Book Review: Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban

Lying in the Deep
Author: Diana Urban

Published: May 2, 2023
384 Pages

Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read:  April 12- May 15, 2023
Jessica’s Rating: 3.5 stars

Book Description:

A juicy mystery of jealousy, love, and betrayal set on a Semester at Sea-inspired cruise ship, with a diverse cast of delightfully suspicious characters who’ll leave you guessing with every jaw-dropping twist.

After being jilted by her ex-boyfriend and best friend, Jade couldn’t be more ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime—11 countries in 4 months, all from the luxurious Campus on Board ship—and to wedge an entire globe between her and the people who broke her heart.

But when Jade discovers the backstabbing couple are also setting sail, her obsession with them grows and festers, leading to a shocking murder. And as their friends begin to drop like flies, Jade and her new crush must race to clear her name and find the killer they’re trapped at sea with….before anyone else winds up in body bags.

Jessica’s Review:

Lying in the Deep starts with a first line that pulls you in from the beginning: I didn’t realize there’d be this much blood.

From that line I was ready to see just who the victim was and why!  Then we move back in time and meet all of our cast of characters.  These characters are in college and spending a semester at sea, but they act like highschoolers! My favorite was Miguel, the wannabe influencer who focuses on how many followers he has. I heard his voice as the comedian Gabriel ‘Fluffy‘ Iglesias voices his character Miguel in his act. There was so much over the top drama with Miguel that he was entertaining for me! The main drama focuses on Jade being overly obsessed with her ex- boyfriend now with her former best friend. 

What starts out as fun on the ship and trips to various countries changes due to a murder and Jade becomes a possible suspect.  We journey with as she tries to discover who the murderer is.  Other than the YA drama, I did enjoy the story.  I wasn’t sure who the murderer was. And then things just go from bad to worse! It was fast moving as there is not much time, they only have until they get to the next port of call to figure out who did it.  The drama is what made it an average three star read for me, until we got closer to the end. Then, oh wow: We had some totally unexpected things happen and that kept going until the last few pages! With an ending like that I had to give it another .5 stars. We do have intensity because they are on a cruise ship with a killer and there are only so many places you can go!

If you don’t mind the YA drama, then you will be ready for a good who-dun-it and why! Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy to read and review through Bookish First. 

Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK