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Lying in the Deep
A juicy mystery of jealousy, love, and betrayal set on a Semester at Sea-inspired cruise ship, with a diverse cast of delightfully suspicious characters who’ll leave you guessing with every jaw-dropping twist.
After being jilted by her ex-boyfriend and best friend, Jade couldn't be more ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime—11 countries in 4 months, all from the luxurious Campus on Board ship—and to wedge an entire globe between her and the people who broke her heart.
But when Jade discovers the backstabbing couple are also setting sail, her obsession with them grows and festers, leading to a shocking murder. And as their friends begin to drop like flies, Jade and her new crush must race to clear her name and find the killer they’re trapped at sea with….before anyone else winds up in body bags.
Perfect for readers of Natalie D. Richards, E. Lockhart, and Karen McManus!
After being jilted by her ex-boyfriend and best friend, Jade couldn't be more ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime—11 countries in 4 months, all from the luxurious Campus on Board ship—and to wedge an entire globe between her and the people who broke her heart.
But when Jade discovers the backstabbing couple are also setting sail, her obsession with them grows and festers, leading to a shocking murder. And as their friends begin to drop like flies, Jade and her new crush must race to clear her name and find the killer they’re trapped at sea with….before anyone else winds up in body bags.
Perfect for readers of Natalie D. Richards, E. Lockhart, and Karen McManus!
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2023
218 people are currently reading
37114 people want to read
About the author
Diana Urban
6 books1,544 followersDiana Urban is a bestselling, award-winning author of dark, twisty thrillers, including All Your Twisted Secrets and Under the Surface, an Indie Next Pick and Junior Library Guild selection, and her novels have been published internationally. When she’s not torturing her fictional characters, she freelances in video game narrative writing and previously worked in digital marketing for startups. She lives with her husband and cat in Boston and enjoys reading, playing video games, fawning over cute animals, and looking at the beach from a safe distance. Connect with her on Instagram, Threads, or TikTok.
(Diana doesn't use Goodreads, but you can contact her here.)
(Diana doesn't use Goodreads, but you can contact her here.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,120 reviews
July 22, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
After being betrayed by her best friend, Lainey, and her boyfriend, Silas, who are now a couple, Jade cannot wait to start her COB-adventure. She needs a way to escape from her regular life and what better way than aboard a shop?
'COB' is short for Campus on Board and is essentially a Semester at Sea program that Jade has been anticipating for years. It couldn't have arrived at a better time.
Set on a luxury cruise ship, Jade is ready to meet new people and escape from the dark hole she's been in.
In the line to board though, she's shocked to see Lainey and Silas. They're kissing and laughing, clearly happy. Lainey attracting attention, as always. Jade's stomach drops. What are they even doing here!? This is her thing.
As annoyed as she is by the new couple, Jade is also confused as heck as to how it even happened. She wants answers and become set on getting them.
Luckily, on the ship, Jade's mostly distracted from her heartache. She's making new friends, her roommates are supportive, they're going on excursions at various ports, but Lainey and Silas are never too far from her mind.
With time at sea, the players involved begin to get to know each other fairly well, their various dramas and secrets on full display. Therefore, they all know Jade holds a bit of a grudge against Lainey and Silas.
When there's a murder, some people suspect Jade. She didn't do anything, but now needs to prove it, because if she didn't do it, that means there's a killer on board.
Along with her new crush, Felix, Jade sets out to get to the bottom of the mystery before more people die.
Lying in the Deep is easily my favorite Diana Urban yet. This was close to a perfect YA Mystery/Thriller for me.
It features a fantastic setting, a varied cast of characters, wildly over-the-top drama, a classic-feeling locked room mystery, a shady corporation housing deadly secrets, blackmail, murder and more...
I had an absolute blast reading it. Lainey and Silas were so unlikable and I loved being on Jade's side and rooting for her as she tried to survive this dangerous cruise.
There were moments I wanted to shake her, she didn't always make the greatest choices, but I was invested in her character and her life. The side characters were equally messy and fun. I loved watching their relationships grow and change over the course of the story.
I am an atmosphere-girlie and I loved the setting of the luxury cruise ship. A bunch of students, strangers to one another before boarding, being trapped on a ship together. You just know juicy things are going to go down.
I also liked the idea of the excursions they went on in the various ports. There was always some action happening during those events.
Additionally, I thought the mystery was really well done. I loved how it progressed and the amateur sleuthing aspects involving Jade and Felix were so fun.
I had many theories, some panned out, but a lot didn't. I didn't fully catch on to the whodunit until very close to the final reveal. I had a lot of fun getting to that point.
The ending was completely insane, almost too much, but not. I liked it and was fully satisfied with the very final moments. Overall, I think Urban nailed this one.
I definitely recommend for Readers who enjoy a fun and fast-paced YA Mystery-Thriller. The cruise setting makes this the perfect Summer read. Grab your copy now!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Razorbill, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm excited to pick up more from Urban in the future.
After being betrayed by her best friend, Lainey, and her boyfriend, Silas, who are now a couple, Jade cannot wait to start her COB-adventure. She needs a way to escape from her regular life and what better way than aboard a shop?
'COB' is short for Campus on Board and is essentially a Semester at Sea program that Jade has been anticipating for years. It couldn't have arrived at a better time.
Set on a luxury cruise ship, Jade is ready to meet new people and escape from the dark hole she's been in.
In the line to board though, she's shocked to see Lainey and Silas. They're kissing and laughing, clearly happy. Lainey attracting attention, as always. Jade's stomach drops. What are they even doing here!? This is her thing.
As annoyed as she is by the new couple, Jade is also confused as heck as to how it even happened. She wants answers and become set on getting them.
Luckily, on the ship, Jade's mostly distracted from her heartache. She's making new friends, her roommates are supportive, they're going on excursions at various ports, but Lainey and Silas are never too far from her mind.
With time at sea, the players involved begin to get to know each other fairly well, their various dramas and secrets on full display. Therefore, they all know Jade holds a bit of a grudge against Lainey and Silas.
When there's a murder, some people suspect Jade. She didn't do anything, but now needs to prove it, because if she didn't do it, that means there's a killer on board.
Along with her new crush, Felix, Jade sets out to get to the bottom of the mystery before more people die.
Lying in the Deep is easily my favorite Diana Urban yet. This was close to a perfect YA Mystery/Thriller for me.
It features a fantastic setting, a varied cast of characters, wildly over-the-top drama, a classic-feeling locked room mystery, a shady corporation housing deadly secrets, blackmail, murder and more...
I had an absolute blast reading it. Lainey and Silas were so unlikable and I loved being on Jade's side and rooting for her as she tried to survive this dangerous cruise.
There were moments I wanted to shake her, she didn't always make the greatest choices, but I was invested in her character and her life. The side characters were equally messy and fun. I loved watching their relationships grow and change over the course of the story.
I am an atmosphere-girlie and I loved the setting of the luxury cruise ship. A bunch of students, strangers to one another before boarding, being trapped on a ship together. You just know juicy things are going to go down.
I also liked the idea of the excursions they went on in the various ports. There was always some action happening during those events.
Additionally, I thought the mystery was really well done. I loved how it progressed and the amateur sleuthing aspects involving Jade and Felix were so fun.
I had many theories, some panned out, but a lot didn't. I didn't fully catch on to the whodunit until very close to the final reveal. I had a lot of fun getting to that point.
The ending was completely insane, almost too much, but not. I liked it and was fully satisfied with the very final moments. Overall, I think Urban nailed this one.
I definitely recommend for Readers who enjoy a fun and fast-paced YA Mystery-Thriller. The cruise setting makes this the perfect Summer read. Grab your copy now!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Razorbill, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm excited to pick up more from Urban in the future.
May 10, 2023
Unique YA (ish--college students but they act like high school students) mystery adventure set on a cruise ship semester at sea.
This could have been good. The premise absolutely drew me in--a YA retelling of Death on the Nile--and while I did appreciate the nods to that classic novel, this ultimately didn't work for me.
The main premise is that a group of high achieving college students are heading off on a cruise ship for Campus on Board, a semester traveling to various countries and attending classes on the ship. Jade is a Stanford student looking forward to the new adventure and a bit of distance after being dumped and blocked by her boyfriend Silas, who has now hooked up with her former roommate and best friend Lainey. Yet while in the check in line Jade discovers that Lainey and Silas are also on board. When suspicious things begin to occur, all eyes are on the jilted Jade. How can she prove that she is innocent?
For this being about college students, these characters, particularly Jade, are the most immature, whiny people around. Jade spends SO much time obsessing about Silas and Lainey and side-eyeing them across the room that it just got nauseating after a while. These characters all act stupidly and the armchair detective work is HIGH. Seriously, if anyone would have had the common sense or maturity to sit down and have a conversation instead of spying around corners, the melodrama would have been so much more palatable.
Another thing that annoyed me was that there was one point that some characters do meth of all things, and it comes out that one of them had been doing it for a while. This is so incredibly unrealistic. Adderall, I would believe, but meth? I have two kids who just finished college and I asked them if they ever had heard of college students using meth. They listed alcohol, pot, ecstasy, Adderall, Oxy, even cocaine, but meth never entered either of their spheres of reference.
This book may work for some readers who can ignore the utter immaturity of these supposed college students and appreciate the locked room (cruise ship) mystery. I just couldn't.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This could have been good. The premise absolutely drew me in--a YA retelling of Death on the Nile--and while I did appreciate the nods to that classic novel, this ultimately didn't work for me.
The main premise is that a group of high achieving college students are heading off on a cruise ship for Campus on Board, a semester traveling to various countries and attending classes on the ship. Jade is a Stanford student looking forward to the new adventure and a bit of distance after being dumped and blocked by her boyfriend Silas, who has now hooked up with her former roommate and best friend Lainey. Yet while in the check in line Jade discovers that Lainey and Silas are also on board. When suspicious things begin to occur, all eyes are on the jilted Jade. How can she prove that she is innocent?
For this being about college students, these characters, particularly Jade, are the most immature, whiny people around. Jade spends SO much time obsessing about Silas and Lainey and side-eyeing them across the room that it just got nauseating after a while. These characters all act stupidly and the armchair detective work is HIGH. Seriously, if anyone would have had the common sense or maturity to sit down and have a conversation instead of spying around corners, the melodrama would have been so much more palatable.
Another thing that annoyed me was that there was one point that some characters do meth of all things, and it comes out that one of them had been doing it for a while. This is so incredibly unrealistic. Adderall, I would believe, but meth? I have two kids who just finished college and I asked them if they ever had heard of college students using meth. They listed alcohol, pot, ecstasy, Adderall, Oxy, even cocaine, but meth never entered either of their spheres of reference.
This book may work for some readers who can ignore the utter immaturity of these supposed college students and appreciate the locked room (cruise ship) mystery. I just couldn't.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 29, 2023
This book is a smart YA retelling of Death on the Nile, meets Hulu's Dopesick series. The claustrophobic atmosphere on the cruise ship where murders take place is well-executed with fast pacing and a whodunnit mystery that piques your interest from the beginning.
Although I didn't like the main characters at first, and the love triangle part of the story made me roll my eyes, the second half of the book, with increasing pressure and escalating suspense, made me invest in them. The book contains amazing references to Death on the Nile, but the author chose a European setting with a younger adult storyline.
My favorite part of the book is the last quarter. I liked how things were resolved, and how all the plot holes were filled with reasonable explanations.
The book opens with a murder scene at one of the ship's cabins, then we move backward as the characters are introduced. The main character, Jade, is a scholarship student who double-majored, smart, and insecure. She is still nursing a heartbreak and betrayal after her boyfriend Silas left her with a text and blocked her, deciding to date her best friend Lainey, the daughter of a pharmaceutical mogul. Jade realizes that the two of them are shoving their relationship into her face by joining the luxurious Campus on Board ship, which includes 11 countries in 4 months.
Her dreamy educational European vacation is about to turn into a nightmare. She is not the only one having problems with Lainey. Her new circle of friends, including Miguel, an aspiring influencer who is losing his followers, Tate, who blames Lainey's father for the death of her mother, and Felix, who is brooding but also charismatic, and accepts a fake dating arrangement with Jade to get a reaction from the perfect couple who are talking trash behind Lainey's back.
Then, a shocking murder occurs, reminding us of the murder scene from Death on the Nile, with a small change: the murder weapon is a letter opener instead of a small gun. Jade finds herself as one of the prime suspects of the presumed murder case. She has little time to prove her innocence before the ship reaches the next port. She teams up with Felix to find out what really happened, and as their time is about to run out, more people on board are found dead. Jade has to find the killer faster before becoming the next victim.
Overall, this book is definitely a fast-paced and intriguing read that can be enjoyed in one sitting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Razorbill for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Although I didn't like the main characters at first, and the love triangle part of the story made me roll my eyes, the second half of the book, with increasing pressure and escalating suspense, made me invest in them. The book contains amazing references to Death on the Nile, but the author chose a European setting with a younger adult storyline.
My favorite part of the book is the last quarter. I liked how things were resolved, and how all the plot holes were filled with reasonable explanations.
The book opens with a murder scene at one of the ship's cabins, then we move backward as the characters are introduced. The main character, Jade, is a scholarship student who double-majored, smart, and insecure. She is still nursing a heartbreak and betrayal after her boyfriend Silas left her with a text and blocked her, deciding to date her best friend Lainey, the daughter of a pharmaceutical mogul. Jade realizes that the two of them are shoving their relationship into her face by joining the luxurious Campus on Board ship, which includes 11 countries in 4 months.
Her dreamy educational European vacation is about to turn into a nightmare. She is not the only one having problems with Lainey. Her new circle of friends, including Miguel, an aspiring influencer who is losing his followers, Tate, who blames Lainey's father for the death of her mother, and Felix, who is brooding but also charismatic, and accepts a fake dating arrangement with Jade to get a reaction from the perfect couple who are talking trash behind Lainey's back.
