Who's Killing the Serenity Cruise?: Old Guys Murder Mystery #7

Old Guys Murder Mystery #7

by Jon Spoelstra

This cruise has one thing none of the other super cruises a murder-for-hire countdown.

One passenger is marked for death—unless the cruise line pays one million dollars.

No one knows who the target is.

Or who the killer is.

Charlie North and Ben Tucker are on board to stop it.

Eight hundred passengers. Two hundred crew.

Sixteen days.

Nowhere to run.

From the Caribbean to the Panama Canal to the Baja coast, the clock is ticking.

The suspect list keeps growing. Some are obvious. Some are hiding in plain sight. And rumors of secret rooms aboard the Serenity turn the ship into a floating maze.

Charlie plans to catch the killer before time runs out.

He also plans to enjoy the buffet prepared by a world-famous chef.

Packed with sharp twists, tension, dry humor, and zero cursing, this is a fast, fun mystery featuring a hero who refuses to age quietly—or behave himself.

If you like clever mysteries with a mischievous edge, welcome aboard.

This is a fast read. Old guys don’t have the patience for a slow read.

WHAT READERS SAY

***** “It has a great cast of characters that one would love to have as friends.”

***** “Looking for something to make you laugh? This is it. It captures the joy of aging and the camaraderie of men. The mystery was okay, the fun was in getting there.”

***** “This was one of the most enjoyable books I have read in ages. It is funny throughout, but has really touched on real life. It has a great cast of characters that one would love to have as friends.”

***** “First of all, the main character is older and isn’t portrayed as a Superman. The anecdotes at the beginning of each chapter had me sharing most of them with my husband. And I must admit that out of the literally thousands of mysteries I have read, none have ended this way. Well done!”

***** “If you’re a senior who often reminisces about your younger days, you’ll love this book. It’s not always politically correct, but an honest take on what life was like before the internet.”

***** “Must reading for us old guys. A fast-paced, imaginative, and laugh-out-loud funny mystery. Lovable characters, especially Beach, the stray dog.”

***** “This book had me laughing several times while keeping me in the mystery going on. The old guys really won me over here. Enjoy!”

***** “I loved this book. Funny, irreverent, and surprising twists make for a great read. As an officially old person, I can relate!”

***** “Honesty chapter 12, that was a gut buster for me. I laugh whenever I think about it.
You will love this book; it is a mystery but sometimes funny.”

***** “I so enjoy these characters, they are smart, funny, and they take a murder mystery to a new level. I really enjoy the way this writer writes, there is wisdom there.”

***** “I’m in love with one of the old guys. I’m not telling which.”

“I was thinking of another book series to compare this to. The 1st that came to mind was the Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Both series feature old people as protagonists. Both are fun to read. Both are mostly cozy mysteries. The one element I like better in Spoelstra’s series is that the main characters are American with American humor.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Humor, Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

About the author

I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that ‘Take Out’ can mean food, dating, or murder.

Somewhere squishing around that thought, I write murder mysteries about old guys solving murders. If you’re under 40, you should pass on these novels. Wait at least ten years, then you’ll enjoy and appreciate them more.

If, however, you’re over 50, these mysteries might hit your sweet spot, well worth the try.

I’m a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, having written eleven novels and four non-fiction books. The Old Guys Murder Mystery series has been, by far, the most fun.

The Old Guys Murder Mystery books are fast reads. Old guys like things fast.

Happy reading,

Jon Spoelstra

Reviews

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Very Intriguing Mystery

I love Jon Spoelstra's books, they are always entertaining and never predictable. I've read all seven in the series and I hope there will be more. The characters are interesting and well developed. I love trying to solve the case, but never succeed. I think I enjoy that as much as waiting for Charlie and Ben to unravel all the clues and bring down the bad guys. Don't miss this amazing series and awesome author!

[Jeff Cochrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who’s Killing the Serenity Cruise?

This is a great series. The characters are developed well. The plots are interesting. The dialogue is well done. It’s nice to have the main characters be different from the usual ones. Charlie and Ben have aged well. They are mature and thinking adults. They use brains instead of brawn. Recommended

[Karen greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful series!

This is a wonderful series. It has mystery, murder, humor, romance, a great cast of characters, great writing and so much heart and soul. If these old gents were real I would love to be their best friend. What a bunch of gentile, fun loving characters! I cannot wait for the next in this series.

[Allen Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Terrific Series!
This series has been such an enjoyable one from the very beginning. I love the characters, the gentle humor and the excellent mysteries! As a certified "Old Guy", it's refreshing to see older characters cast in the leading roles. Well-written and fast-paced, these stories make for easy and engaging reading. Highly recommended!

[Erica Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another charming and entertaining book in the series. Thanks for the “ mature” characters. Brings a smile to my face as they are called upon to help solve crimes in their retirement years, without taking themselves too seriously. I have preordered book #8 in the series.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series quite a lot. All the usual characters are in this one as always. The chapters still begin with humorous jokes involving elderly people although I am noticing repeats that were in some of the earlier books too.
The storyline is interesting, entertaining and keeps you reading.

[Thomas Mihalchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging characters

The three main characters are all very engaging. You want to spend time with them. Being 72 myself, I enjoyed a book written for my age group. I wasn't talked down to. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

[dian renner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a new author! Now I absolutely have to go back and start with book one. Murders, secret rooms and passages and passengers who do not exist. Add to this friendships and funny and intelligent seniors make this a delightful read.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Dian Renner

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an "old gal" myself, I love this series. Looking forward to the next one!

[mark behm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book.

[Cindy M. Hoorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serenity cruise

Made me want to book a cruise again. Reminded me of past cruises , all but the missing persons parts

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downright enjoyable

The same formula, the same characters, but this murder and extortion takes place on the high seas and has some unexpected twists

[George Gall · Rating 4 out of 5]

nicely entertaining...