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Olivia Morgan Cruise Ship Mystery #1
Murder Takes a Bow
Olivia’s life goes from a permanent vacation to a nightmare when one of the cruise ship’s staff is murdered.
Olivia Morgan’s life working as an assistant in her boyfriend’s cruise ship act has been a permanent vacation. But her cruise to the Bahamas takes a terrible turn when Peter leaves Olivia and her talkative parrot Chico stranded on the ship with a show scheduled in just a few days.
It takes an even worse turn when a crew member is murdered!
Can Olivia pull off the show without Peter, or will they throw her and Chico off the ship when they reach Nassau? Will the murderer get caught before someone else is killed? Will Olivia be the next victim?
Travel along with Olivia and Chico on their killer cruise. As close to taking a cruise as you can get from your couch.
Olivia Morgan’s life working as an assistant in her boyfriend’s cruise ship act has been a permanent vacation. But her cruise to the Bahamas takes a terrible turn when Peter leaves Olivia and her talkative parrot Chico stranded on the ship with a show scheduled in just a few days.
It takes an even worse turn when a crew member is murdered!
Can Olivia pull off the show without Peter, or will they throw her and Chico off the ship when they reach Nassau? Will the murderer get caught before someone else is killed? Will Olivia be the next victim?
Travel along with Olivia and Chico on their killer cruise. As close to taking a cruise as you can get from your couch.
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
159 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Neugent
13 books366 followersWendy Neugent spent close to a decade as part of an award-winning act performing on cruise ships all over the world. She traveled from Alaska to Venezuela, Bermuda to Tahiti, and many exotic ports of call in between.
Now, Wendy uses her insider knowledge of cruise ship life to write fun and entertaining cozy mystery books set on cruise ships.
Wendy’s Cruise Ship Mysteries are the perfect books to read while taking a cruise or when you wish you were on a cruise.
Join my reader group, Wendy Neugent's Clue Crew
and find an engaged and welcoming community of other readers to talk all things mystery, plus see photos of adorable pets, funny book memes, and get a free activity book!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wendy...
Now, Wendy uses her insider knowledge of cruise ship life to write fun and entertaining cozy mystery books set on cruise ships.
Wendy’s Cruise Ship Mysteries are the perfect books to read while taking a cruise or when you wish you were on a cruise.
Join my reader group, Wendy Neugent's Clue Crew
and find an engaged and welcoming community of other readers to talk all things mystery, plus see photos of adorable pets, funny book memes, and get a free activity book!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wendy...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 19, 2025
When the cruise ship left port, Olivia was shocked to read a note from her boyfriend of ten years, Peter. He was also her partner in the Magic show but he'd left with another performer, not even having the decency to tell her in person. As Olivia's best friend Hayley helped Olivia prepare to perform with the two of them, instead of Peter - Hayley was a singer - their rehearsals of the various illusions saw Olivia's confidence at her ability tumble. But when the ship's photographer was murdered and Hayley was under suspicion by the officer on board, Olivia knew she had to find the killer to prove it wasn't Hayley. With her talented parrot, Chico, keeping her sane, Olivia questioned members of the crew. But her questions and curiosity began to get her into trouble...
Murder Takes a Bow is the 1st in the Olivia Morgan Cruise Ship Mystery series by Wendy Neugent and it was fun and entertaining. Chico was an absolute star! So cute and talkative, he was adorable. Olivia was a bit foolish while Hayley kept her on the straight and narrow. I worked out who the killer was fairly early in the piece, but still enjoyed the journey to the end. Recommended.
Murder Takes a Bow is the 1st in the Olivia Morgan Cruise Ship Mystery series by Wendy Neugent and it was fun and entertaining. Chico was an absolute star! So cute and talkative, he was adorable. Olivia was a bit foolish while Hayley kept her on the straight and narrow. I worked out who the killer was fairly early in the piece, but still enjoyed the journey to the end. Recommended.
September 24, 2022
Read this in a day. Couldn't put it down. Definitely recommended. Got the book free from @voracious readers and will be reading more of the series #voraciousreaders
March 19, 2023
Chico steals the show.
What a great setting and premise for a series of cozy mysteries. The setting provides opportunities for the author to easily introduce a range of interesting characters from all walks of life to help with adding some variety to each book. And with the author being able to write from experience, it helps to add realism to the story background. As far as the story itself goes, I've read quite a few cozy mysteries now from a number of authors, and this one ranks up there with the best of them. The thing that really made this story enjoyable had to be Chico. He's a real character and provides a unique plot device. A very good start to what looks like a promising series.
I received an ARC of this book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review.
What a great setting and premise for a series of cozy mysteries. The setting provides opportunities for the author to easily introduce a range of interesting characters from all walks of life to help with adding some variety to each book. And with the author being able to write from experience, it helps to add realism to the story background. As far as the story itself goes, I've read quite a few cozy mysteries now from a number of authors, and this one ranks up there with the best of them. The thing that really made this story enjoyable had to be Chico. He's a real character and provides a unique plot device. A very good start to what looks like a promising series.
I received an ARC of this book from Voracious Readers Only for an honest review.
November 4, 2022
A light but enjoyable read for anyone who longs to be on a cruise ship.
As the ship that Olivia has been working on as a magician's assistant to her boyfriend, Peter, sets sail, she finds a note in their cabin telling her that he has left the ship. They had just signed a new contract and as Olivia ha been working with Peter for the last ten years, she has no idea what else she can do and she loves life aboard the ship. He gave no reason and no indication where he was going or if he was coming back. As she is worried about fulfilling the contract, she accepts her friend Hayley's offer to work on stage with her and the very talented parrot, Chico.
The women have the ship's photographer take pictures of them for their act, but when they go to pick the photos up they find that the photographer has been murdered. A witness tells security officer Alex Ballas that Hayley was heard arguing with the victim. Naturally Olivia is anxious to clear her friend's name so that they can get on with their new act.
As the ship that Olivia has been working on as a magician's assistant to her boyfriend, Peter, sets sail, she finds a note in their cabin telling her that he has left the ship. They had just signed a new contract and as Olivia ha been working with Peter for the last ten years, she has no idea what else she can do and she loves life aboard the ship. He gave no reason and no indication where he was going or if he was coming back. As she is worried about fulfilling the contract, she accepts her friend Hayley's offer to work on stage with her and the very talented parrot, Chico.
The women have the ship's photographer take pictures of them for their act, but when they go to pick the photos up they find that the photographer has been murdered. A witness tells security officer Alex Ballas that Hayley was heard arguing with the victim. Naturally Olivia is anxious to clear her friend's name so that they can get on with their new act.
September 16, 2022
This was a totally charming story. I was drawn in to the main character, Maggie, from the very beginning. She was such a down to earth person that has so many bad things happen to her, all in a row, that you can’t help by admire her spunk. We find her arriving on a cruise ship to fulfill her entertainment contract, only to find that the star of the show has left her high and dry. She and a friend decide they can move ahead with the show with a few minor changes, however, murder shows and threatens to put all their plans in a bind. Maggie and her friend work together to try to solve the crimes to clear her friends name and in the meantime, Maggie is targeted as well. Good triumphs in the end and Maggie is right in the thick of the capture of the perp. Three cheers for Miss Maggie and I hope she keeps her head about her to keep moving onward.
July 11, 2022
I just had to read this book after I saw in the author's bio she used to be a cruise ship entertainer just like Olivia, and it looks like she had a parrot in her act too from her bio picture. I knew this was gonna be a fun series and super authentic as well, so I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise all while ducking the murders and sleuthing along with Olivia and her pals.
That Chico cracks me up! He's so darn smart and definitely has a feel for whether he likes someone or not. I actually guessed fairly early whodunit, but it was interesting seeing how long it'd take Olivia to realize who it was and how she'd help nail this perp. I loved the book so much I grabbed the second one on KU the minute I finished this!
That Chico cracks me up! He's so darn smart and definitely has a feel for whether he likes someone or not. I actually guessed fairly early whodunit, but it was interesting seeing how long it'd take Olivia to realize who it was and how she'd help nail this perp. I loved the book so much I grabbed the second one on KU the minute I finished this!
July 31, 2022
Olivia Morgan is a half of a cruise ship magic act that has, through no fault of her own, broken up. Her best friend Hayley offers to help restart the act, and they innocently go the the ship's photographer for new headshots for the theater board. Easy enough, except the photographer gets murdered, and Hayley is a prime suspect. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot to keep it interesting.
The author, Wendy Nugent, worked on cruise ships in a magic act, so she brings a lot of authentic detail to the story that makes you feel like you were right there on the Starlight of the Seas.
I really enjoyed it, and I'm hoping the ending of this book points to many more to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers
Only
The author, Wendy Nugent, worked on cruise ships in a magic act, so she brings a lot of authentic detail to the story that makes you feel like you were right there on the Starlight of the Seas.
I really enjoyed it, and I'm hoping the ending of this book points to many more to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers
Only
August 9, 2022
I received a ARC free from VRO and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow!
A perfect way to spend a weekend! A great book and a beautiful day to read!
This short, quick book was pure entertainment. I enjoyed it immensely!
It was so well written. I was halfway through it before I knew it. Such an amazing page turner! I wanted more!