Then, a shocking murder occurs, reminding us of the murder scene from Death on the Nile, with a small change: the murder weapon is a letter opener instead of a small gun. Jade finds herself as one of the prime suspects of the presumed murder case. She has little time to prove her innocence before the ship reaches the next port. She teams up with Felix to find out what really happened, and as their time is about to run out, more people on board are found dead. Jade has to find the killer faster before becoming the next victim.
Overall, this book is definitely a fast-paced and intriguing read that can be enjoyed in one sitting.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group/Razorbill for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 17, 2023
Jade Miller has the opportunity of a lifetime. She has a semester to study abroad. On a cruise ship, no less. The Campus on Board program would take Jade through eleven countries in a span of four months. Jade needed the distraction. Especially after the nasty breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Silas. And the nerve of him to hookup with her best friend Lainey. So the cruise should do her good. New friends, new places… Everything was peachy until Jade spies two familiar faces in the sea of passengers while boarding. Silas and Lainey. Together.
As Jade begins to seethe with anger and disbelief, she can’t help but envision Lainey’s murder — a poisoning, a fall off the ship, shoving her off her dad’s penthouse… That is until Lainey has gone missing and there’s lots and lots of blood everywhere in her room. And guess who is suspect?
Lying in the Deep is a suspenseful locked room mystery. While I did enjoy the novel, I didn’t find it as engaging as the author’s previous work, These Deadly Games.
The main character, Jade was a little too over-the-top with her woe-is-me drama. So that took away from the suspense. The other characters rounded out the story and balanced the instability of the main character. I did like a few of the other characters for their spunk and quirkiness.
The plot is a whodunit mystery with a cruise ship venue. I found this aspect of the story intriguing as I got to cruise and sightsee foreign countries vicariously through the main character.
There were a few plot twists. But nothing earth shattering. Though I did find the ending a little surprising and strange.
I don’t consider Lying in the Deep to be Urban’s worst novel, but it’s not her best in my opinion. Four stars.
I received a digital ARC from Penguin Teen through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
As Jade begins to seethe with anger and disbelief, she can’t help but envision Lainey’s murder — a poisoning, a fall off the ship, shoving her off her dad’s penthouse… That is until Lainey has gone missing and there’s lots and lots of blood everywhere in her room. And guess who is suspect?
Lying in the Deep is a suspenseful locked room mystery. While I did enjoy the novel, I didn’t find it as engaging as the author’s previous work, These Deadly Games.
The main character, Jade was a little too over-the-top with her woe-is-me drama. So that took away from the suspense. The other characters rounded out the story and balanced the instability of the main character. I did like a few of the other characters for their spunk and quirkiness.
The plot is a whodunit mystery with a cruise ship venue. I found this aspect of the story intriguing as I got to cruise and sightsee foreign countries vicariously through the main character.
There were a few plot twists. But nothing earth shattering. Though I did find the ending a little surprising and strange.
I don’t consider Lying in the Deep to be Urban’s worst novel, but it’s not her best in my opinion. Four stars.
I received a digital ARC from Penguin Teen through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 25, 2023
I enjoyed this action packed thriller quite a bit. I thought the story was overall good with some great twists at the end. I did think the beginning dragged a bit for me and felt more like high school drama than the college kids it was about, but once the mystery really got going I was definitely sucked in. Jade has been doing to do Semester at Sea since she heard about it and the timing is perfect since her boyfriend dumped her suddenly for her best friend both of whom have iced her out since. So she was shocked to discover them both in line when she waiting to get on the ship. Despite her hurt she is determined to figure out what happened even when things start happening and people start dying. She is determined to figure out what happened since so many people seem to believe it must have been her, so she and her new crush run around the ship trying to figure out what happened on a ship they are stuck on with a killer. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for the ending.
May 24, 2023
Book: and the youths were getting high
Me: cool totally weed
Book: yeah it was meth
Me: …
Book: …
Me: …
Book: literally so much meth
Me: 🫢
**SPOILERS**
Lol what did I just read?? I’m done with YA thrillers being set in very fun locales with crimes that ultimately have nothing to do with the fun locales 😒 I really wish people wouldn’t have said this was based on Death on the Nile because if you know what happens there…IT’S KINDA OBVIOUS WHODUNNIT. There were a few twists but mostly I was unsurprised. The pacing was wild the first half was multiple days but the last half is like all one day. The relationship was even wilder.
Me: cool totally weed
Book: yeah it was meth
Me: …
Book: …
Me: …
Book: literally so much meth
Me: 🫢
**SPOILERS**
Lol what did I just read?? I’m done with YA thrillers being set in very fun locales with crimes that ultimately have nothing to do with the fun locales 😒 I really wish people wouldn’t have said this was based on Death on the Nile because if you know what happens there…IT’S KINDA OBVIOUS WHODUNNIT. There were a few twists but mostly I was unsurprised. The pacing was wild the first half was multiple days but the last half is like all one day. The relationship was even wilder.
April 10, 2023
I enjoyed reading Lying in the deep by Diana Urban. The book was an action packed whodunit, isolated young adult thriller. Jade decides to join Campus on board for a semester at sea to get away from everyone after her boyfriend, Silas and her best friend, Lainey, betray her and get together. But while waiting in line, Jade spots Lainey and Silas also boarding the boat. Instead of getting distance from the situation, she is stuck on a boat with them. It's going to be a ride to remember!
I feel the book didn't need to be as long as it was, sometimes the story dragged and I lost interest in the book at times. There were many twists and turns but it was pretty predictable until the ending, which took me by surprise.
I liked the writing style and how Diana Urban developed her characters. They were very well fleshed out. I plan on reading more books from this author as I do enjoy her writing.
I feel the book didn't need to be as long as it was, sometimes the story dragged and I lost interest in the book at times. There were many twists and turns but it was pretty predictable until the ending, which took me by surprise.
I liked the writing style and how Diana Urban developed her characters. They were very well fleshed out. I plan on reading more books from this author as I do enjoy her writing.
April 27, 2023
Jade goes on a a campus at sea cruise after being jilted by her boyfriend and betrayed by her best friend. A murder occurs and everyone has something to hide. This was full of twists and turns around every corner and I couldn’t hardly put the book down. Thanks NetGalley and Penguin Group-Penguin For Young Readers Group for this ARC that will be published May 2, 2023!
May 18, 2023
Actual rating 2.5/5 stars.
Jade lost her boyfriend and best friend to each other and after an excruciating summer of watching them build their perfect life together on social media she is ready to escape and start working on her own. The Campus on Board shop allows her to study whilst visiting 11 countries in 4 months but when she arrives on her first day, however, the two figures she was least hopeful to see seem to have followed her there. It isn't just their presence that ruins her time on board though, it is the murders that soon start occurring.
This had a vast cast of intriguing characters and I thought the author did a great job of imbuing them all with an unique personality and back-story. I really liked how all were constructed and this element, despite the trajectory of the storyline not being suited to my literary tastes, would see me return to this author's work in the future.
