Praise for Side Trip to Kathmandu
"'Side Trip to Kathmandu'" is the third book in the Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery series by Marie Moore who has now clearly established herself as a master of the mystery/suspense genre. Simply stated, Marie Moore is an exceptionally gifted author who never fails to satisfy her readers and leave them eagerly looking toward her next novel."
- Helen Dumont, Midwest Book Review Bookwatch, February 2015 issue
"Marie Moore's vivid story combines the thrills of vicarious travel with a baffling mystery. It's the next best thing to seeing India in person. If you've traveled there, you will love this book even more."
- Annamaria Alfieri, author of the critically acclaimed, Strange Gods, Blood Tango and City of Silver, and writing as Patricia King, Never Work for a Jerk, which was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
"Author Marie Moore is a retired tour agent and guide. Her Sidney Marsh murder mysteries are (in Agatha Christie fashion) enchanting tales with strange clues that leave readers in the dark until the end. Side Trip to Kathmandu is a fast moving tale with intriguing characters and unexpected plot twists."
- Portland Book Review, Portland OR
5 Stars!
"This good-paced, action-packed adventure was worth the wait as Sidney and Jay travel to India in this exciting drama where murder knows no boundary where Sidney is concerned. Being inquisitive leads this tale as the author took us on a ride where the suspects were few, but the suspense was aplenty. The mystery kept me involved in the storyline as it unfolded and I enjoyed the many curving paths it took to narrow the apprehension to the killer. The author did a beautiful job in describing the sites of India and Nepal through Sidney’s eyes as I pictured myself there. A great read, a great adventure, great dialogue, a great team of Sidney and Jay is the perfect ensemble for your reading experience. I can’t wait to see where Sidney and Jay will wind up next on their next travel excursion and what mayhem will be met by them."
- Dru Ann Love, Dru's Book Musings, New York NY
"I love to travel and India is in the top 3 of places I want to visit, so this book appeals to me right off the bat. I would LOVE Sidney’s job. This is the first book I have read in this series, but I enjoyed it a lot. I loved all the description of India and Nepal. Makes me want to go there even more. The mystery was fun to read. Although I knew who the killer was before the end it was still very enjoyable and I will definitely go back and read the first 2 books, and any future books in this series. I recommend this book to any lovers of Cozies, especially if you have a gypsy soul like I do."
- Tea and a Book, April 28, 2015
"Oh, it makes me want to travel and see India and Nepal. The traveling and experiences really make this story one that I did not want to put down..."
- Readalot, April 29, 2015
Praise for Game Drive and Shore Excursion
4.0 out of 5 stars
Been to Africa
Game Drive (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery)
I enjoyed the first Sidney Marsh mystery. I found that I enjoyed this one even more. I learned a lot about Africa and safari's. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery as well. I look forward to the next adventure.
- Shirley J. Caster, Stockton, CA, Amazon, April 14, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
A really Fun read
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery)
This story took off from page one. The characters were vivid and true to life. Visualizing all from Sydney's point of view made it a lively and realistic tale. I felt like I was there as a member of the High Steppers, trailing the heroine in and out of famous cities. This book was a fun "escape" for me and I look forward to the next Sidney Marsh Murder mystery.
- Kerry, Amazon, April 10, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery)
I rated this book 5 stars because it kept my interest and you couldn't figure out whodunit until the end. They kept you guessing all the time. I would recommend this book for everyone that likes to read and be intrigued.
- S Mac, Amazon, April 4, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun read for the beach
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Enjoyed this book, was a quick read, kept my interest. Would recommend it to those that enjoy a fun murder mystery
- JUJU, Amazon, April 4, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful light cozy mystery
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
If you like murder mysteries with unusual citizen detectives, then this is for you.
Sydney Marsh is the tour leader on a cruise that goes through Scandinavia to Russia for a group of eccentric senior citizens who call themselves the High Steppers. This cruise is anything bu routine. There is a killer on board who is targeting the High Steppers, and possibly herself. After the first death, the Captain and his crew are determined to carry on as if nothing happens. Upset with their negligence, Sydney decides to take matters into her own hands. She enlists her business partner,. Jay, to help her.
