Book Review: A Matter of Life and Depths by K.B. Jackson (Cruising Sisters Mysteries #2)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: A different set up used well for character development

Cons: Takes a bit to know suspects; the minor subplot with the great-grandmother

The Bottom Line:

Mistress is onboard

Outstanding character growth

Creative setup

Charlotte Must Face Her Pain Head on

As you’ve figured out by now (since I talk about it quite a bit), I love to pair books with real life when I can. When I got a chance to take a cruise, it worked out perfectly for me since I was already planning to read A Matter of Life and Depths, the second cruising Sisters Mystery from K.B. Jackson. 

When this book picks up, Charlotte and her sister, Jane, have spent a few months living in the suite on the residential cruise ship Charlotte learned she owned after her husband died. Their latest destination in Japan, and it fits well for Charlotte, who is reading the diary left behind by her great-grandmother that details her time in that country. 

But what Charlotte didn’t expect to find is that Kyrie Dawn and her toddler son, Quinton, are on board. Kyrie Dawn was her late husband’s mistress and Quinton was their son. Kyrie Dawn has returned to the ship to become the new yoga instructor. Charlotte isn’t happy with this latest development, needless to say. 

And then a murder happens. And Charlotte finds herself getting involved in the investigation for a reason she never would have guessed. Can she figure out what happened?

Now, let’s be honest - I’ve read books where you see “husband’s mistress” and “murder mystery,” and you can guess the set up. I’ve read that plot before and enjoyed it. But that’s not what we get here, and I loved the book for that. It really did allow Charlotte a chance to grow, and that growth was fantastic. Maybe a little unrealistic, but I am more than willing to let that pass because I like it. The story also allowed us some growth in other characters as well. 

I will say the core group of suspects took a little bit of time to distinguish themselves in my mind. Once again, they were introduced in a group, and that always makes it hard. But as the book went along, we got to know them better, and those problems went away for me. This was how the first book worked for me as well, so I wasn’t super surprised.

And the mystery itself? There were some good twists and red herrings along the way to the logical climax. 

I will say I didn’t quite follow what was happening with the great-grandmother in the diary Charlotte was reading. I get what the author was aiming for theme wise, but I feel like that could have been left out and the story would have been stronger for it. But that’s a minor point since this is a very minor subplot.

While I wouldn’t call this a humorous cozy, there were some absolutely great lines and moments that made me laugh as I read. And the setting is fantastic. 

All told, I did enjoy Charlotte and Jane’s second mystery. If you are looking for something that breaks the mold, you’ll be glad you picked up A Matter of Life and Depths. 

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.