Another element that drew me to this book was the at-sea setting and I really wished this had been given more page-time. I thought it such a unique creation and would have loved to see the mechanics of how it actually functioned, rather than just seeing the characters explore various landmarks across the globe. I did like these travel element but I had anticipated more of a darkly academic vibe to be present throughout.
The bones of the story, however, were too initially drama-filled and later crazily convoluted for me, personally. I like how the author centred this story around one of Agatha Christie's infamous murder mysteries but it ensured I guessed the final reveals far too soon and found no joy in being proven correct at the fast-paced conclusion.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Diana Urban, and the publisher, Razorbill, for this opportunity.
Jade lost her boyfriend and best friend to each other and after an excruciating summer of watching them build their perfect life together on social media she is ready to escape and start working on her own. The Campus on Board shop allows her to study whilst visiting 11 countries in 4 months but when she arrives on her first day, however, the two figures she was least hopeful to see seem to have followed her there. It isn't just their presence that ruins her time on board though, it is the murders that soon start occurring.
This had a vast cast of intriguing characters and I thought the author did a great job of imbuing them all with an unique personality and back-story. I really liked how all were constructed and this element, despite the trajectory of the storyline not being suited to my literary tastes, would see me return to this author's work in the future.
Another element that drew me to this book was the at-sea setting and I really wished this had been given more page-time. I thought it such a unique creation and would have loved to see the mechanics of how it actually functioned, rather than just seeing the characters explore various landmarks across the globe. I did like these travel element but I had anticipated more of a darkly academic vibe to be present throughout.
The bones of the story, however, were too initially drama-filled and later crazily convoluted for me, personally. I like how the author centred this story around one of Agatha Christie's infamous murder mysteries but it ensured I guessed the final reveals far too soon and found no joy in being proven correct at the fast-paced conclusion.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Diana Urban, and the publisher, Razorbill, for this opportunity.
August 23, 2023
I was initially draw to Lying In the Deep by Diana Urban because of the books fabulous cover (yes- I judge a book by its cover!). I love the bloody handprint on the porthole window. I swear I can see a tiny heart in it too!
The plot then also lured me right in. I love cruises and travel, so the premise of a murder on a ‘campus on board’ ship Reeled me right in. Who hasn’t wanted to do a semester at Sea? Earning colleges credits while traveling the world sound like a dream. But could this dream turn into a nightmare when people on board start dying??
Once I started reading I realized this was going to be a slow book. Which is not want you want in a thriller. It starts with a lot of action but then slowed way way way down. I stuck with it though and all in all it wasn’t terrible. But I had expected more. I wanted this to be 371 pages of action thrills and chills. But it was about 50 pages of what I wanted and 320 pages of fluff. The plot was good, but there was a lot of unnecessary story in it. I did like the characters and the little love story. I was floored by the ending of the book and the last words on the last page- it was a mic drop moment “Betrayal can make you do ridiculous things.”
I hope to read more books by Urban in the future, because I think her writing style is very enjoyable. But this one just wants the 5 star YA jaw dropping thriller I was hoping for.
The plot then also lured me right in. I love cruises and travel, so the premise of a murder on a ‘campus on board’ ship Reeled me right in. Who hasn’t wanted to do a semester at Sea? Earning colleges credits while traveling the world sound like a dream. But could this dream turn into a nightmare when people on board start dying??
Once I started reading I realized this was going to be a slow book. Which is not want you want in a thriller. It starts with a lot of action but then slowed way way way down. I stuck with it though and all in all it wasn’t terrible. But I had expected more. I wanted this to be 371 pages of action thrills and chills. But it was about 50 pages of what I wanted and 320 pages of fluff. The plot was good, but there was a lot of unnecessary story in it. I did like the characters and the little love story. I was floored by the ending of the book and the last words on the last page- it was a mic drop moment “Betrayal can make you do ridiculous things.”
I hope to read more books by Urban in the future, because I think her writing style is very enjoyable. But this one just wants the 5 star YA jaw dropping thriller I was hoping for.
April 29, 2023
3.5 Stars
A whodunnit mystery but on a cruise!
This was a quick and easy read. If you're a fan of YA mystery, you will most likely enjoy this.
I like the mystery aspect of the storyline and all the twists, but I didn't care for all the teen drama and angst. The characters came off like high schoolers instead of college kids.
Overall, a good YA mystery if you don't mind the high school drama.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Briar Boleyn, and Starwater Press for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
A whodunnit mystery but on a cruise!
This was a quick and easy read. If you're a fan of YA mystery, you will most likely enjoy this.
I like the mystery aspect of the storyline and all the twists, but I didn't care for all the teen drama and angst. The characters came off like high schoolers instead of college kids.
Overall, a good YA mystery if you don't mind the high school drama.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Briar Boleyn, and Starwater Press for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
November 11, 2023
Too aggressive on the YA tone for me. The main characters POV was oh so close to being "annoying to the point of no return"!
December 17, 2024
I’ll be honest, this book started off really strong. Held my attention, was interesting, made sense. But by about the halfway point, this book took a turn for the worst. Dont even bring up the ending to me, it was so bad i’m actually mad i wasted hours listening to the audiobook.
It’s a murder mystery! So of course there’s gonna be a mystery! But that mystery? Stupid. I swear, Jade might just be the densest FMC i’ve had to endure in a while. Felix and Jade’s “investigation” was literally just pointing the finger at random people until she managed to get lucky.
This book was also very unrealistic! You’re telling me, there’s a girl missing and suitcases weren’t checked as they were leaving? The unbelievable mess of it took me out the story and i was never brought back in.
Despite it all, it was entertaining so I’m gonna rate it 3 stars. However, if you’re looking for a GOOD murder mystery, i would NOT suggest this one
It’s a murder mystery! So of course there’s gonna be a mystery! But that mystery? Stupid. I swear, Jade might just be the densest FMC i’ve had to endure in a while. Felix and Jade’s “investigation” was literally just pointing the finger at random people until she managed to get lucky.
This book was also very unrealistic! You’re telling me, there’s a girl missing and suitcases weren’t checked as they were leaving? The unbelievable mess of it took me out the story and i was never brought back in.
Despite it all, it was entertaining so I’m gonna rate it 3 stars. However, if you’re looking for a GOOD murder mystery, i would NOT suggest this one
March 20, 2023
Lying In The Deep is a locked room (ship) YA mystery that appeals to all ages of readers. I think the only reason it is YA is because the characters are teens. But as a 40 year old mom, I’m ok reading about teens getting into trouble and experiencing life on the sea! The story was packed with mystery, and kept me guessing right to the end. With so many characters at play, suspicion was with everyone and I couldn’t pin down the actual villain. I love it when that happens.
It’s not all about the whodunit aspect of the book. I was into the drama of the breakups, ghosting, competition and friendships of the kids on the boat. It’s very much like a college campus setting, but on a boat, lol. Which is better, because they can’t run and rules are different on the open water. Also, if you’re going to off someone, doing it on a boat is the best place. So many miles of ocean will hide a body for a while, and there’s no clean up!! Win!
I really enjoyed this book. It sucked me in quickly, and never let up. I finished it in two sittings, and I immediately had to discuss it with my teen ( who doesn’t read at all, so I was basically trying to sell her on it). I recommend high-school libraries grabbing this one for their mystery loving kids.
November 27, 2022
Thank you Diana and publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for my honest review.
wow. just wow. in order not to spoil the book for everyone, I will be giving snapshots of what happened.
The characters and my feelings
- Lainey: I felt that she was really mean to Jade, and I wonder if there is a reason...
- Jade: The main character. A lot of self-pitying on her end for the first few chapters, looks like the victim, but is it the case?
- Felix: Your next-door neighbour, partner-in-crime, but maybe a prime suspect?
- Silas: You cheated on Jade, and went fot another. Maybe you went overboard?
Questions, questions, questions.
Shocking answers.
wow. just wow. in order not to spoil the book for everyone, I will be giving snapshots of what happened.
The characters and my feelings
- Lainey: I felt that she was really mean to Jade, and I wonder if there is a reason...
- Jade: The main character. A lot of self-pitying on her end for the first few chapters, looks like the victim, but is it the case?
- Felix: Your next-door neighbour, partner-in-crime, but maybe a prime suspect?
- Silas: You cheated on Jade, and went fot another. Maybe you went overboard?
Questions, questions, questions.
Shocking answers.
May 30, 2023
Rating ~2.5
I was teetering between giving this book two or three stars but ultimately rounded up to three because while this book was far from perfect I was entertained for most of it.
I will say if you're looking for a main lead who is very smart and intuitive, and who conducts a logical investigation, then look elsewhere because our MC, Jade, is a hot mess. She is very emotionally led.
Now I will also say that if there is one thing I've learned from watching soap operas growing up, it's that if there isn't a body then chances are nothing is as it seems. That was most certainly the case here.
In the romance department, I just found it so...cheesy? Unbelievable? Probably a mix of both. It all happened so quickly and felt so unnecessary. And while I know some people are fast burners I never really felt anything much for Jade and Felix. They're just two conventionally attractive teens that the author was trying to convince me were in love with each other. But meh...
With all my criticisms, one might wonder why I even enjoyed this book. Well, I enjoyed it the same way I enjoy cheesy Disney Channel-esque YA Netflix movies. They are all predictable. Deep down you know how things are going to end, but you stick around to see the little flourishes added in. You stick around to see if your theories prove to be correct. And I will admit there were a few twists I did not see coming, so that was fun.
This was kind of like playing a game of Clue. It's not the best board game out there. But it is a fun and easy enough way to pass the time.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Razorbill Books for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
I was teetering between giving this book two or three stars but ultimately rounded up to three because while this book was far from perfect I was entertained for most of it.
I will say if you're looking for a main lead who is very smart and intuitive, and who conducts a logical investigation, then look elsewhere because our MC, Jade, is a hot mess. She is very emotionally led.
Now I will also say that if there is one thing I've learned from watching soap operas growing up, it's that if there isn't a body then chances are nothing is as it seems. That was most certainly the case here.
In the romance department, I just found it so...cheesy? Unbelievable? Probably a mix of both. It all happened so quickly and felt so unnecessary. And while I know some people are fast burners I never really felt anything much for Jade and Felix. They're just two conventionally attractive teens that the author was trying to convince me were in love with each other. But meh...
With all my criticisms, one might wonder why I even enjoyed this book. Well, I enjoyed it the same way I enjoy cheesy Disney Channel-esque YA Netflix movies. They are all predictable. Deep down you know how things are going to end, but you stick around to see the little flourishes added in. You stick around to see if your theories prove to be correct. And I will admit there were a few twists I did not see coming, so that was fun.
This was kind of like playing a game of Clue. It's not the best board game out there. But it is a fun and easy enough way to pass the time.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Razorbill Books for sharing this digital ARC with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
August 12, 2024
Overall Rating : C+
"That spoiled shelfish brat got exactly what she deserved."
After being dumped by her boyfriend for her best friend, down and out Jade is looking forward to her cruise - paid for by the school of course. But when she sees them coming aboard as well, looking happy and in love, she knows it's gonna take all what's in her to get through it. But, when her ex-friend Lainey goes missing, and then people start getting murdered, she'll do whatever it takes to figure out what's going on - and make sure she's not found guilty in the process.
Started out pretty entertaining but lost quality fast as soon as Jade started to "investigate", if you could even call it that. Twist was pretty lame and so far out there it's no wonder they were in the middle of the ocean. I was also definitely judging everybody in this story since they all were a bunch of backstabbing b*tches. Most of it was just excuse after excuse on why the people there - Jade included - were or had to be pieces of sh*t. It got really repetitive after awhile to the point I just didn't care about any of them.
Really, the only take I got from this is don't go on cruises, especially if you see your ex-boyfriend, and ex-best friend tag along.
"That spoiled shelfish brat got exactly what she deserved."
After being dumped by her boyfriend for her best friend, down and out Jade is looking forward to her cruise - paid for by the school of course. But when she sees them coming aboard as well, looking happy and in love, she knows it's gonna take all what's in her to get through it. But, when her ex-friend Lainey goes missing, and then people start getting murdered, she'll do whatever it takes to figure out what's going on - and make sure she's not found guilty in the process.
Started out pretty entertaining but lost quality fast as soon as Jade started to "investigate", if you could even call it that. Twist was pretty lame and so far out there it's no wonder they were in the middle of the ocean. I was also definitely judging everybody in this story since they all were a bunch of backstabbing b*tches. Most of it was just excuse after excuse on why the people there - Jade included - were or had to be pieces of sh*t. It got really repetitive after awhile to the point I just didn't care about any of them.
Really, the only take I got from this is don't go on cruises, especially if you see your ex-boyfriend, and ex-best friend tag along.
August 10, 2025
4.25 🌟
This is a perfect example of a guilty pleasure read to me.
I was worried going in that it would be too immature or that the characters would feel and act like high schoolers. While they sometimes did, I didn’t find this to be unrealistic for their stage in life.
I think the plot was really intriguing. It kept me very interested and I couldn’t wait to get to the reveal. It had some solid twists. However, to truly enjoy this book; as with most guilty pleasure reads, you have to suspend reality. If you are expecting a masterpiece out of this you’ll will be disappointed. But it’s good fun and full of juicy old fashioned reality tv type drama perfect for an escape. Were there issues with the plot? Yes. Were some things unrealistic? Yup. Did I enjoy the book? You bet.
This is a perfect example of a guilty pleasure read to me.
I was worried going in that it would be too immature or that the characters would feel and act like high schoolers. While they sometimes did, I didn’t find this to be unrealistic for their stage in life.
I think the plot was really intriguing. It kept me very interested and I couldn’t wait to get to the reveal. It had some solid twists. However, to truly enjoy this book; as with most guilty pleasure reads, you have to suspend reality. If you are expecting a masterpiece out of this you’ll will be disappointed. But it’s good fun and full of juicy old fashioned reality tv type drama perfect for an escape. Were there issues with the plot? Yes. Were some things unrealistic? Yup. Did I enjoy the book? You bet.
April 20, 2025
2.25 ⭐️
Nothing really happened in the first half of the book, so it was hard to get into this one. I didn’t like the characters and the mystery was just not that exciting. All the revelation stuff at the end redeemed it slightly, but maybe my relief of finishing the book added to that 😬
Nothing really happened in the first half of the book, so it was hard to get into this one. I didn’t like the characters and the mystery was just not that exciting. All the revelation stuff at the end redeemed it slightly, but maybe my relief of finishing the book added to that 😬
April 24, 2023
Thank you to Razorbill Books and Diana Urban for my copy of this book. The premise caught my eye right away because I love cruising! It was about Jade, a girl who wants to get away from everything back at home by spending a college semester at sea. She is ready to travel the world, get college credit, and forget all about her ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. Of course that is hard to do when they both show up on the ship, and Jade can’t get over it. Then after a wild night, a dead body is found, and the students begin to realize they may be trapped on board with a killer.
Thoughts: This was such a fun YA book. Normally I’m not a fan, but I loved the idea of a semester at sea and the plot felt fun and unique. It was a fun locked room mystery with lots of over the top suspects to choose from. It was a strange book because the storyline was very straightforward with many random things thrown in. The character of Jade was way over the top, and I found it really hard to believe her thoughts and motivations.
The book was a slow burn, but it did keep my interest. I know that fans of YA will love this book, even if it was a bit over-explained and spelled out for the reader. Also, the ending was TOTALLY random. LIKE WHAT. WHY. FOR WHAT REASON. There were a few too many plot holes and a kinda random choice that made me question why I read a whole book for it to end this way but it’s okay…still fun and entertaining- 3.5 stars!
Thoughts: This was such a fun YA book. Normally I’m not a fan, but I loved the idea of a semester at sea and the plot felt fun and unique. It was a fun locked room mystery with lots of over the top suspects to choose from. It was a strange book because the storyline was very straightforward with many random things thrown in. The character of Jade was way over the top, and I found it really hard to believe her thoughts and motivations.
The book was a slow burn, but it did keep my interest. I know that fans of YA will love this book, even if it was a bit over-explained and spelled out for the reader. Also, the ending was TOTALLY random. LIKE WHAT. WHY. FOR WHAT REASON. There were a few too many plot holes and a kinda random choice that made me question why I read a whole book for it to end this way but it’s okay…still fun and entertaining- 3.5 stars!
July 2, 2023
Death on the Nile starring annoying teenagers. 😩 this is so random, but i actually literally picked this book up because i saw a TikTok from Steph Bohrer documenting her on a cruise with her best friend (video link). it had me wanting to read a book with similar setting. unfortunately, there was nothing i enjoyed in this book. i didnt care for the characters. theyre in college, but to me they read as very immature & whiny. i aslo didnt care about the mystery. the concept of Semester at Sea/Campus on Board was interesting, but i feel like it wasnt rlly explored. 🤷♀️
(read as an audiobook)
(read as an audiobook)
June 16, 2023
Book Rating: 3/5
Audiobook Rating: 5/5
Having only read one other novel by Diana Urban, I would still call her one of my favorite YA authors, and I was really excited to listen to the audio of Lying in the Deep. The audiobook itself was stellar thanks to Brittany Pressley who just so happens to be one of my top 5 favorite narrators and even though the storyline is focused on college-aged characters, she was just the person to pull it off. I loved her narration for our MC Jade and would definitely recommend listening to this as the preferred method. I picked it up based on the author, but I also loved the premise of a bunch of people dropping like flies on a cruise ship. I had no idea until after I finished that Urban was inspired by Death on the Nile and it made me kick myself a little since I haven't read that yet.
While I LOVED These Deadly Games, I had a few issues with Lying in the Deep. The biggest things for me were that it felt like it took half the book just for something to actually happen, and the characters felt more like high schoolers than college students. They were mostly incredibly whiny and entitled, and it made me not like them very much. I did enjoy the super crazy twist at the end (which I didn't see coming btw), and once the action started it was pretty much consistent through to the end. Even once it picked up though, it felt to me like the plot could have been told in more like 300 (give or take) pages as opposed to 371 of them. It felt too dragged out which in turn made parts really slow and ultimately brought my enjoyment down. ALSO! It is mentioned that characters do... Meth?! Like how random is that? Just no. Anyway, I do think I am in the minority so if you think this sounds good I would most def give it a try since there are lots of great reviews. Meanwhile, I will be over here waiting for the next book from this author!
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Audiobook Rating: 5/5
Having only read one other novel by Diana Urban, I would still call her one of my favorite YA authors, and I was really excited to listen to the audio of Lying in the Deep. The audiobook itself was stellar thanks to Brittany Pressley who just so happens to be one of my top 5 favorite narrators and even though the storyline is focused on college-aged characters, she was just the person to pull it off. I loved her narration for our MC Jade and would definitely recommend listening to this as the preferred method. I picked it up based on the author, but I also loved the premise of a bunch of people dropping like flies on a cruise ship. I had no idea until after I finished that Urban was inspired by Death on the Nile and it made me kick myself a little since I haven't read that yet.
While I LOVED These Deadly Games, I had a few issues with Lying in the Deep. The biggest things for me were that it felt like it took half the book just for something to actually happen, and the characters felt more like high schoolers than college students. They were mostly incredibly whiny and entitled, and it made me not like them very much. I did enjoy the super crazy twist at the end (which I didn't see coming btw), and once the action started it was pretty much consistent through to the end. Even once it picked up though, it felt to me like the plot could have been told in more like 300 (give or take) pages as opposed to 371 of them. It felt too dragged out which in turn made parts really slow and ultimately brought my enjoyment down. ALSO! It is mentioned that characters do... Meth?! Like how random is that? Just no. Anyway, I do think I am in the minority so if you think this sounds good I would most def give it a try since there are lots of great reviews. Meanwhile, I will be over here waiting for the next book from this author!
I received an advanced listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 2, 2025
♪ no body, no crime ♪
I liked this so much more than I expected. holy plot twists.
I liked this so much more than I expected. holy plot twists.
August 20, 2023
I've been really looking forward to this book and I'm glad it didn't disappoint. Cruise ship thrillers are definitely my thing, so it's no surprise this book worked for me, even though it could get a bit ridiculous at times.
But I didn't really take this book seriously from the start, I just wanted to have a good time, and so I did. I even enjoyed the teen angst that I wasn't expecting to find inside.
A few things I didn't like were how the mc was soooo hung up on her cheating ex, even when a much better option was clearly there and interested in her, and how the semester at sea thing wasn't really explored much other than "someone was in class", "this character was off doing homework" etc.
It was more about the characters' relationships and some of the locations they saw along the way, and of course the murders. I don't exactly mind this, but I personally find semesters at sea fascinating so I would've wanted that to be showcased a bit more.