The story is well written, flows smoothly, and you can follow it with no problem. The characters are well written and defined. The story is one I would recommend for age 16 and up. It is well worth the read.
- Dorothy "DottieH" (Jersey City, NJ, United States). Amazon, April 3, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clever twist on a cruise!,
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Loved this mystery and it really was a mystery clear up to the end. The story has humor, mystery, intrigue and little love interest. This was more than this tour guide thought she was getting into with a group of senior citizens. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
- Grammy Harrison "Grammy" (Hampton, VA), Amazon, April 2, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
good read
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Good story to read before bed. Fun plot line, with interesting characters and locations. Would read more in the series
- lisa, Amazon, April 1, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good vicarious cruise
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Really enjoyed this book. Good plot, and for someone who enjoys cruises as I do, felt like I was on board. Will look for more books by this author.
- Susan H., Amazon, April 1, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great story to read while on a cruise!
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Interesting story line. Since I love to cruise it was a fun story to read. It kept you guessing at every turn.
- Melinda Kitchen, Amazon, March 30, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Cruise Reading
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
I enjoyed the different characters and personalities in this mystery. I liked it, and just purchased her second book. I enjoy reading about the different locales, where the cruising occurs.
- Shirley J. Caster (Stockton, California), Amazon, March 29, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Shore Excursion by Marie Moore
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
After my injury on the police department I was trained as a travel agent. Unfortunately I never got to use it. My wife however has managed for us to travel around the world. I found this book to be accurate and highly interesting. A good read.
- H. M. Edwards, Amazon, March 29, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great summer read
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Loved the characters, super story, kept me guessing.
There were a few loose ends at the finale, but that won't stop me from reading the next in the series.
- J. Rogow "Judith A Rogow". Amazon, (Ridgecrest, CA, United States), March 29, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
quite the romp!
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
This wild little ride took me along like a surfers wave. It was a bit hysterical at times, not always plausible but definitely a fun ride. Thank you.
- rebelquilter , Amazon, March 28, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great mystery to keep you guessing until the very end!
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Interesting people, and great information about cruising. The mystery kept me guessing as to who did it, with a surprise ending.
- Karen L. Petty, Amazon, March 28, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not bad....,
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
My wife and I recently (two months ago) returned from a Baltic sea tour that duplicated the one described by the narrator. Her descriptions are both interesting and accurate. This is a well written, fun to read novel.
- BigMac (Cary, NC.), Amazon, March 27, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cruising May not be good for your health.
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
A pleasant mystery with interesting characters, a little history/sightseeing thrown in, and a smart heroine. Sidney Lanier Marsh, a travel guide, and her cohort, Jay, find themselves as tour guides for the Highsteppers. This group of retirees proves to be as hard to keep up with as a herd of cats! Murders, muggings, and a handsome Greek ship's captain keep things moving. I will buy #2 when it becomes available.
- J. Bowman "reader-beader" (Arkansas), Amazon, March 24, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clever murder mystery at sea...,
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
This first novel by Marie Moore has it all; appealing characters, laughter, murder mystery and fast paced plot. There is a an insider's view of working on a cruise ship. The characters display all the traits that we find in real life, friendship, human nature, conceit, desire, deceit and loyalty. The murder mystery adds spice to the High Stepper's and keeps us wondering "who done it" to the very end. I enjoyed the travel information and tour of several European countries. Made me want to book a cruise with Sidney Marsh, minus the murders, of course! A good couple hours of entertaining reading.
Looking forward to the next Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery.
- Lynnieblue, Amazon, March 23, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shore Excursion
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Lots of action and adventure. Sidney was just trying to protect her charges. Murder and espionage kept interfering! A tour chaperone' s job is not over until everyone gets satisfaction.
- ItsWindy, Amazon, March 22, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
Simple yet effective 'whodunit'
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Pretty good mystery with colorful characters and a nice twist at the ending. I particularly like the use of a cruise and its ship as a backdrop.
- J&B Reviews, Amazon, March 21, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars
What a fun book. Great first show!,
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Believable characters and fun romp. A mystery that I couldn't figure out till the end. Waiting for Ms Moore's next creation.
- BelladonnaERRN "ItalERRN" (Philly). March 21, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great.
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
I loved this book! I admit that it is partly because I once worked in the travel agency business and could really relate to the main characters. It was very well written and actually has a good mystery. I will definitely be reading more by Marie Moore.
- Rhoda Brophy, March 20, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars
High drama on the high seas!,
Shore Excursion (A Sidney Marsh Murder Mystery) (Kindle Edition)
Not cheesey like my review title makes seem. A strong cozy mystery plot complete with twists. A diverse cast of characters makes this a fun and fast read. The travel agent/cruise ship/murder tale description can be obtained from Amazon's trailer, so I won't take your time with that. The travel agent tips and vignettes were interesting and limited enough so as not to distract, but to educate. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next Sidney Lanier Marsh adventure.
- Miss Marple Not "missmarplenot" (Colorado Rockies), March 20, 2014
"In Game Drive, I was impressed with how well Marie Moore introduced so many characters and defined them well enough that I didn't have to keep flipping back to their introduction to see who they were. This is something that always impresses me. I can truly say that visiting Africa through Marie's eyes was a delight and joy."
- Molly Weston, Editor of InSinc, The Journal of Sisters in Crime. and Meritorious Mysteries, August 8, 2013
"Exciting mystery! I adored the first book in the series, Shore Excursion, so I was delighted to read the next book in the series, Game Drive. No cruise ship this time for Sydney, but instead its to Cape Town, South Africa to a private game lodge. There, Sydney and Jay are to check out the place for a potential safari package. But nothing is ever easy with Sydney.
Not only do they have to check every shadow and corner for predatory animals, but when someone is found dead, Sydney puts her amateur sleuthing abilities to the test once again. The men still flock to her, but she keeps her mind sharp and focused on doing her job, finding a killer and trying to stay alive. Throughout it all though, she is still the quirky heroine who I came to love in the first book.
Lively, suspense-driven and adventure throughout, Game Drive is an exciting mystery that quickly had me trying to out-guess Sydney. Moore has a flair for scattering clues throughout, even though sometimes I'm just wrong with my conclusion. I thought the backdrop was beautifully detailed, bringing the safari to life. If you enjoy cozy or light mysteries, pick up Game Drive! It can be read as a standalone, but I'd urge you to not miss the first one in the series, Shore Excursion!
- Wendy Hines, Minding Spot, July 30, 2013
"Marie Moore has scored another triumph with GAME DRIVE. Excellent!! It will keep the read glued from the first page to the surprising ending."
- Shelley Glowdowski, Midwest Book Review Bookwatch, May, 2013
"When this trippy travel agent plans an excursion, trouble is always on the itinerary."
- Chloe Gets A Clue, May 8, 2013
"With danger, intrigue, romance, and more- Sidney Marsh takes the readers on a ride that is fun and interesting!"
- Tamara, Travelling With T, May 7, 2013
"I loved that this was set in such Africa, with the rich scenery being so well described. Marie Moore did a fantastic job of making me feel I was whisked away on this tour..."
- Melanie, A Year of Jubilee Reviews, May 2, 2013
"5 Stars...I really enjoy reconnecting with Sidney and Jay and seeing what trouble they are getting into now. This one had me really guessing until the end who the bad guy was. Talk about a real page turner, I couldn't put it down. Such a great adventure and mystery! I really enjoyed the way it ended, what a great story. Can't wait to see what Ms. Moore comes up with next for Jay and Sidney!
- Paula Mitchell, Community Bookstop, April 30, 2013
"Game Drive..., the second Sydney Marsh Murder Mystery (see Shore Excursion) is an enjoyable amateur sleuth tale as the heroine feels right at home in South Africa having landed in her natural state of tsuris. Though circumstance is critical early on, fans will relish this fast-paced tale enhanced by vivid descriptions of the country; as readers will want to join a tour just probably not one sponsored by Itchy Feet."
- Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews, April 27, 2013
“I’ve never been to Africa, but Game Drive by Marie Moore, set in South Africa, let me feel as if I was along on the trip...”
- Carol’s Notebook, April 22, 2013
Wild Whodunit...Marie Moore’s second Sidney Marsh mystery is set on safari in Africa
"When Sidney Marsh, a Mississippi transplant living in New York, gets a plum assignment at the travel agency where she works—a long “familiarization” trip to Africa—she thinks she’s in for nothing but spa luxury, open bars, and quality time with her colleague and best friend, Jay Wilson. Then she gets pick-pocketed in Cape Town, a fellow travel agent goes missing, and monkeys break into the room of two other colleagues and steal nothing but their camera’s memory card. In Game Drive, the second Sidney Marsh mystery by Memphis author Marie Moore. Sidney’s earnest but naïve instincts give new meaning to the term “amateur sleuth”—and put her squarely in the crosshairs of bad guys she never suspects...an entertaining yarn, especially one in which virtually every tragedy is followed by what any Southerner can appreciate as much as a satisfying mystery: another sumptuous buffet."
- Liz Garrigan, Chapter16.org, a online division of Humanties Tennessee, an independent affiliate of The National Endowment for the Humanities, April 12, 2013
"Sydney and Jay are off to South Africa to check out a new tourist destination for their travel agency and once again, Sydney stumbles upon an incident and as they say, “trouble follows” in this fast moving drama where danger lurks around every corner in Africa’s natural wildlife habitat. This is a great read that will have all your senses on alerts as this page-turning tome propels you on a journey of suspense and intrigue. The author knows how to keep me interested by creating a well-crafted mystery that kept me guessing throughout most of this story with some surprises that I didn’t see coming. With a vividly picturesque landscape as the backdrop and surrounded by a great supporting cast, this safari mystery adventure is an amazing ride and I’m looking forward to their next expedition from this terrific series."
- Dru’s Book Musings, New York, March 30, 2013
"Moore's safari mystery proves that humans are more dangerous than wild animals! Compelling and well-written."
--Sarah Wisseman, author of the Lisa Donahue Archaeological Mysteries
"An appealing heroine tangles with murder and romantic
interludes gone wrong in a tartly funny take-off on tour travel,
with more twists than a conga line. Readers will be enthralled.”
– Carolyn Hart, Agatha and Amelia award-winning author of the Death on Demand series
“Great book! This murder mystery is a fun read. It's hard to put down because it's well written. I enjoyed learning more about cruises while reading this book; a lot of smart tips from the author. The mystery keeps your attention from beginning to end, lots of humor, makes you laugh, with a big surprise at the end. A must read!”
- Anita Baarns, Artist, Loudoun County, Virginia, July 20, 2013
“I love a good mystery and this debut mystery of Marie Moore is just that...
A really good book and I give it a 5, so Marie you have a best seller on your hand as I see it. Keep putting those mysteries out there. Love this book.”
- Edna Tollison’s Reviews, South Carolina, January 27, 2012, posted on GoodReads
Beware all mystery writers. Marie Moore has now joined your genre with her well-told tale, Shore Excursion... This cleverly written mystery with its elaborate attention to detail will catch your imagination within a few pages....I would highly recommend this suspenseful mystery to readers looking for a well-written who-done-it....It is hard to believe that Shore Excursion is Marie Moore’s first mystery. Read this eerie tale. Like me, you will surely anticipate her next one.”
- Regis Schilken , Pennsylvania, Blogcritics, February 3, 2012
"Marie Moore writes a wonderful amateur sleuth mystery starring an intrepid heroine and a quirky support cast. Armchair travelers will enjoy cruising the fjords of Scandinavia. Sidney makes too many mistakes on her first inquiry, but like the Mississippi bulldog she is, she keeps on trying; her error-filled efforts bring plausibility to a magical mystery tour of Scandinavia."
- Harriet Klausner, Follow the Clue and The Mystery Gazette, February 12, 2012
“This book rocks, it's full of mystery when High Steppers begin to die mysteriously and the ships Captain keeps trying to cover it up. It's up to Sidney to find out what is going on. It involves a mysterious red bag, people who aren't who they claim to be and High Steppers getting in the way. This book was fabulous!”
- Paula Mitchell’s Reviews, Connecticut, Goodreads, February 16, 2012
"I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read. I really liked learning about the travel agency business. I was really never sure what travel agents did. I thought that they simply booked vacations. I did not know that they did tour groups. You know there is a travel agency not that far from where I live; after reading this book, I'll have to give it a go. The author gives a lot of handy tips for international travel. That aspect of the book was just as interesting as the mystery. In case you were wondering, I did not figure out who had done it. I was blown away once I found out what was really going on. A lot of times, I have a fairly good idea of the motive behind the murder. But this one, not a clue. This is a good first novel by the author. I'm looking forward to seeing Sidney develop as a character in future mysteries. There are going to be further books right, Marie?"
- The Bluestocking Guide, March 1, 2012
"I enjoyed this quick read. Sidney’s a good character, persistent,intelligent for the most part, and she truly enjoys her job. I also like that the need for her amateur investigation makes sense. The cruise company doesn’t want to deal with the murder, so they label it suicide and go one with routine. Sidney knows that’s not the case and can’t relax and just let it go. She has to find out the truth. She feels like she owes it to the dead woman and needs to keep the other members of her party safe.
The characters really are the highlight for me in this mystery. Jay is the group’s other tour leader, and he is just hilarious, from his costumes to his late nights, he’s a wonderful foil for Sidney. But they’re best friends and in the end will support each other. The High Steppers themselves are an interesting group. A couple are annoying, some are sweet, some are rich, some save every penny for these trips. I like that Sidney and Jay appreciate their clients, enjoy them for the most part.
Shore Excursion took me on a cruise filled with danger, secrets, excitement and intrigue. I can’t wait to go on another trip with Sidney."
-Carol's Bookshelf, posted on Goodreads, March 6, 2012
“Marie Moore has written Shore Excursion which combines both my desire for a cruise in with my love of a mystery. See, she already has me as a captive audience. Yesterday I had to take Granny M to the eye doctor. Now that is a tale to tell in itself. But it did give me a lil more time to finish the last of Marie's book. Sitting in the car with the sun beaming down on me was wonderful. I could just feel the warmth and imagine what it would be like at sea. Of course if I had to be on the cruise that Sidney Marsh was on in Shore Excursion with her group of High Steppers, I would have been jumping ship in no time. Why? Well heck what would you do it people kept showing up strangled? Top it off with the cryptic warnings to back off when you know you have to find out what happened. Sidney is one tough cookie compared to me. That would be adios job and hello a quick flight home. I know, I know, I am a chicken. That is why I love reading mysteries with strong characters. They can do what I wish I could do. Granny M would have fit right in with the group, High Steppers. This set of 'older adults' does not let too much faze them when it comes to having a great time. I have to say for a first time book, this was really good. Marie Moore is used to writing having been a reporter for many years. Add in her career as a travel agent, she married her love of travel and writing into a great excursion. I think you might really enjoy reading this one. It will be coming out April 1st so look out for it.”
- Lenore Webb, Texas, Crazed Minds, March 7, 2012
“Here's What I Think: I always enjoy books in which a "regular" person is forced - by circumstances out of their control - to take action against some major injustice, in this case murder on a cruise ship. I loved that the "high steppers" are exactly the sort of "older person" I hope to be - happy adventurous and go with the flow! There is a lot of "not what it appears" going on with each and every character... I am excited that this book is a series that will all feature Sidney.”
-Pamela Olsen, California, The Busy Woman’s Guide to Surviving Motherhood, March 9, 2010
“Moore does a superb job of luring the reader to a cruise ship and her eccentric cast of characters. Sidney is a likable yet quirky heroine who I quickly came to love. From the men vying for her attentions to not knowing who would end up dead next, Moore leads us on a merry chase happily trying to figure out whodunnit, yet wanting to jump ship. Graced with humor, a striking cast of characters, masterful deception and really good writing, I can't wait for the next in this appealing new series!”
- Wendy Hines, Minding Spot, March 10. 2012
“Shore Excursion is the first book in this new mystery series....one that will keep you on edge, waiting for the next to arrive!
Do you love to travel? You may change your mind after sleuthing on a trip with Sidney Marsh, and finding dead bodies on a cruise ship...not exactly a relaxing way to take a vacation! Sidney will keep you on your toes and guessing as she goes about sleuthing; this is a highly entertaining and fast-paced read. This first book of Marie Moore is sure to be a great seller and leaves you highly anticipating the next mystery!”
- Lauri Meinhardt, Wisconsin, Knits and Reads, March 13, 2012
“Why has no one thought of this before, an amateur sleuth who is a travel agent and the leader of travel group? Throw in some great settings and more than a little bit of real travel advice and all together Shore Excursion is a very nice and very promising start to a new cozy mystery series, a fast, fun read. I know that I will be traveling along on the next adventure!”
-Caite, New Jersey, A Lovely Shore Breeze, March 15, 2012
“Ms. Moore has easily brought the life of a travel agent into sharp focus in Shore Excursion...Shore Excursion is a fun and intriguing mystery! I loved the different characters-you can envision every one of them vividly. Shore Excursion has, as all good mysteries should, a number of twists, turns, and red herrings along the way. I admired Sidney’s determination to solve the mystery regardless of her safety. Flamboyant and feisty, Shore Excursion is the first in what will be an excellent mystery series.”
-Star, Maryland, The Bibliophilic Book Blog, March 16, 2012
This was a delightful little mystery that will amuse most lovers of the cozy mystery genre and of Agatha Christie’s stories...Something else that made it an interesting read, much more so than other mysteries I’ve read in the past, is that the author added a bunch of fascinating little facts about the travel business and about travel agents.
I can easily recommend this to mystery lovers. It’d make a great beach read. I, for one, will be looking forward to the next book in the series.
- Valentina Cano, Florida, Carrabosse’s Library, March 16, 2012
This is an exciting suspense/thriller with all the ingredients to keep readers at the edge of their seat. It has romance, adventure and quite a bit of mystery all tossed into one huge, compelling story. I have to admit, the killer’s identity surprised me. Just when you think the book has come to a satisfying conclusion, Ms. Moore throws in a curveball you won’t see coming. I know I didn’t and I can usually figure these things out.
This is the first book in the Sidney Marsh series and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
- Yvonne, New York, Socrates Book Reviews, March 17, 2012
Moore has created characters so real you can visualize them. The humor that she imbues them with is contagious. Moore’s background in the travel industry is evident in her understanding and descriptions at each port of call. Some of the prose was like listening to the tour guide and seeing the places yourself.
If you enjoy travel, especially to different countries you will enjoy this book. It is light and funny, filled with enjoyable experiences. There is a bit of suspense and danger as well, but it does not overshadow the sense of fun imbued with the telling. A few red herrings are thrown in to keep you guessing, so you find it hard to second guess the culprits.
I believe this would be a fun summer or vacation read, with just enough teeth to keep you interested while lounging and enjoying the experience along with the characters.
- Leslie Ann Wright, BlogCritics and Tictoc, March 18, 2012
“Marie Moore created some fascinating characters in this book and I have no idea how she kept up with them all, but I adored every one of them. I even felt terrible with the characters that were killed. The whole time I was rooting for Sidney to solve the mystery so we could have some closure.
I look forward to reading the next Sidney Marsh mystery from Marie Moore. If you love mysteries and want to take a ride on a cruise ship (not literally of course) to solve a murder mystery or two, then you definitely need to read this book. “
- Franjessca Papillion, Virginia, Book Lovin’ Mamas, March 20, 2012
"Shore Excursion is what would have happened if Nancy Drew had decided to become a travel agent. Sidney Marsh is stubborn and sassy, and I love it. Sidney loves her job as a travel agent, and she gets to visit amazing cities throughout the world. The price for doing what she loves is that she has to chauffeur a group of elderly travelers called the High Steppers. She is not doing this alone, she has her co-leader Jay working with her. He is big, and flamboyant and very funny. I love the way Marie Moore writes Sidney, and expresses her determination to find out what is happening on her cruise. About the time I thought I knew what was going on, the story takes a twist I did not see coming. Growing up a fan of Nancy Drew, I really love a good mystery with a few twists, and Marie Moore pulls it off wonderfully. I recommend this book to any mystery fans, especially those of us who grew up on Nancy Drew. "
-Chaundra Haun, Montana, Unabridged Bookshelf, March 20, 2012
"Moore’s debut novel is a winner. Her world was so descriptive that I felt as though I was on the journey with the High Steppers. Also, the conclusion was satisfying; especially with the unexpected twist just when I thought the mystery was solved. So if you are a fan of good mystery, grab your favorite latte and cozy up with Shore Excursion."
-Kellie. Illinois, Simply Stacie, March 22. 2012
“I’ve just finished reading Shore Excursion by Marie Moore and its humour and drama are still fresh in my mind...Shore Excursion is a crime novel that focusses on people and relationships rather than violence and gore. There’s suspense, humour, romance and action. It entertained me and made me laugh while I also pondered ‘who dunnit’. I think this novel will especially appeal to women as it’s a good story about a strong female character with some crime and mystery thrown in.”
-Dianne Ascroft, Author, Toronto, Canada. March 23, 2012
"Miss Sidney Marsh is a hoot. She’s spunky. She’s driven. She enjoys the simple things in life like traveling the world to exotic places while barely making her bills….ahh, yes….such is the life. Okay, so she sounds irresponsible but she’s not! She’s a travel agent (for you young readers out there…..those were - and are in some places - the people you could call with an idea for a trip and THEY would make all the reservations and arrangements FOR YOU….amazing, right?) and a darn good one at that; definitely better than she thinks she is, especially considering the circumstances. I mean really, it’s not everyday that your tour group gets picked off one by one by ….well, you get the picture. She handles things quite well when all is considered and her intuition never truly leads her astray….though she can be a bit TOO trusting at times, which leads to some interesting situations (think treed….as in up in an actual tree to escape someone or something).
Her partner in crime, so to speak, is the ever FABULOUS Jay…who’d rather eat at the free parties he’s invited to than go a week without spending his paycheck on designer clothes. Well, some like to live their best, and some like to look like they are anyway. No really, at heart he’s a sweetie and he’d do anything for his friends and his group, the High Steppers. Oh, wait….did I fail to mention these high rollers? Let’s correct that. The High Steppers are a group of travelers that happen to globe hop together. They book their tours, go on the expeditions, and travel the high seas in style, with winning attitudes…*cough*cough*. They’re an interesting group with personality to spare and I found the easiest way to keep them straight was the handy dandy who’s who list Sidney creates for herself; plus it makes it easier to both check off the victims and potential suspects. Now on to the story….
I often find books in the Mystery genre to be somewhat transparent, letting you easily guess who’s next on the “get them” list as well as who the perp is behind the acts. This story…some areas suffered the typical pitfalls but the big unveiling was kept mum and the twist at the end was a DEFINITE surprise, not to mention the laughs to be had. Brava Ms. Moore! Those facts alone were enough to propel my interest onward to the eagerly anticipated second installment….of which I’m holding a spot open on my wish list just for it. One more thing I noticed though was the attention to detail the author paid when painting the picture of the ports of call as well as the planned excursions, day tours, dining options, etcetera. It was almost as if a part of Sidney was gleaned from real life. Surprise surprise…it was. As it turns out, the author herself was a travel agent for over a decade thus the authentic touch of reality in her work. It transferred to fiction fairly well….but don’t be surprised if you come out a bit wiser for it. There’s some great tips here.
In short, a trip you wouldn’t want to miss with a cast and crew you won’t soon forget. The twists and turns, triumphs and stumbles, all add up to a grand reading adventure. The perfect read for your weekend getaway and a great place to look for inspiration the next time cabin fever gets a hold of you!"
-Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, Florida, March 30, 2012
“This was the first in a new series and I thought it was a fun and entertaining read. Sidney is a nicely written and strong character, and I really liked the setting of the cruise ship. It made me want to set sail on one, and the author even provides some useful travel tips written into the story... I thought this was a great debut and introduction to the characters of Sidney and Jay, and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.”
-Alison, CozyCrimes, Australia, April 4, 2012
"As a former travel agent, I have to say Marie Moore knew her stuff and made the setting just perfect as if we were on that very cruise ship. An enjoyable mystery read that I believe will appeal to others who like a good mystery. And just like a good mystery/thriller, there’s a twist in the plot that will keep you guessing until the end."
-Farrah Kennedy, The Book Faery Reviews, North Carolina, April 10, 2012
"With a well-developed plot, a determined heroine, a great supporting cast and the perfect setting for murder, this was a good read. The author did a good job in keeping me guessing with the many twists and turns in this whodunit and I was doubly surprised with the revelation of the killer's identity. I like the characters and the tone of the story and I hope there are more adventures with Sidney in this enjoyable debut series."
-Dru Ann Love, Dru's Cozy Report, CozyChicksBlog, New York, April 15, 2012
"4 Stars! This is a debut mystery from Marie Moore. It is written in the cozy, light-hearted style of a Joan Hess or Carolyn Hart. The narrative is written in first-person style from Sidney's perspective. Along with an engaging mystery, readers learn tidbits about successful cruising. Shore Excursion is the first novel in a series, and readers will be interested to see what Ms. Moore serves up next!"
- Sandie Kirkland, Booksie's Blog, North Carolina. April 21, 2012
Erika Chase, Chrystle Fiedler, Victoria Hamilton, & Marie Moore: Four New Authors on the Cozy Mystery Site
"As most of you know, I have a very long list of authors to post on the site. However, when it came time for me to add some new authors to the site, I decided that I would literally add some new authors to the site. I chose these four new authors to the Cozy Mystery genre, based on some of your letters. Some of you thought I simply had to add these authors to the site right now! Erika Chase writes the Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery Series. This series features Lizzie Turner, a reading specialist in Alabama. Lizzie is joined by her five friends in her mystery book club, and her two Siamese cats at home. Chrystle Fiedler pens the Natural Remedies Mystery Series, which is set on Long Island. Willow McQuade is a naturopathic doctor who solves mysteries. Along the way, we get tips on natural remedies. (Fiedler also writes non fiction about natural and healthy living.) Victoria Hamilton writes the Vintage Kitchen Mystery Series. This series is set in Michigan, and features Jaymie Leighton as our sleuth who collects vintage cookware and cookbooks. Jaymie has a three-legged Yorkie Poo (Hoppy) who is quite a darling. Marie Moore is the author of the Sydney March Mystery Series. Sydney is a New York-based travel agent who takes travel groups on trips. Luckily, she is able to find time to sleuth while performing her travel guide duties."
-Danna, Cozy-Mystery.com/blog, May 24, 2012
"Anyone who has been on a cruise ship will appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in Shore Excursion, murders notwithstanding. Sidney Marsh is an engaging amateur sleuth and the mystery in which she finds herself is creatively devised and vividly drawn. (The international setting helps as does a diverse cast of suspects.) Readers will certainly welcome back Sidney on another tour. "
-Mysterious Reviews, June, 2012