Review by Booklist Review
Fired again, Jesse O'Hara has reluctantly agreed to join her girlfriend, Sam, on a luxury cruise around the magnificent Iberian Peninsula, rich in history and regional cuisine. The cruise hosts an international crowd, with lots of what Jesse calls "Versace this and Gucci that." What's not to enjoy, especially for Jesse, who prides herself on being able to order a drink and curse in eight languages. But the Gold Sea Explorer is no Love Boat. Yes, it offers plush accommodations and high-end food, but from the very beginning, when two men try to force their way on board, the cruise is plagued by one strange or dangerous experience after another. There are furtive Russians, a backpack full of explosives, drug smugglers, engine sabotage, a man overboard, Basque resistance graffiti, and an emergency security code in the night. Then, when Jesse and Sam are returning from their first shore excursion, a body is being brought down the gangplank. Everyone is fortunate to have Jesse, a seasoned investigator and expert witness in corporate malfeasance cases, on board. With her photographic memory, her lockpicking set, and access to the ship's makerspace--full of Arduino kits and components--Jesse is ready to save the day. Fans of Janet Evanovich will enjoy meeting the freewheeling Jesse, and this debut gives an enticing hint of more adventures to come. Armchair travelers and foodies, rejoice! Go, Jesse. \
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
DEBUT Jesse O'Hara is at loss for what to do next. She has just lost another job because she is sarcastic and mouthy. When her friend Sam offers her a gift of a luxury cruise around the Iberian Peninsula, Jesse reluctantly accepts, not having anything better to do. She figures she'll get drunk a few times and be bored for most of it. But in a pub on the lower decks, Jesse witnesses an altercation between a Russian couple that arouses her curiosity. She follows the man after she witnesses him hand a crew member a black backpack resulting in the Russian angrily confronting her in stairwell. On day three, a body is taken from the ship and passengers are told it is an individual who fell overboard. But was it an accident? Jesse soon realizes that something more is at stake and someone is playing a deadly game. The danger continues to escalate to a satisfying finish. VERDICT Church has penned a whip-smart, sarcastic, amateur sleuth and a tightly plotted story that's perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Catriona McPherson, and Darynda Jones. Readers will want to see Jesse again.--Bill Anderson
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