My roommate Becky says that any crew member worth her salt should be able to be up out of bed and ready for work in half an hour or less. I must not be worth my salt. Either that, or I could blame my slowness on my stowaway kitten, Pickle, who likes to keep me busy snuggling with him in the early mornings.

In truth, every day aboard the Moonlit Majesty Cruise Ship is a different experience for a ship photographer. Some days I work on the gangway, welcoming new passengers aboard. Other days I’m capturing formal photos or passengers relaxing on our private island, Majestic Cay. I’d like to say I go where the wind blows me, but unfortunately, everything on a cruise ship is meticulously timed out and scheduled. Instead, I go wherever my grouchy boss Philip sends me.

But first—breakfast! You wouldn’t believe how many crew members complain about eating in the Crew Mess, and maybe it is a little lackluster if you compare it to the Grand Buffet where the passengers eat, but for me, having all-you-can-eat, ready-on-demand bacon and pancakes, or a garlic-fried-rice Filipino dish for when I’m feeling experimental, is a dream come true.

The last ten years I was caring from my ailing grandparents. There was little time for socializing or experimenting in the kitchen. While my new job often keeps me running off my feet, I’m also starting to see what Gran meant about a cruise crew becoming your family. Before she married, Gran had been a cruise ship dancer, and while she had once wanted me to follow in her footsteps, I’ll bet she and Gramps are happily looking down on me in my photography pursuits.

And while the people I work with are not exactly family, I am starting to make some friends. My roommate Becky is a huge help in navigating this new life of mine, and even though she’s allergic to cats and afraid of getting in trouble, she’s letting me keep Pickle in our room, at least until the next port where I can find him a safe new home. Plus, I just met the security manager onboard, Miles Blackwell. He’s tough and intimidating, but he knows about Pickle and hasn’t reported me. I sense a softer side underneath all that bravado.

I’m still getting my sea legs, so to speak, but as soon as Philip gives me some artistic liberties, I’ll prove my ability to capture some photos that the passengers will love. I’ll work at deepening my friendships. I’ll find my new family.

I hope you’ll come aboard with me. I’d love to show you around my home away from home and introduce you to all the quirky folks working aboard the Moonlit Majesty. I promise, once you get to know our ship, you’ll love it just as much as I do.

Murder in the Hidden Cargo Hold, An Olivia Ocean Cruise Ship Mystery Book 1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: September 2024
Format: Digital, Print to come
Purchase Link

Murder at sea!

Olivia Ocean’s dream job aboard the Moonlit Majesty turns into a nightmare when she witnesses an attempt to dispose of a helpless kitten at sea. Rescuing the kitty entails a chase, which leads her to discovering a dead body!

Armed with her camera and newfound feline friend, Olivia must navigate the ship’s dark corners, pounce on the clues, assist the swoon-worthy security manager, and capture the killer before the ship reaches its final destination.

About the author
Denise Jaden is a co-writer for the Rosa Reed Mystery Series by Lee Strauss. The Mallory Beck Cozy Culinary Capers will be releasing throughout the year. Her young adult novels have received critical acclaim and her non-fiction books are touted as staples for any writers’ bookshelf. In her spare time, she acts with the Vancouver film industry and dances with a Polynesian dance troupe. She lives just outside Vancouver, Canada with her husband, her son (a budding filmmaker), and one very spoiled cat.