book cover of Masquerade at Sea
 

Masquerade at Sea

(2025)
(The fifth book in the Cruise Ship Mystery series)
A Story by

 
 
Costume designer Rachel Montgomery expected her two-week Caribbean cruise to be filled with fabric swatches and friendly judging, not mystery and murder. Invited as a guest judge for the Carnival Reverie's elaborate costume competitions, Rachel is delighted to reconnect with her college roommate Patricia while enjoying the luxurious amenities of this floating theatrical paradise. But when renowned mask-maker Isabella Fontana is found dead in her workshop—strangled with costume wire and her priceless masterpiece mask missing—Rachel's professional eye for detail draws her into an investigation far more dangerous than critiquing costume craftsmanship.

As the Carnival Reverie sails through crystal-blue Caribbean waters, Rachel and Patricia navigate murky motivations beneath the cruise's glittering surface. With the ship's security chief—former FBI agent Nathan Carter—cautiously accepting Rachel's help, the unlikely detective duo discovers that Isabella's exquisite mask contained more than just artistic brilliance. Between attending workshops, judging competitions, and dodging increasingly perilous "accidents," Rachel must use her designer's eye for detail and Patricia's academic insight to unravel a pattern of deception before the killer strikes again.

Filled with snappy dialogue, colorful characters, and the unique backdrop of a floating costume festival, "Masquerade at Sea" delivers all the charm of a classic cozy mystery with a fresh contemporary twist. Rachel's practical creativity and Patricia's irreverent wit create an irresistible sleuthing team as they prove that sometimes the most observant eyes belong to those who craft illusions for a living. This delightful whodunit will appeal to fans of traditional mysteries who appreciate clever amateur detectives, fascinating specialized knowledge, and a touch of humor amid the clues and calamities. All aboard for a cruise where the most dangerous thing isn't the water—it's what lies behind the masks.


Genre: Mystery

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