Carolyn Summer Quinn’s A Commotion on the Ocean kicks off with Ashley Calloway, a seasoned cruiser, embarking on a long-awaited voyage to escape the stress of personal loss and estate management. What starts as a relaxing getaway quickly turns into an eerie trip down memory lane when Ashley runs into a nightmarish former coworker, Delphina Durand. As if that wasn’t enough to shake her, the ship is also hosting a notorious film director whose wife mysteriously vanished years ago. Old tensions and unresolved history collide in an unpredictable storm of past drama and potential danger.

From the start, Quinn’s writing is smooth and full of personality. Ashley’s narration feels like a close friend venting over coffee, which makes it easy to connect with her. She’s witty, observant, and hilariously blunt. The way she describes Delphina, nicknamed Shit Fit Delphina for her explosive temper and manipulative ways, had me cracking up. Quinn’s character work is sharp, with every person on the ship feeling distinct, from the chipper cruise staff to the enigmatic Reginald Conti. The pacing is also well done; just when you think Ashley might actually get a moment to relax, another twist pops up.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the humor laced throughout the narrative. Despite the tension of running into an old workplace terror, Ashley’s sarcasm and sharp inner monologue keep the story from ever feeling too heavy. Her descriptions of cruise quirks, overpriced ship shops, mandatory lifeboat drills, the never-ending search for the perfect deck chair are spot-on. It makes the setting feel incredibly real, like you’re right there on the M.V. Exploration, trying to dodge Delphina’s piercing gaze.

That said, there’s an underlying unease that builds beautifully. The presence of Conti, a man forever under suspicion of killing his wife, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Even though he’s on board to give a talk about his film career, Ashley (and the reader) can’t help but wonder if there’s something more sinister going on. When Delphina and Conti cross paths, the tension skyrockets. Quinn weaves in these suspenseful elements masterfully, making you wonder if past crimes or new ones might unfold on the open sea.

A Commotion on the Ocean is a delightful mix of humor, suspense, and sharp social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of witty mysteries. If you enjoy a narrator with a strong, no-nonsense voice, a bit of workplace drama that refuses to die, and a cruise full of potential suspects, this book is definitely for you. Quinn’s writing is engaging, fresh, and full of life, just like a good vacation story should be.

Pages: 174 | ASIN: B0DT66QHQ1