Review: The Crew

The Crew by J.M. Hewitt
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley.

Ella finds solace in her nomadic life, working on a luxurious superyacht, which allows her to escape her past and embrace a fresh start among like-minded individuals. Each summer, she returns to her chosen family, the crew of the Ananke. However, the previous summer was marred by tragedy when a deckhand, Ashley, met a fatal accident. Ashley had been charismatic, skilled, and beloved by all, making her loss particularly devastating.

Despite the crew's grief, the Captain believes the best way to heal is to reunite the team on the Ananke once more. However, they soon discover that Ashley had been harboring secrets and living a double life. As they set sail again, it becomes evident that the events of the previous summer were shrouded in deception. The crew must unravel the truth, as they suspect that someone may have gotten away with murder. This thrilling and suspenseful story keeps readers on the edge of their seats and is ideal for fans of Catherine Cooper and Cameron Ward.

As a devoted fan of the hit TV series "Below Deck," my excitement for this yacht-themed thriller was palpable. The initial chapters seemed promising, with a female captain who had years of sobriety under her belt, reminiscent of the show's captivating dynamics, I thought the author was a fan of the show too. However, my enthusiasm quickly deflated as I delved deeper into the story.

First and foremost, the glaring contradictions in the crew composition left me perplexed. With a potential guest capacity of twelve onboard, having only two deckhands raised immediate questions about the yacht's operation. Moreover, their inexplicable intoxication hindering anchor work during a charter contradicted the professional standards expected in the yachting industry. Charter guests are typically served with utmost care, and crew members are expected to maintain their focus and sobriety during charters.

The misalignment continued as a green/third stewardess was tasked with anchor duties, an unlikely scenario on a real superyacht. In reality, a green stewardess would predominantly handle tasks such as laundry and cabin cleaning rather than crucial deck responsibilities. The inexperienced stewardess accompanying guests on an excursion, especially in her first week on the job, was another departure from reality. Also, how does a foster child acquire a diving certification and expertise?

Furthermore, the crew's behavior during the ongoing charter struck me as implausible. The crew engaging in romantic relationships and neglecting their duties seemed inconceivable in a professional yachting setting. Especially since they were excessively drinking WHILE on charter?!?!

Ashley's excessive paranoia added another layer of incredulity to the narrative. AND the Captain calling herself captain in the third person was just annoying!

While I hoped for an authentic yacht thriller inspired by "Below Deck," the story's deviations from the reality of the industry left me wanting more consistency and believability. Nevertheless, the book offered some suspense and intrigue, but it struggled to capture the essence of the world it sought to portray. If you know nothing about the yachting industry then this is the book for you.

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