Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold: Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mysteries

Olivia’s new life on a cruise ship hasn’t quite lived up to her expectations. Thrown into her photography job with no preparation, a grumpy boss, and jealous coworkers has her questioning her plan. Things get more complicated when she’s sent to the cargo hold to get photo paper and catches the deckhands preparing to throw a stowaway kitten overboard. Olivia is determined to save the kitten and follows it into the cargo hold stumbling over a dead body. Her desire to hide the kitten has her rushing from the crime scene, inadvertently making herself look guilty. Soon, though, she realizes her kitten has a knack for finding clues and she’s helping the security chief solve the case. But when she’s trapped by the perpetrator, can her clever cat lead Miles to her in time?

Denise Jaden is off to a great start in this new series. Olivia is adrift after the death of her grandmother and joins a cruise line to fulfill her grandmother’s wish for her. Olivia is a relatable character and her difficulties adjusting to life on the ship feel true to life. I love how supportive her roommate is, and the relationship with Miles as they work on the case. While many cruise ship cozies show the glamorous side of that life, Ms. Jaden brings realism by showing the hard work and grittiness that goes on behind the scenes. Fans of Ms. Jaden’s other series are familiar with her crime solving kitties, and Pickle is a worthy addition to that group. Looking forward to more adventures for Olivia and Pickle.

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