The Cruise Club

by Caroline James

Overview

Because the best adventures are still to come…

Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood rom com full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.

Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she's about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

Escape this summer on a holiday like no other, where fun and frolics are the order of the day! The perfect read for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.

Your favourite authors love The Cruise Club!

'A hilarious, sun-filled love letter to fun and friendship, and the best possible holiday you can take in book form – I feel like I’ve cruised the Mediterranean from my armchair!’ Holly Martin

‘This book is just what we all need – pure escapism and lots of fun in the sun. Caroline James's light touch and heart-warming characters are a tonic from the first page to the last.’ Judy Leigh

'The Cruise Club showcases Caroline James’s trademark vivid, quirky characters in a glorious setting.' Sue Moorcroft

‘A sun-soaked, feel-good escape packed with mystery, mischief, and heart. You’ll fall in love with Carmen, root for her muse, and wish you were aboard the Diamond Star too.’ Christie Barlow

‘All aboard this feel-good, heart lifting voyage of discovery. A journey filled with unexpected friendships, mischievous twists, and undeniable chemistry…the perfect escape – five Diamond Stars!’ Nicola May

Praise for Caroline James:

‘Fabulous to read…It’s about a girls’ weekend with characters in their 60s and determined to have a good time’ Woman & Home

‘A laugh out loud, naughty, enlightening heart-warming story about friendship and discovery’ Yours Magazine

‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The escapades of these three women are funny…Their voices come alive on the page’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A tale of friendship that has lasted through the decades which I found hard to put down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my word …I couldn't put this down it was so good, following the adventures of Anne, Kath and Jane was brilliant and happy endings throughout’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This author was new to me, and I am already downloading more of her books because she writes in a way that makes me keep reading and because I feel good at the end… What more could anyone want?’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What an enjoyable read! …a fun filled trip for sure’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780008769352
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	02/17/2026
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 7.81(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Caroline James is a celebrated author of later-life fiction, and her vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a lively pub then a charming country house hotel. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The Cruise Club:

'The Cruise Club showcases Caroline James’s trademark vivid, quirky characters in a glorious setting.' Sue Moorcroft

‘This book is just what we all need – pure escapism and lots of fun in the sun. Caroline James's light touch and heart-warming characters are a tonic from the first page to the last.’ Judy Leigh

‘A sun-soaked, feel-good escape packed with mystery, mischief, and heart. You’ll fall in love with Carmen, root for her muse, and wish you were aboard the Diamond Star too.’ Christie Barlow

'A hilarious, sun-filled love letter to fun and friendship, and the best possible holiday you can take in book form – I feel like I’ve cruised the Mediterranean from my armchair!’ Holly Martin

‘All aboard this feel-good, heart lifting voyage of discovery. A journey filled with unexpected friendships, mischievous twists, and undeniable chemistry…the perfect escape – five Diamond Stars!’ Nicola May

Praise for Caroline James:

‘I loved the warmth and humour between the friends. The book was so good and I loved there were no cliques and predictable plot turns.’ Dawn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I rushed through this brilliant story in just over a day and I was on a cruise with 3 ladies in their 60s and I had a brilliant time! Henriette ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I have never been on a cruise but this book has made me want to go on one after the author has described so well the wonderful places in the Caribbean that the trio visited.’ Leona ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I love Caroline’s style of writing – the humour really is infectious throughout her writing.’ Sarah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This was a wonderful funny & heartfelt read. It was light in parts, it packed a punch with emotion when needed but also had me laughing out loud.’ Em ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher