Life aboard the SS Starlight takes a dangerous turn when Olivia Morgan spots something suspicious in the shadows. With a mysterious fire threatening the ship and a crew member found dead in a smoke-filled cabin, this cruise is anything but smooth sailing!
As Olivia and her chatty parrot sidekick Chico investigate, they discover a sinister plot that stretches across multiple cruise lines. Between dodging danger and performing her magic act, Olivia must also figure out what to do about the growing seriousness of her relationship with the ship's handsome Chief of Security, Alex Ballas.
Can Olivia and Chico uncover the truth before more victims surface? Will Olivia's magic skills help her catch a killer? And will she manage to solve the mystery before she becomes the next target?
Join Olivia and Chico for their most dangerous voyage yet, where even the beautiful ocean sunsets can't hide the deadly secrets lurking aboard the SS Starlight!
Author's Note:
When I am plotting my next mystery, the stories often begin with a simple "what if?" This one started with two very real experiences from my years working as a cruise ship entertainer.
One night, a shrill alarm woke me at 3 am. I found my cabin filled with smoke. As I grabbed my parrot's travel carrier and fumbled for my life jacket in the dark, the vulnerability of living on a cruise ship, miles out to sea really hit home. That night ended safely, but the memory of those terrifying moments—the acrid smoke, the shrill alarm, the fear for my feathered friend's life—never left me.
The second incident occurred during a show when I fell and hit my head on stage. The resulting concussion left me dazed and confused, teaching me firsthand how frightening it can be when you can't trust your own memories.
While writing "Stern Warning," I drew upon these experiences to create Olivia's world. Though her story ventures into much darker territory than my own adventures, the feelings of isolation and vulnerability that come with life at sea are very real. Every cruise ship is a floating city, filled with secrets, stories, and sometimes... danger.
Thank you for joining Olivia and Chico on their journey. May your own travels be considerably less perilous than theirs.
Wendy Neugent
