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It’s the perfect setting for a romantic getaway at sea: Caribbean breezes, clear blue skies, passionate nights, and murder? Not exactly what Detective Charlie McClung and Marian had in mind for their honeymoon. When one of their fellow passengers is murdered on her 35th wedding anniversary, Charlie and Marian get pulled into the investigation. Who would want to kill poor Tammy Ferguson in such a brutal way? As Charlie uncovers more sordid details about Tammy and her husband, Peter, it becomes clear that someone else has found the same skeletons in the Ferguson’s closet and Tammy has paid the price. Is Peter next?

Trapped on the ship with an insidious killer, shadows seem more ominous and even the most innocent faces seem sinister. Has Charlie inadvertently put Marian in harm’s way? How long does Charlie have before the hunter becomes the hunted?

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2015

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About the author

Mary Anne Edwards

12 books370 followers
Born in Mercedes, Texas, Mary Anne has lived in Georgia most of her life. A lifelong fan of authors such as Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Caroline Graham, and Elizabeth Peters, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Mary Anne listened to the voices in her head and wrote her own series of traditional mysteries featuring Detective Charlie McClung.

Mary Anne is working on book nine, Somewhere Under Heaven, and a cookbook inspired by the series.

Although Mary Anne is middle-aged and approaching old age, she believes you are as old as you act. The main female protagonist in the Charlie McClung Mysteries is an interesting snapshot of the author's sensibilities.

Mary Anne and her husband live in Canton, GA, with an ill-tempered tuxedo cat named Gertrude. Mary Anne volunteers at MUST Ministries.

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5 stars
30 (73%)
4 stars
8 (19%)
3 stars
2 (4%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Brian.
315 reviews18 followers
June 3, 2016
I am hooked on Charlie McClung and his wife Marian, who together form the envious team of not only happy newlyweds but as an outstanding duo of detectives. Charlie is a straight forward Police Detective but his wife is not a Police Officer of any kind but is well read reader of detective novels and has sharp, analytical mind. Together, they are a team you don't want to cross.

Charlie and Marian are on their honeymoon cruise when a mysterious murder occurs. The ship's Security Chief asks Charlie for help and he agrees to let Charlie run the investigation because Charlie has the knowledge and skills he lacks.

Once the investigation begins, Author Edwards takes on a wide ride beyond whodunit and into the world of personal intrigue, relationships, checkered pasts, and conflict.

This is a word for word copy of my Amazon review:

Author Edwards' writing is truly amazing. I did not have a clue who murdered the victim, or why, until the very end. And the method of murder
was something to behold. How the author thought of this is beyond me except to say she has a devious mind.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little romance, a little sex(not vividly written and very PG.),loves whodunits. and enjoys to fall into a grand book.

I have attached a screen shot from my reader of this book because I won it on Facebook and is not listed as an amazon purchase.
Profile Image for Melissa Burcham.
240 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2016
I was asked for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.

CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS

Another good crime novel from Mary Anne Edwards. I love her Charlie McClung novels. I couldn't put the book down. I anxiously turned pages to find out who dun it. The murder weapon in this book was amazing. I mean, who would have thought of that?! This book did end in some what of a cliff hanger with unanswered questions. I cant wait for the next book to find out what happens next.

Marian and Charlie are on a 10 day honeymoon cruise. What a better way to celebrate their nuptials?! That is until someone ends up dead. Murdered? What the killer didn't anticipate was the fact that there was a detective and medical examiner on board. Who killed a woman that didn't seem to have any enemies? How? Why?

I can't wait for the next Charlie McClung novel. Mary Anne Edwards is a very good crime, suspense author and I look forward to reading more of her work. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 30 books88 followers
May 29, 2016
Book: Criminal Kind (The Charlie McClung Mysteries #3)
Author: Mary Anne Edwards
Publication Date: 6/30/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

*May contain spoilers *

Marian and Charlie are on their honeymoon. They are taking a beautiful cruise but everything they encounter is far from beautiful.
And little did Charlie know his good friend and medical examiner Jack is on this cruise with his sister.
A couple is renewing their vows after 30+ years and after that it all goes to hell in a hand basket.
I have to say I think this is my favorite of this series. If you love a good mystery / murder story, I would highly suggest this series. I think they can be stand-alone but I would start with book one.

I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Mary Anne Edwards
Profile Image for Angie Dokos.
Author 3 books224 followers
May 30, 2016
Loved it. I have enjoyed all Mary Anne Edwards' books.
Profile Image for Jenn Sut.
547 reviews32 followers
June 21, 2016
Criminal Kind
By Mary Anne Edwards

Charlie McClung and his new wife Marian are on a cruise on their honeymoon when another mystery develops. The book just begins when a woman is found dead in her cabin. She was celebrating her wedding anniversary and is believed to have died from an allergic reaction. Good thing Detective McClung is on the ship as well as Watson, a medical coroner. They will get to the bottom of the mystery.

This is the third book in the Charlie McClung Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading all of them in order as you get to see Charlie and Marian's relationship evolve. Also they are all entertaining reads. This is my favorite McClung book so far. They just keep getting better. The writing is descriptive and allows me to picture everything. The characters are strong. I adore Marian. She is strong, fun, and persistent. I am hooked on this series and can't wait for the next one.
89 reviews
January 28, 2016

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.


This is book three in a series I have enjoyed completely. This book can be read as a stand alone but you will miss out on the development of the characters if you don't read the first two books.

These books are very well written and I have been glad to read every word!! I'm not usually into detective type novels but this series of stories has been a pleasure to read. Once I read the first two, I knew I had to have book three!

The author has put you right into the story so that you feel what the characters do and have you trying to figure out who the criminal is. Mary Anne Edwards has done a fantastic job with this series and I look forward to reading more from her!

Profile Image for Lorraine.
487 reviews43 followers
June 18, 2016
I felt like I was holidaying with some good friends in the third book in the series. I joined Charlie and Marian, on their honeymoon cruise, which included an unexpected, and mysterious death.

Marian and Charlie are well-developed characters and there is a wonderful chemistry between them.

The murder 'weapon' in this story was quite creative and well thought out.

I had no idea who the murderer was this time, or their motive, until near the end.

These books could be read as a stand-alone mystery because you are not left hanging, but you would miss seeing how Charlie & Marian's relationship has evolved since the start of the first book, and also the developing mystery of the paper hearts.





Profile Image for Mary.
483 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2015
WOW Mary Anne Edwards starts this one right off with a Bang! Right away we are thrown into a murder mystery. A story spun that grips you in the beginning and keeps you till the end. What a way to spend a honeymoon lol. Charlie and Marian just got married and are on a cruise when they are thrown into the middle of a murder that looked to be accidental. Of course being Charlie and Marian, they will do every thing they can to help. Jack is also back, what a coincidence to be on the same cruise. Some one is following Marian and Charlie does not want there to be a third time. Wow what will happen? Read this book, I highly recommend it. I loved it.
Profile Image for Jane Firebaugh.
Author 6 books102 followers
August 28, 2015
I won a copy of this book in a contest. It's the first of Mary Anne Edwards' books that I have read, and I am so happy to have discovered her work! The book kept me engaged from the beginning, and even though it was not the first book in the series, I wasn't struggling to figure out the characters. Everything was well explained without being too overboard for someone who had read the other books first. The plot was beautifully thought out and kept me trying to guess "whodunit" right to the very end. Well Done! I highly recommend this book to all lovers of cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Jeanine Walsh palinkas.
262 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2015
Oh how I love Charlie and Marian!!!! Mary Anne Edwards' writing style, grasp of detail and terminologies brought a smile to my face quite often in this series. I love her flair for old school simplicity. No mention of cell phones, texting, and vanilla romance scenes was quite refreshing in this day and age. Charlie.... Well, he's just "dreamy" for lack of a better word! I truly can't wait for book four!
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,006 reviews39 followers
October 29, 2015
Charlie & Marian are on their honeymoon when one of the passengers was murfered on her 35th anniversary. Charlie & Marian find out things neither knew about the woman & her husband could be next.

This is a great mystery book. Loved it

Thanks hurricane readers book review for giving me the book in exchange for my honest review
1 review
August 1, 2015
Mary Anne is a fabulous author. her books are exciting from beginning to end. after reading each one I can't wait until another is available. Excellent choice for any reader.
Profile Image for Shelby.
44 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2015
Mary Anne Edwards, has done a wonderful job with Criminal Kind. It has kept me wanting to read more and more and not put her book down. Thank you Mrs. Edwards, for such an amazing get away....
632 reviews6 followers
Read
December 20, 2022
Cruise murder

A honeymoon for Charlie and Marion on the Caribbean . Other than the murder of the wife in the next cabin, it was going very honeymoonly. Quite a mystery , what caused the severe anaphylaxis? Fortunately for all involved , Charlies friend, Jack a medical examiner, was also on the cruise .
Interesting characters , a lot of mushy stuff . At least one typo .
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,192 reviews23 followers
August 15, 2021
Charlie and Marian McClung are on their honeymoon cruise when there is a murder in the next cabin. Of course they have to help. Also on board is Jack Jackson who is the coroner from home who is on the cruise with his sister. The lady's husband is out having a good time so did he do it? The more they look the more suspects they have. Would be nice to settle the murder so they can enjoy the trip.
Profile Image for Brian.
315 reviews18 followers
June 3, 2016
This review was posted on Amazon some time ago.

I am hooked on Charlie McClung and his wife Marian, who together form the envious team of not only happy newlyweds but as an outstanding duo of detectives. Charlie is a straight forward Police Detective but his wife is not a Police Officer of any kind but is well read reader of detective novels and has sharp, analytical mind. Together, they are a team you don't want to cross.

Charlie and Marian are on their honeymoon cruise when a mysterious murder occurs. The ship's Security Chief asks Charlie for help and he agrees to let Charlie run the investigation because Charlie has the knowledge and skills he lacks.

Once the investigation begins, Author Edwards takes on a wide ride beyond whodunit and into the world of personal intrigue, relationships, checkered pasts, and conflict.

Author Edwards' writing is truly amazing. I did not have a clue who murdered the victim, or why, until the very end. And the method of murder
was something to behold. How the author thought of this is beyond me except to say she has a devious mind.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little romance, a little sex(not vividly written and very PG.),loves whodunits. and enjoys to fall into a grand book.

I have attached a screen shot from my reader of this book because I won it on Facebook and is not listed as an amazon purchase.
Profile Image for Cynthia Lott.
Author 3 books37 followers
August 5, 2016
Just like her other books, I loved this one equally as much. The setting of a cruise ship was unique and very Agatha Christie like...I would say this book was actually a mix of Agatha Christine, Nancy Drew and a dinner theater production....but one done really well with fun characters, a great mystery and the audience on their toes waiting for clues. It was a great read and the main characters all work well together to discover the murder of a woman...a lot of people are up for suspicion which made this book entertaining and addictive. Can't wait for her next installment!
4,417 reviews42 followers
December 7, 2022
Charlie and Marian are at it again – right in the middle of a murder. Because I too have food allergies and know what can happen, it was a little too close to home at times. However, never fear, the good guys win in the end. If I can’t have Marsha & Danny Jones on my next cruise, I want Charlie and Marian McClung! Of course it was supposed to be their honeymoon. It is a good thing that they booked a 10 day cruise. At least they got to enjoy the last three days AND I got to enjoy this book.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,382 reviews87 followers
Read
April 25, 2016
The 3rd book in this great series takes place on a cruise ship as Charlie and Mariam go on their honeymoon. Of course, along with the romance there is a murder which must be investigated creating a suspenseful and romantic mystery for you to become fully immersed in. With twists and turns and intrigue, you will definitely find this story one to not want to miss.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews40 followers
February 1, 2016
Murder at Sea

This is a wonderful book that I will be recommending to family and friends. The author catches your interest from the very first page and leads you on a wonderful adventure to find a murderer. I love reading books where the crime scene is on a cruise ship. Makes it hard for the murderer to disappear. The author is terrific and I will be reading more of her books!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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