Murder at the Captain's Ball - A Captivating Cozy Whodunit on the High Seas #944985

The most elegant night of the voyage ends in blood.
The Captain's Ball is the crown jewel of every Celestial Seas cruise—an evening of glittering gowns, champagne toasts, and dancing beneath crystal chandeliers. But this Hawaiian Islands voyage takes a deadly turn when Congressman David Hartwell is discovered stabbed to death in the restroom adjacent to the grand ballroom. His killer vanished into the crowd of five hundred guests, leaving former detective Marina Blue with a crime scene, a ship full of suspects, and twelve days to find a murderer.
David Hartwell built his career on an anti-corruption platform, positioning himself as Washington's moral compass. But behind the polished speeches and photo-ready smile lurked secrets that powerful people would kill to protect. His long-suffering wife was about to be discarded after twenty-five years of sacrifice. His golden-boy son has been drowning in guilt over a covered-up tragedy. A senior Senator views him as an existential threat. And an investigative journalist has been building a case that could destroy everything he pretended to represent.
As Marina navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue, she discovers that Hartwell wasn't just corrupt—he was about to become a witness against people far more dangerous than himself. Someone at the Captain's Ball decided he couldn't be allowed to testify. Someone with access, opportunity, and a professional's cold precision. Someone who blends perfectly into the world of power and privilege.
With the help of security officer Felix Santos and ship's doctor Evelyn Cross, Marina must untangle a conspiracy that reaches from the ship's elegant ballroom to the highest levels of Washington power. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she realizes that the killer isn't just covering tracks—they're still aboard, still watching, and perfectly willing to kill again.
Twelve days at sea. One political assassination. A killer hiding in plain sight.
Murder at the Captain's Ball is the fourth thrilling installment in the Marina Blue Cruise Ship Mystery series. Combining elegant settings, political suspense, and a detective who refuses to let the powerful escape justice, this cozy whodunit delivers twists that will keep readers guessing until the final revelation. Perfect for fans of sophisticated mysteries with strong heroines and crimes that prove even paradise has a dark side.
When the music stops, the killing begins.