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Kate on Vacation #2
Cruel Capers on the Caribbean
Trouble seems to find Kate Huntington, even on a Caribbean cruise. She and her friend, Liz, befriend socialite Cora Beall, who is having relationship problems. When Cora is found dead, her cabin locked from the inside, the ship’s captain assumes it’s a suicide.
Kate is skeptical. Her private detective husband begs her to let it go, but the evidence points more and more toward murder. And she can’t stop thinking about Cora’s teenage daughter who is back in the States with her stepfather. Which is worse, thinking your mother committed suicide or being raised by her killer? Or is Cora’s seemingly-innocent, screenwriter boyfriend the real murderer?
And the toughest question of all... how did Cora’s killer get out of a locked room?
This is the second of the Kate on Vacation novellas, a parallel series to the Kate Huntington mysteries.
Kate is skeptical. Her private detective husband begs her to let it go, but the evidence points more and more toward murder. And she can’t stop thinking about Cora’s teenage daughter who is back in the States with her stepfather. Which is worse, thinking your mother committed suicide or being raised by her killer? Or is Cora’s seemingly-innocent, screenwriter boyfriend the real murderer?
And the toughest question of all... how did Cora’s killer get out of a locked room?
This is the second of the Kate on Vacation novellas, a parallel series to the Kate Huntington mysteries.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2014
About the author
Kassandra Lamb
51 books231 followersPsychology and writing (or writing and psychology) have always vied for the number one spot on my list of greatest passions. I am now a retired psychotherapist and can afford to spend as much time as I want on my writing.
I am in Heaven! (Well, actually I live in Florida now.)
Some people have asked me if my protagonist, psychotherapist Kate Huntington, is me. I wish! She's much more consistently kind and compassionate than I am.
I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there most of my adult life. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I also taught at Towson University for a decade. It was my favorite job of my entire lifetime, so I decided to base my first series, the Kate Huntington mysteries, in Towson, Maryland. My newer series, about a service dog trainer, is set in central Florida near where I live now, the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries.
I blog about psychological topics, or anything else that strikes my fancy, about twice a month at www.misteriopress.com.
I am in Heaven! (Well, actually I live in Florida now.)
Some people have asked me if my protagonist, psychotherapist Kate Huntington, is me. I wish! She's much more consistently kind and compassionate than I am.
I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there most of my adult life. In addition to my psychotherapy practice, I also taught at Towson University for a decade. It was my favorite job of my entire lifetime, so I decided to base my first series, the Kate Huntington mysteries, in Towson, Maryland. My newer series, about a service dog trainer, is set in central Florida near where I live now, the Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries.
I blog about psychological topics, or anything else that strikes my fancy, about twice a month at www.misteriopress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 17, 2014
To start, I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but I didn't feel like I had missed a lot. However, I think some of the character interactions would have felt more developed if I had - and that is not the author's fault, as this is not the first book.
Regardless, the story picks up quickly and it's a breezy read. This is the kind of summer fun mystery you enjoy on the beach or perhaps even on your own cruise vacation! It's light, engaging, and paced well without feeling rushed. It is a short novella, but the story has a full arc and you definitely are kept on your toes throughout.
If you are a mystery fan, what's nice is that this book has all the requisites for a good mystery. The author provides all the information and clues and you meet all the characters. You don't get to the resolution and think, "wait - who's that?" At the same time, it isn't easy to solve. The details are there, but we learn them as the characters do. You have your red herrings and your definite sleight of hand distractions, but they don't scream "red herring," which is great. You know how sometimes you are reading a mystery and you feel like it's obvious the author is trying to hit all the key elements of the genre? Cruel Capers in the Caribbean does not do that. It feels well thought out and the mystery is a legitimate one.
I don't want to give much away, because it's a mystery after all! For a short read, it's packed with a story and I recommend it! It may not stick with you, but it's a wonderful way to pass the time and you will get your time and money's worth. I give this 4 out of 5 bloody handprints!
Regardless, the story picks up quickly and it's a breezy read. This is the kind of summer fun mystery you enjoy on the beach or perhaps even on your own cruise vacation! It's light, engaging, and paced well without feeling rushed. It is a short novella, but the story has a full arc and you definitely are kept on your toes throughout.
If you are a mystery fan, what's nice is that this book has all the requisites for a good mystery. The author provides all the information and clues and you meet all the characters. You don't get to the resolution and think, "wait - who's that?" At the same time, it isn't easy to solve. The details are there, but we learn them as the characters do. You have your red herrings and your definite sleight of hand distractions, but they don't scream "red herring," which is great. You know how sometimes you are reading a mystery and you feel like it's obvious the author is trying to hit all the key elements of the genre? Cruel Capers in the Caribbean does not do that. It feels well thought out and the mystery is a legitimate one.
I don't want to give much away, because it's a mystery after all! For a short read, it's packed with a story and I recommend it! It may not stick with you, but it's a wonderful way to pass the time and you will get your time and money's worth. I give this 4 out of 5 bloody handprints!
June 13, 2014
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
Cruel Capers on the Caribbean is book two of A Kate on Vacation Mystery but it can read as a stand alone.
Kate, her husband Skip and their two friends set off on a cruise ship to enjoy some rest and relaxation. What should have been fun in the sun turns out to be deadly when someone dies. Cora, the woman who died, befriends Kate and the others before her death. When things start looking suspicious Kate feels obligated to look into the mystery and when your husband's a PI it sure helps things. They find themselves drawn further into the mystery, as the clues unravel and it could very well lead to their last vacation if they aren't careful.
A very good short mystery. I was impressed with the story, it didn't seemed too rushed and flowed naturally. This reminded me of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. The characters have more of a history together that I am sure is seen through the other books. They aren't necessary to read in order to enjoy this story.
I would recommend this novel to mystery fans looking for a quick who-done-it read.
I would give this book 4 fangs.
Cruel Capers on the Caribbean is book two of A Kate on Vacation Mystery but it can read as a stand alone.
Kate, her husband Skip and their two friends set off on a cruise ship to enjoy some rest and relaxation. What should have been fun in the sun turns out to be deadly when someone dies. Cora, the woman who died, befriends Kate and the others before her death. When things start looking suspicious Kate feels obligated to look into the mystery and when your husband's a PI it sure helps things. They find themselves drawn further into the mystery, as the clues unravel and it could very well lead to their last vacation if they aren't careful.
A very good short mystery. I was impressed with the story, it didn't seemed too rushed and flowed naturally. This reminded me of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. The characters have more of a history together that I am sure is seen through the other books. They aren't necessary to read in order to enjoy this story.
I would recommend this novel to mystery fans looking for a quick who-done-it read.
I would give this book 4 fangs.
June 19, 2014
Kassandra Lambs book Cruel Capers on the Caribbean is a quick, easy read about a murder that takes place on a cruise ship. Kate, her husband Skip and their friends Rob and Liz decide to go on a much needed vacation. On the first day the meet socialite Cora Beall. Cora is really nice to the couple and the make plans to spend some time together. Cora is found dead in her room and the ship rules it a suicide. Kate doesn't believe for one second Cora would do that to herself. Kate convinces Skip to help her look into it because he is a private investigator. How could someone get into a locked room kill Cora and leave the door locked from the inside is the big mystery. Cora is on the ship with her boyfriend and some passengers say they saw them fighting. Cora also has a ex husband that wants more money from her. This book had me guessing till the end what happened and how.
I really liked that the author had put in a lot of research for this book and what happens when a situations occurs on a cruise ship. I would recommend this book.
I really liked that the author had put in a lot of research for this book and what happens when a situations occurs on a cruise ship. I would recommend this book.
June 28, 2014
This novella is the perfect summer read! You'll enjoy a fun Caribbean cruise with Kate. Of course, you will find out that Kate's vacations usually involve a murder to make things a bit more interesting. Even if you haven't read any of the Kate books, you will get to know everyone and not feel lost. I do imagine that after reading this one, you'll want to read more of her adventures.
The author really did her research on cruising and it showed in this well developed story line. It moved along at a fast pace with me trying to figure out who could have committed the murder, how and why. It was a true mystery that made me say, "Wow" when things were wrapped up at the end. Didn't see that coming at all. There was a lot packed into this 106 page book to make for a very enjoyable read.
I highly recommend this fun, easy read. It is the perfect mystery for summer reading!
* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The author really did her research on cruising and it showed in this well developed story line. It moved along at a fast pace with me trying to figure out who could have committed the murder, how and why. It was a true mystery that made me say, "Wow" when things were wrapped up at the end. Didn't see that coming at all. There was a lot packed into this 106 page book to make for a very enjoyable read.
I highly recommend this fun, easy read. It is the perfect mystery for summer reading!
* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2014
What an enjoyable read!! For being a short novella the author
combined murder, mystery, suspense, travel experiences, cruise
ship life for the passengers & crew, international seas laws, food
dishes, fashion, humor, love in marriage plus more but divulging
any more would spoil the story for the reader.
This novella can be read as a stand along although it is the
second novella in the Kate on Vacation Novella Series.
The characters both good and bad are all interesting, colorful and
full of surprises. The plot grabs you from the start with many
twists and turn to keep your attention. Put time aside as once you
start the novella, you will want to read to the end.
Good quick read!!! Enjoy.
I received this ebook from the author. My opinion is my own.
combined murder, mystery, suspense, travel experiences, cruise
ship life for the passengers & crew, international seas laws, food
dishes, fashion, humor, love in marriage plus more but divulging
any more would spoil the story for the reader.
This novella can be read as a stand along although it is the
second novella in the Kate on Vacation Novella Series.
The characters both good and bad are all interesting, colorful and
full of surprises. The plot grabs you from the start with many
twists and turn to keep your attention. Put time aside as once you
start the novella, you will want to read to the end.
Good quick read!!! Enjoy.
I received this ebook from the author. My opinion is my own.
July 20, 2016
I received a ARC in exchange for an honest review. I found this book to be a quick read. This is the second of the Kate on Vacation novellas, a parallel series to the Kate Huntington mysteries. This can be read as a stand alone. I do recommend this book and I do want to read book one. Love how Kate goes on a cruise with her husband Skip who is a PI and they end ups trying to solve a murder. This book does remind me of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum cause where there is trouble it sure finds Kate. I find this to be a great summer read.
August 8, 2014
Mystery solved in the time it takes to take a cruise. What a fun read - all compacted into a short story. WOW. I've had the Kate mysteries on my TBR list for a while - but haven't actually read any yet. You can be sure I am now about to rectify that omission. This mystery was satisying and complicated and yet all solved in the time it took to vacaction on a cruise ship. Way to go. Lots of action and mystery solving in such a short time. I would definitely recommend this book to mystery readers.
June 15, 2014
I received this from the author for an honest review. Kate Huntington, her husband/PI Skip, and their good friends Liz and Rob, all hit the cruise ship for a much needed vacation. Where Kate goes, murder is sure to follow. This is a novella based on the Kate Huntington series. I really enjoyed it and came away from it wanting to go on a cruise like never before. It's a quick read and quite enjoyable. Definitely would recommend!!!
September 6, 2016
What fun! Cruel Capers on the Caribbean (A Kate on Vacation Mystery 02) makes you want to go on a Caribbean Cruise right this minute and hope that your room is near Kate and Rob or the Franklins. It a short one evening read but has all the ingredients for a good mystery that I have come to expect from Kassandra Lamb. It’s a perfect read while on the beach or traveling since the story line is easy to follow and the characters are memorable. I enjoyed this one!
June 21, 2014
When I was reading I thought something was missing. I haven't figured it out. It could be that I haven't read the others in the series, but I don't think that was it. Other than that it was a great read and I recommend it for anyone looking for a fun summer read.
July 11, 2014
I've never been on a cruise, but I've been to Cozumel, New Orleans and Key West, all ports of call in this mystery. I enjoyed the memories of these places evoked by Cruel Capers. Psychotherapist Kate Huntington offers insights into people as she unravels a mysterious death aboard the ship.
February 27, 2016
It was just okay
The story was okay but I didn't think the imagery was there. I needed more detailed descriptions. Without out that I just couldn't get I to the story or any of the characters.
The story was okay but I didn't think the imagery was there. I needed more detailed descriptions. Without out that I just couldn't get I to the story or any of the characters.
April 17, 2015
A fun short murder mystery that takes place on a cruise ship.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews