PINTEREST
BLOGLOVIN
GOODREADS
Will an adventure sailing The River Nile turn the tide for Hattie?
Hattie Mulberry is exhausted. Worn out from the demands of everyone around her, she’s long overdue a break. So, she decides to take a holiday – the adventure of a lifetime, following in the footsteps of her literary hero, Agatha Christie.
Before Hattie knows it, she’s embarking on a glamorous Nile cruise. Not only a voyage steeped in history and world-famous sights, but one where the passengers are almost as fascinating as the views from her luxurious cabin…
As the eclectic band of travellers journey between ancient temples and legendary tombs, guided by handsome Egyptologist Sam, secrets surface, desires awaken, and tensions simmer beneath the Egyptian sun.
Will the magic of moonlit nights on the Nile bring romance and renewal? Or will the infamous curse of Tutankhamun cast a shadow when least expected?
A gloriously escapist read full of sun, secrets and romance, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Judy Leigh.
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Format: Ebook, Audiobook, Paperback (30 July 2026)
Source: Ecopy to review via Netgalley
MY THOUGHTS
My thanks to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for the tour invite and to the publisher for the digital copy to review. Caroline James has featured on my blog before with guest posts (just type her name into the search bar). She’s a newly discovered author to me but has already been added to my favourite author list.
I’ve done many ship cruises but never a river boat cruise and the chance to do some armchair travelling down the River Nile was irresistible. Although this is a standalone, I believe that Hattie has featured in previous books and I shall definitely be seeking those out. She is a wonderful character, funny, kind, wise and the star of the story. Widowed. to keep busy she takes on private investigation work, often using her literary heroine Agatha Christie as inspiration. Away from her grumpy gardener/handyman Alf and Drake, a needy duck, she is looking forward to a relaxing break away from home with some culture, history and conversation along the way.
Hattie was just one of the cruise characters I enjoyed meeting – the others including a Canadian mother and son (the mother through no fault of her own having to work her way through Hattie’s eclectic wardrobe), the unhappily married couple and a fantasist sausage maker from Clitheroe who in his make believe world fashions himself as James Bond.
There was so much detail, both about life on board the boat and the locations that I could easily imagine myself sightseeing alongside our intrepid travellers. Of course Hattie’s PI skills were put to good use – she couldn’t resist having a mystery to solve.
There was so much to love about this book. Superbly drawn characters, beautifully described locations each with historical context and romance. Humour played a big part but also some aspects of the story were poignant and written with sensitivity and compassion. I love stories that feature later life characters and I was thoroughly entranced from beginning to end. A story of second chances, of discovering your true self and finding love when you least expect it, this is an easy 5* read for me.
The Nile Cruise is currently available to download on Amazon for just 99p.
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.
Author Links: Website | X | Facebook | Insta | AmazonUK
