Murder on the Orient (SS)

 This is the 2nd Agatha Christie Book Club mystery by C.A. Larmer.  The style of the writing of these cozies is a unique approach that I find enjoyable.  The books are modern twists on classic Agatha Christie stories.  What makes them especially unique is the fact the original book is discussed during the plot of the new cozy.  The only downside to this format is if the reader hasn't read the original Christie novel, the Agatha Christie Book Club version will give away the major plot points and outcomes.  So, if you are interested in reading the originals, do it first.

This book is a spin on the Murder on the Orient Express (my review of the original is found here).  The first in the series was a play on the strange case of the disappearance of Mrs. Christie herself( my review can be found here). I found this 2nd book to be better than the original and am glad I stuck it out with the series.

Larmer writes a compelling story with engaging characters that truly resonate with readers, they feel like people you would meet in real life.  The friendships and relationships feel authentic and believable.  This story captures the aspects of cruising quite well and is a perfect getaway while many are not traveling.  The twist is outstanding and not real predictable.   Readers of cozy mysteries and especially those who enjoy travel based mysteries will like this book.

Murder on the Orient (SS): by C.A. Larmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable cozy set down under

This mystery was set aboard a cruise ship and was an enjoyable read. There are plenty of references to Agatha Christie‘s works. Note of caution if you haven’t read murder on the orient express and want to be sure to spread it first as this story gives the plot away.
This book feels like a good balance between descriptions and story/mystery. It is easy to visualize the cruise ship it is set upon and the different locations the scenes take place. The tensions between characters are well done and plausible. The mystery itself keeps the reader guessing until the very end

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #92
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  New Zealand
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Agatha Christie Book Club #2
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #99
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #113   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #64
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #96
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #82
9. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge July: Australia & New Zealand
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• Boat

Row 4

Hotel room

• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Poison, poisoned food
• Row 4
• Push or fall
• Detectives- Alicia
• Victims- 
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #  Shot #2