Pineapple Port could fall into a situation like this. There are chills, thrills, and humor in this story.
March 14, 2022
I have been on many cruises and on one all the men at our table got violently sick from food poisoning!!! Turns out they all ordered cream of mushroom soup and the mushrooms had not been washed!!! Good thing Charlotte is on the ball!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
October 20, 2022
A Whodunnit on the Gulf
Another Pineapple Port mystery that has your curiosity peaked and the laughter rolling. The ladies never disappoint. This was a fun excursion from the neighborhood.
Another Pineapple Port mystery that has your curiosity peaked and the laughter rolling. The ladies never disappoint. This was a fun excursion from the neighborhood.
November 19, 2022
great book
I really enjoyed this book. I liked this cast of characters. I love cruise ships. Put both together and you get a great mystery. I like this writer and Ia am so glad I got this book. I really enjoyed it. I hope another one comes out soon.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked this cast of characters. I love cruise ships. Put both together and you get a great mystery. I like this writer and Ia am so glad I got this book. I really enjoyed it. I hope another one comes out soon.
June 18, 2023
Pineapple Cruise (14)
WOW!! That's just about the only way I can describe this story! I could Not put this book down! It seemed like the bad guys were way ahead of everyone! Please read this story, you will love it!
WOW!! That's just about the only way I can describe this story! I could Not put this book down! It seemed like the bad guys were way ahead of everyone! Please read this story, you will love it!
August 28, 2024
Another good mystery with my favorite Pineapple Port seniors and their intrepid orphan detective Charlotte, who finds a client even on a 3-day getaway. This series is light and fun, Darla and Mariska's antics make me laugh out loud ... and poor Declan had his own issues to deal with!
October 2, 2021
Charlotte's Cruise
Charlotte and the girls trade a Beef Brisket for free cruise tickets. It's a three day cruise, so what could go wrong?
Everything goes wrong!
Charlotte and the girls trade a Beef Brisket for free cruise tickets. It's a three day cruise, so what could go wrong?
Everything goes wrong!
October 5, 2021
Who thinking this stuff
Seriously wicked bizarre but I could totally see it, not the killer mind you but how much fun it must be to write these books
Seriously wicked bizarre but I could totally see it, not the killer mind you but how much fun it must be to write these books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews