Step aboard the Coral Queen and dive into the thrilling world of the Rachel Prince Mystery series, where murder lurks beneath the glamour of luxury cruises! Written by Dawn Brookes, this cozy mystery series follows Rachel Prince, a sharp-witted police constable with a knack for solving crimes at sea. Blending suspense, romance, and exotic locales, these books are a delightful escape for mystery lovers and armchair travelers alike.
With its unique cruise ship setting and a heroine who’s as compassionate as she is clever, the series offers a fresh spin on the cozy mystery genre. Whether you’re craving a page-turning whodunit or a virtual vacation, Rachel Prince Mystery delivers both in spades.
How Rachel Prince Mystery Began
Dawn Brookes, a British author with a 39-year nursing background and a passion for cruise holidays, launched the Rachel Prince Mystery series in 2018 with A Cruise to Murder. Inspired by her love for travel and clean crime stories, Brookes crafted Rachel, a character named in honor of her childhood dog, Prince. Her goal was to combine the intrigue of murder mysteries with the allure of cruising, creating a series that’s both escapist and engaging. Brookes’ MA in Creative Writing and her knack for vivid storytelling helped the series quickly gain a loyal following.
The Heart of Rachel Prince Mystery
The series kicks off with A Cruise to Murder, where Rachel, reeling from a broken engagement, boards a Mediterranean cruise and stumbles into a plot targeting an elderly widow, Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe. In Deadly Cruise, a transatlantic voyage turns deadly when a crew member is found murdered, testing Rachel’s detective skills. Killer Cruise takes readers to the Baltic, where a suspicious death amid a lively cast of characters keeps Rachel and Marjorie sleuthing. Later, A Christmas Cruise Murder weaves festive cheer with a chilling mystery on a Canary Islands cruise.
Themes of friendship, justice, and resilience shine through, with Rachel’s moral compass guiding her through complex cases. The cruise ship setting, vividly described thanks to Brookes’ real-life cruising experience, acts as a locked-room backdrop, amplifying suspense. Each book introduces fresh suspects and exotic ports, from Australia to the Norwegian Fjords, while maintaining a cozy, clean tone with a touch of romance. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters, clever twists, and immersive travel vibes.
Why Rachel Prince Mystery Resonates
The Rachel Prince Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, captivating readers with its blend of nautical adventure and intricate plotting. Its global appeal is evident, with the first two books slated for Japanese translation. Fans adore Rachel’s tenacity and the camaraderie among her, Sarah (her nurse friend), and the spunky Lady Marjorie, making each book feel like a reunion with old friends. The series’ ability to transport readers to far-flung destinations while unraveling a good mystery ensures its lasting charm.
- First Book Published: 2018 (A Cruise to Murder)
- Number of Books: 13 (as of 2025)
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Crime, Romance
- Author’s Background: Former nurse, avid cruiser
Grab A Cruise to Murder and set sail with Rachel Prince Mystery for a cozy, thrilling adventure you won’t forget!