I’ve never been on a cruise, but it’s certainly on my “one day” list, although hopefully it will be less adventurous than Sidney Marsh’s in Shore Excursion by Marie Moore.
Sidney works for a travel agent and its her job this time around to escort the High Steppers, a group of mostly senior citizens, on a cruise through Scandinavia to Russia. Sidney’s expecting a routine trip. She knows most of the High Steppers and although some are definitely eccentric, she does enjoy them. But when one of the little old ladies is killed and the murder is more or less covered up, Sidney realizes a couple of things. Her High Steppers are in danger. There’s a killer on the boat and she seems to be the only one who wants to find the truth.
I enjoyed this quick read. Sidney’s a good character, persistent,intelligent for the most part, and she truly enjoys her job. I also like that the need for her amateur investigation makes sense. The cruise company doesn’t want to deal with the murder, so they label it suicide and go one with routine. Sidney knows that’s not the case and can’t relax and just let it go. She has to find out the truth. She feels like she owes it to the dead woman and needs to keep the other members of her party safe.
The characters really are the highlight for me in this mystery. Jay is the group’s other tour leader, and he is just hilarious, from his costumes to his late nights, he’s a wonderful foil for Sidney. But they’re best friends and in the end will support each other. The High Steppers themselves are an interesting group. A couple are annoying, some are sweet, some are rich, some save every penny for these trips. I like that Sidney and Jay appreciate their clients, enjoy them for the most part.
As far as the plot goes, it was okay. It kept me reading, trying to figure out what was going on, and seeing what situation Sidney was going to find herself in next. I had some inkling on who one of the bad guys was, but the other surprised me. Looking back, I think the clues were there, I just never see them.
You’ve also got a bit of shipboard flirting going on, which added to the fun, for me. I like a little romance thrown into my mysteries, even if I can’t understand Sidney’s taste in men.
The author spent 15 years as a travel agent and it shows. She certainly knows the ins and outs of the business, giving the whole book a truly authentic feel.
Shore Excursion took me on a cruise filled with danger, secrets, excitement and intrigue. I can’t wait to go on another trip with Sidney.
3½ out of 5 stars
Category: Mystery – Amateur Sleuth
Sidney Marsh #1
To be released April 1, 2012
219 pages
March Mystery Madness is hosted by Christina at Reading Thru the Night.
Book source: Tribute Books Blog Tours
Glad you enjoyed this read, I love the cover.
It fits the book well.
Sounds like a good read. Sounds like there could be some humor mixed in there with a group of interesting seniors. Have to look for this one.
It never hurts to have some shipboard flirting combined with murder and mayhem 🙂
I totally agree.
This sounds like the perfect book to read while lying by the cruise ship pool (which I have done a few times).
A cruise is on my to do list someday too. This sounds good!
Scandinavia? For real? Cool 😀 I’d read it cos of that
This sounds good, I want to go on a cruise one day myself. Nice review.
THis does sound interesting. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Carol, for the great review! I love Jay, too, and am so glad you enjoyed meeting him! He and Sidney will indeed have more adventures. The next one is a safari, Game Drive, set in South Africa! Thanks again for taking the time for Shore Excursion. I really appreciate your comments.
I’m reading this one now. It’s good so far.