I really liked the romance, when Jade actually allowed herself to forget Silas for a few minutes. She and Felix were cute, and I could feel the attraction there. I also wish we had an epilogue to see how that ended.
The audiobook was neat too, the narrator did a good job. There were a few times where Jade was kind of screeching, and the narrator did too and...that actually made the book for me, it was so funny.
I'll happily check out whatever Diana Urban puts out next.
But I didn't really take this book seriously from the start, I just wanted to have a good time, and so I did. I even enjoyed the teen angst that I wasn't expecting to find inside.
A few things I didn't like were how the mc was soooo hung up on her cheating ex, even when a much better option was clearly there and interested in her, and how the semester at sea thing wasn't really explored much other than "someone was in class", "this character was off doing homework" etc.
It was more about the characters' relationships and some of the locations they saw along the way, and of course the murders. I don't exactly mind this, but I personally find semesters at sea fascinating so I would've wanted that to be showcased a bit more.
I really liked the romance, when Jade actually allowed herself to forget Silas for a few minutes. She and Felix were cute, and I could feel the attraction there. I also wish we had an epilogue to see how that ended.
The audiobook was neat too, the narrator did a good job. There were a few times where Jade was kind of screeching, and the narrator did too and...that actually made the book for me, it was so funny.
I'll happily check out whatever Diana Urban puts out next.
May 7, 2023
Summary of review: my favorite part of the book was when I got to close it.
Welcome aboard! Let's throw character development and interesting plots in the belly of the ship and use cheesy tropes and a bad boy to lure you on deck! Hopefully, you'll have such a good time, you can ignore what is being left out.
This book is so cheesy. Generally, I find a lot of books cheesy, but that doesn't mean I can't have a good time. Lying in the Deep is heavily dependent on tropes and comical caricatures of teenagers to keep you reading.
Our characters are text-book cardboard with single-trait personalities. Felix, the bad boy; Miguel, the Instagram star; Lainey, the b*tchy ex-best friend; and Jade, our sweet but sassy main character. These are just some of the characters that made up our main cast. Since they are spending a college semester aboard, I was expecting it to be a little more mature in dialogue. Yet, no college-age kids talk like our characters do (proof of point: IM a college-age kid). The book is filled with a lot of stilted dialogue and awkward one-liners that were supposed to be funny. I do not have a problem with large casts of characters, but when not a single one of them is interesting, I get lost and confused. All of the relationships between them are so shallow you wouldn't dare to dive into them. Since meeting the characters is the first 15% of the book, I had a bad feeling just after that section alone.
The mystery is badly written. In an effort to not make the culprit obvious, the author gives a bunch of red herrings that are incredibly obvious. Jade is, unfortunately, quite dumb and doesn't pick up on any clues until the end, when she is trapped with the murderer. Instead of fighting like hell to get free, she decides to let the murderer explain themself. Absolutely ludicrous. As silly as that is, it gets even worse. The murderer twists the plot on its head in an unending dialogue that is made up of "that's what you think happened, but really I...." It was a valiant effort to save a mystery, but it just made me laughthrough the pain.
Warning: do not board this book boat. There is a 90% chance of boredom.
This is the second arc of a cruise mystery I have gotten, and I will never request one again
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Welcome aboard! Let's throw character development and interesting plots in the belly of the ship and use cheesy tropes and a bad boy to lure you on deck! Hopefully, you'll have such a good time, you can ignore what is being left out.
This book is so cheesy. Generally, I find a lot of books cheesy, but that doesn't mean I can't have a good time. Lying in the Deep is heavily dependent on tropes and comical caricatures of teenagers to keep you reading.
Our characters are text-book cardboard with single-trait personalities. Felix, the bad boy; Miguel, the Instagram star; Lainey, the b*tchy ex-best friend; and Jade, our sweet but sassy main character. These are just some of the characters that made up our main cast. Since they are spending a college semester aboard, I was expecting it to be a little more mature in dialogue. Yet, no college-age kids talk like our characters do (proof of point: IM a college-age kid). The book is filled with a lot of stilted dialogue and awkward one-liners that were supposed to be funny. I do not have a problem with large casts of characters, but when not a single one of them is interesting, I get lost and confused. All of the relationships between them are so shallow you wouldn't dare to dive into them. Since meeting the characters is the first 15% of the book, I had a bad feeling just after that section alone.
The mystery is badly written. In an effort to not make the culprit obvious, the author gives a bunch of red herrings that are incredibly obvious. Jade is, unfortunately, quite dumb and doesn't pick up on any clues until the end, when she is trapped with the murderer. Instead of fighting like hell to get free, she decides to let the murderer explain themself. Absolutely ludicrous. As silly as that is, it gets even worse. The murderer twists the plot on its head in an unending dialogue that is made up of "that's what you think happened, but really I...." It was a valiant effort to save a mystery, but it just made me laugh
Warning: do not board this book boat. There is a 90% chance of boredom.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 17, 2025
Okay this one totallyyyy redeemed itself lol!! The first like half of the book was a total drag…Jade was honestly a horrible character! She was self centered, clearly mentally off, and why did she keep talking abt killing people!?! The twist was wildddd but so good! It was lowkey believable! lol. It totally reminded me of Ward and Sarah from OBX lol! I loved the setting of the semester at sea, that was totally unique! The characters def grew on me too! At first I didn’t love the twins, Felix seemed like a jerk, and Michel just didn’t feel right. But by the end I pretty much liked everyone! Except for Silas…but I didn’t like him all along lol. So yeah! I thought it was pretty good except for the minor pick me vibe lol!
April 28, 2023
This is a fun, fast-paced ya thriller that kept me on my toes. Jade is a bit of a drama queen, but who could help it after a horrible breakup. Jade's ex, Silas, left her for her best friend and both cut off all contact. Pretty depressing. But, when she sees that they are boarding the same overseas learning cruise, things start to fly off the handle, and Jade winds up looking suspicious.
I enjoyed this one. It's really a fun and quick read. I couldn't take Jade too seriously because she seemed a bit over the top at times. But, I wound up liking this!
Out May 2, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
I enjoyed this one. It's really a fun and quick read. I couldn't take Jade too seriously because she seemed a bit over the top at times. But, I wound up liking this!
Out May 2, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
April 30, 2023
"Maximally Twisty" is the Word du Jour for this engrossing YA Mystery/Psychological Thriller, new from author Diana Urban. (Release May 2)
Although the first few pages didn't compel me, in no time at all this twisted-up plot was off and running, and it was non-stop Suspense from there, and oh! What Suspense! I was constantly exclaiming "WHAT?" and "What just happened?" and "Oh no!!"
Let me give you another clue about the pace: this 384-page-book was an 8-hour read: that's all!
Although the first few pages didn't compel me, in no time at all this twisted-up plot was off and running, and it was non-stop Suspense from there, and oh! What Suspense! I was constantly exclaiming "WHAT?" and "What just happened?" and "Oh no!!"
Let me give you another clue about the pace: this 384-page-book was an 8-hour read: that's all!
July 30, 2023
This book lost me somewhere around the point a character admitted to smoking meth to be better at baseball.
April 26, 2023
Big thanks to Diana Urban, Penguin Group and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
3.5⭐️s
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Ending: 4/5
Basic Plot: girl goes on college experience on a cruise ship, runs into her ex-bff and ex-bf who got together and ghosted her, then ex-bff is no where to be found but blood is covering her room, girl is suspect
My Thoughts:
Okay so to begin with the MC, Jade, is VERY ANNOYING. We get it girl, your ex-bf hooked up with your BFF and they both block you - I would be upset too. But to start the book out with ways you would murder her is a bit much. I felt like this was more of a high-school aged girl and kept forgetting that no, Jade was in fact in college. Not saying that college girl drama is much better but to obsess over it like this felt like a high-schooler thing.
But once we got into the mystery itself, I was hooked. Missing girl and room covered in blood, ex-bf suddenly wants to talk to Jade and there's a new romance element involved too. Very dramatic and very bingeable. The plot kept me entertained throughout the story because of course, we want to know what happened to Lainey, and then suddenly others are getting murdered too?! Plus they are all stuck on a ship, hours from the nearest city. It was all very complicated and a bit over the top - but hey it's a mystery/thriller, we will let it slide.
Ending, while did take a bit of a turn, worked out for me overall. I was able to look back at the story and see where everything fit into place and I did miss the clues that would lead you to the answer. I did guess part of the plot but overall how it was done surprised me. THEN she throws that final TWIST in the end, and I was like Diana I love it.
Overall, this was a 3.5 star read for me. While I do highly recommend it for fans of teen murder mysteries - there were some things that bothered me about the writing. It just felt a little juvenile, even for a YA book. Then there were points where it just felt like the same thing was happening over and over and I was ready to be done. It definitely could have been a little shorter.
SPOILERS BELOW - read at your own risk!
- First off, Jade - you are over here pining for Silas and taking his side for EVERYTHING when HE was the one who supposedly DUMPED your ass over text. Why are you pissed at Lainey? Like I get it - but he was apart of it too. Why does every story like this end up with the girl never blaming the guy and blaming the girl? This was part of the reason why I still claim it felt like a high-school story not a college one.
- THEN Jade you are pining for Silas and feeling bad for fake dating Felix - but suddenly a switch flips and you are IN LOVE with him??!! This just didn't make sense to me at all and their little love proclamations at the end had me straight up EYE ROLLING. Again, high school level drama, not college.
- Don't even get me started on the METH angle.... I felt at this point it was like the author has never been around drugs at all but was like you know what... let's have them do METH. I don't know much about meth either but I feel like there are some stepping stones before that, that could of easily seemed just as bad that these kids were doing. Meth just seemed a little over the top. Why not just weed, or maybe some cocaine? Meth doesn't seem like something some college kids are just going to get into - but honestly, who knows. Weed or cocaine or even Adderall seems like drug of choice for most college people these days.
- Felix honestly seemed suspect the entire book and I just knew he had something to do with it. He was too adamant that Silas did it and wasn't able to look at anyone else. From the ending, I get the angle, but still it was too obvious. Silas as well was too suspicious. All of a sudden Lainey disappears and he's just ready to talk to Jade and act like nothing happened.
- I LOVED the ending where Lainey's dad (whoops forgot his name already - Damion or something) shows up and just shoots Silas. That came so far out of left field and I liked that it surprised me as much as it did. I still wanted a little more wrap-up in the end. Maybe an epilogue that let us know where Lainey was at, what happened with the pharmaceutical company and if indeed Jade and Felix ever reconnected.
3.5⭐️s
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Ending: 4/5
Basic Plot: girl goes on college experience on a cruise ship, runs into her ex-bff and ex-bf who got together and ghosted her, then ex-bff is no where to be found but blood is covering her room, girl is suspect
My Thoughts:
Okay so to begin with the MC, Jade, is VERY ANNOYING. We get it girl, your ex-bf hooked up with your BFF and they both block you - I would be upset too. But to start the book out with ways you would murder her is a bit much. I felt like this was more of a high-school aged girl and kept forgetting that no, Jade was in fact in college. Not saying that college girl drama is much better but to obsess over it like this felt like a high-schooler thing.
But once we got into the mystery itself, I was hooked. Missing girl and room covered in blood, ex-bf suddenly wants to talk to Jade and there's a new romance element involved too. Very dramatic and very bingeable. The plot kept me entertained throughout the story because of course, we want to know what happened to Lainey, and then suddenly others are getting murdered too?! Plus they are all stuck on a ship, hours from the nearest city. It was all very complicated and a bit over the top - but hey it's a mystery/thriller, we will let it slide.
Ending, while did take a bit of a turn, worked out for me overall. I was able to look back at the story and see where everything fit into place and I did miss the clues that would lead you to the answer. I did guess part of the plot but overall how it was done surprised me. THEN she throws that final TWIST in the end, and I was like Diana I love it.
Overall, this was a 3.5 star read for me. While I do highly recommend it for fans of teen murder mysteries - there were some things that bothered me about the writing. It just felt a little juvenile, even for a YA book. Then there were points where it just felt like the same thing was happening over and over and I was ready to be done. It definitely could have been a little shorter.
SPOILERS BELOW - read at your own risk!
- First off, Jade - you are over here pining for Silas and taking his side for EVERYTHING when HE was the one who supposedly DUMPED your ass over text. Why are you pissed at Lainey? Like I get it - but he was apart of it too. Why does every story like this end up with the girl never blaming the guy and blaming the girl? This was part of the reason why I still claim it felt like a high-school story not a college one.
- THEN Jade you are pining for Silas and feeling bad for fake dating Felix - but suddenly a switch flips and you are IN LOVE with him??!! This just didn't make sense to me at all and their little love proclamations at the end had me straight up EYE ROLLING. Again, high school level drama, not college.
- Don't even get me started on the METH angle.... I felt at this point it was like the author has never been around drugs at all but was like you know what... let's have them do METH. I don't know much about meth either but I feel like there are some stepping stones before that, that could of easily seemed just as bad that these kids were doing. Meth just seemed a little over the top. Why not just weed, or maybe some cocaine? Meth doesn't seem like something some college kids are just going to get into - but honestly, who knows. Weed or cocaine or even Adderall seems like drug of choice for most college people these days.
- Felix honestly seemed suspect the entire book and I just knew he had something to do with it. He was too adamant that Silas did it and wasn't able to look at anyone else. From the ending, I get the angle, but still it was too obvious. Silas as well was too suspicious. All of a sudden Lainey disappears and he's just ready to talk to Jade and act like nothing happened.
- I LOVED the ending where Lainey's dad (whoops forgot his name already - Damion or something) shows up and just shoots Silas. That came so far out of left field and I liked that it surprised me as much as it did. I still wanted a little more wrap-up in the end. Maybe an epilogue that let us know where Lainey was at, what happened with the pharmaceutical company and if indeed Jade and Felix ever reconnected.
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