It had such an interesting, entreging plot and amazing characters. I felt like I was part of the story! Wow!
I'm ready for the next book in this series! You really don't want to miss this one. You need to pick up a copy today!
Read and enjoy!
Wow!
A perfect way to spend a weekend! A great book and a beautiful day to read!
This short, quick book was pure entertainment. I enjoyed it immensely!
It was so well written. I was halfway through it before I knew it. Such an amazing page turner! I wanted more!
It had such an interesting, entreging plot and amazing characters. I felt like I was part of the story! Wow!
I'm ready for the next book in this series! You really don't want to miss this one. You need to pick up a copy today!
Read and enjoy!
July 29, 2022
#voraciousreaders #gotitfree I got this book for free from @Voracious Readers. I liked this 1st in a series. It was a cute cozy mystery taking place on a cruise ship. Olivia finds out her beau has left her and their magic act. She scrambles to prepare a new magic act with her singer dancer best friend, Hayley, onboard or else she has to leave ship. Meanwhile after their new photos taken for their act the photographer is found killed while another blames her best friend. Olivia tries to unframe her bestie while getting into trouble doing it. This is a fun, light new series that I'd recommend.
November 7, 2022
A really great, entertaining whodunnit. The characters are excellent loved Chico the smart mouthed parrot. The story is fun, liked the setting. Wendy Neugent knows the subject matter having worked as a magic act on cruise ships and this comes across in the story. I thought the villain was a little obvious but Otherwise found this an enjoyable entertaining story. I received a complimentary copy from Voracious readers and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
July 30, 2022
Enjoyable enough cozy murder mystery, although at time I found some of the speech a little stilted, almost as though it had been translated slightly wrongly.
The cruise ship setting was entertaining, and the author clearly used her own experience to add extra details to the storyline.
Thanks to Voracious Readers for sending me a free copy to read and review.
The cruise ship setting was entertaining, and the author clearly used her own experience to add extra details to the storyline.
Thanks to Voracious Readers for sending me a free copy to read and review.
November 11, 2022
Great story! Olivia and Chico are so great together and when you add Hailey to the mix/act it gets even better. Murder and mayhem seems to magically attract Olivia and she gets out of them w/the help of her friends/fellow crew.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
Fast Moving
A fine story that moved quickly. It ended so fast. Good that there is apparently a sequel. Enjoyable reading that also informed.
A fine story that moved quickly. It ended so fast. Good that there is apparently a sequel. Enjoyable reading that also informed.
July 26, 2022
What an inventive, great escape to read! Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and can't wait to read more by the same author.
August 5, 2022
This was a very enjoyable quick read about a female magician and her talking parrot. Great fun reading.
August 29, 2022
I absolutely loved the characters!! This is a must read! I can not wait to read the next one!!
August 30, 2022
Another wonderful adventure with Olivia Morgan. Looking forward to # 3
November 23, 2022
I love these kinds of mysteries the cozier the better. I say more more more.
December 7, 2022
"Chico! Stop calling Hayley "Hottie"! You silly Bird." Olivia crossed her arms. "At least he didn't wolf whistle when he saw you this time." - Page 19
This book is a cozy mystery set on a cruise ship and Oh Buoy is it a hoot!
Olivia is going through a bad breakup, and now she's got a show to put together. Normally she's the assistant, and her ex Peter was the magician, but now with the help of her bird Chico, and her friend Hayley, they are going to steal the show!
A metaphorical storm rolls in when the photographer on the boat turns up dead! It may not be Olivia's job, but she and Hayley put their heads together to find out who did it!
This story is a quick read and it's delightfully cute. I think people who like birds will enjoy Chico in this book. He acts just like your average pet bird, with a bit of personality that most pet parents see in their own pets.
This book is for anyone looking for a cozy mystery that is reminiscent of "Murder She Wrote" mixed with Plus Girl power and a cute bird! What more do you need?
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
This book is a cozy mystery set on a cruise ship and Oh Buoy is it a hoot!
Olivia is going through a bad breakup, and now she's got a show to put together. Normally she's the assistant, and her ex Peter was the magician, but now with the help of her bird Chico, and her friend Hayley, they are going to steal the show!
A metaphorical storm rolls in when the photographer on the boat turns up dead! It may not be Olivia's job, but she and Hayley put their heads together to find out who did it!
This story is a quick read and it's delightfully cute. I think people who like birds will enjoy Chico in this book. He acts just like your average pet bird, with a bit of personality that most pet parents see in their own pets.
This book is for anyone looking for a cozy mystery that is reminiscent of "Murder She Wrote" mixed with Plus Girl power and a cute bird! What more do you need?
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Grammatical errors and sentence fragments spoiled a decent plot. I was not satisfied with the brief (in my opinion) explanation of the motive. Olivia’s harsh treatment of the detective at one point seemed out of character, and her reason for investigating the murder was somewhat flimsy.
June 30, 2023
What a great storyline, the characters are entertaining and I can't wait to read more of this series. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
April 18, 2023
Meet Olivia and Solve Murders
Meet Olivia, she s the magicians assistant on a cruise ship, or I should say was because on this cruise the magician left the ship. So pleased meet Olivia the Magician in training and Haley her assistant on a cruise ship. Unfortunately for them there is also a murderer on this cruise ship and the security officer has Haley down as a suspect, because of this Olivia takes it upon herself to solve the crime. Unfortunately for her this catches the attention of the murderer also. I recommend you read this book to find out how everyone makes out.
Meet Olivia, she s the magicians assistant on a cruise ship, or I should say was because on this cruise the magician left the ship. So pleased meet Olivia the Magician in training and Haley her assistant on a cruise ship. Unfortunately for them there is also a murderer on this cruise ship and the security officer has Haley down as a suspect, because of this Olivia takes it upon herself to solve the crime. Unfortunately for her this catches the attention of the murderer also. I recommend you read this book to find out how everyone makes out.
April 18, 2023
Awesome
This book was so much fun to read. Murder and a cruise all wrapped up together.
Lots of action and misdirection having throughout that will keep your entertained.
Easy and fun read. Highly recommend!
This book was so much fun to read. Murder and a cruise all wrapped up together.
Lots of action and misdirection having throughout that will keep your entertained.
Easy and fun read. Highly recommend!
March 30, 2023
Great series, especially love Chico!
This is the second book, plus the prequel, in this series I have read, and I’m hooked! It’s a cruise ship cozy, seen from the entertainment side of things. Olivia was a magician’s assistant whose boyfriend, Peter the Magician, skips ship leaving her with the contract to fulfill. Her best friend, Haley, also an entertainer, convinces her that she can do the show with Haley’s help. But with murders and other things happening, Olivia has her doubts! An interesting series!
This is the second book, plus the prequel, in this series I have read, and I’m hooked! It’s a cruise ship cozy, seen from the entertainment side of things. Olivia was a magician’s assistant whose boyfriend, Peter the Magician, skips ship leaving her with the contract to fulfill. Her best friend, Haley, also an entertainer, convinces her that she can do the show with Haley’s help. But with murders and other things happening, Olivia has her doubts! An interesting series!
April 2, 2023
Don't miss this one!
Love ship mysteries, don't miss this one especially if you like to solve murders. Very confusing and has it's ups and downs and even if you have been involved with police work is a thriller with surprises
Love ship mysteries, don't miss this one especially if you like to solve murders. Very confusing and has it's ups and downs and even if you have been involved with police work is a thriller with surprises
May 4, 2023
The storyline was good and it did keep me guessing but the grammatical errors kind of ruined it for me and made me struggle reading it. A good proofreader would have caught most of them and it kind of ruined the story for me. I don't plan on reading more in this series. I have read similar cozy books and this was by far the worst written/proofread. If these type errors don't matter to you then by all means read it, and maybe you'll like it.
March 19, 2023
This was a fun and cute quick read! Enjoyed all the folly’s Olivia had gone through. Chico was a good add in! I liked how he knew who was good and who was not! I would of loved a bit more romance between Alex and Olivia. The love subtle Intent is there. I hope it continues! Will recommend this book!
March 21, 2023
A wonderful cozy mystery
Good characters, funny and brave bird, and full of twists and turns. This was an entertaining story that you will love.😁
Good characters, funny and brave bird, and full of twists and turns. This was an entertaining story that you will love.😁
March 29, 2023
The story was good.
January 13, 2023
I read Afraid Knot as an arc so decided to go back and start the series from the beginning. This set the background of Olivia’s life on the ship. This was a fast-paced mystery as it seems all I’ve read in this series are. Of course they must be solved within 7 days. I think this is a good thing. Olivia still is at the point in the series where her help is not even considered as helpful but she finds things the “pros”
Do not. I appreciated the ending and look forward to the next in the series where she can get to know Alex, the Security Chief and his Assistant, Victor, better. Her best friend, Hayley, adds to the story and Ms. Nuegent I is masterful at adding suspicion to several characters to muddy the ocean.
Do not. I appreciated the ending and look forward to the next in the series where she can get to know Alex, the Security Chief and his Assistant, Victor, better. Her best friend, Hayley, adds to the story and Ms. Nuegent I is masterful at adding suspicion to several characters to muddy the ocean.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews