A story of teens aboard a yacht where a series of grisly murders are taking place, SEASICK was a fantastic, fast-paced, bloody slasher mystery. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — I adore books where the characters are trapped with nowhere to run. In this case, they’re aboard a yacht that’s out at sea, and that setting really added to the suspense and tension of this tale. ⁣
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Told through dual POVs, I really liked seeing the story through two sets of eyes. I loved the twists and turns that were thrown in along the way to steer readers away from the culprit. I wasn’t able to easily figure out whodunnit, and I always appreciate that in a mystery. ⁣
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All told, a fun and exciting murder mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Definitely pick this one up if you’re a fan of:⁣
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🛳️Murder mysteries ⁣
🛳️Twists and turns ⁣
🛳️Explorations of class and race⁣
🛳️Exclusive/elite societies ⁣
🛳️Dual POV⁣
🛳️Slashers ⁣
🛳️Closed settings/settings where characters are “trapped”⁣
🛳️Female friendships/friendship drama

Seasick by Kristin Cast, Pintip Dunn is a young adult mystery/thriller book. The story in Seasick is basically a take on the old locked room/yacht type of mystery and is one that does alternate the point of view between the characters.

Naya Morgan and Yana Bunpraserit used to be best friends being the only diverse students in their small Oklahoma town but have since grown apart. Now however both girls have been invited on a private yacht cruise to Bermuda after inducted into an exclusive society of Yatesville High’s top graduates. Once onboard the yacht though things take a dark turn when one of their classmates is brutally murdered.

Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn are both authors that I have read and enjoyed in the past so seeing the cover of this new young adult thriller have the yacht on it and cruising being a huge love of mine I couldn’t pass this one by. For the most part this was a solid locked room mystery and I did enjoy the fast paced action of the book. The story did end up feeling a tad unbelievable overall though if you think back on the wrap up and generally not being a fan of the two characters having such similar names which had me scratching my head a few times early on to distinguish them I ended up with a rating at three and a half stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This YA thriller had lots of intense and suspenseful moment's. Lots of mystery and constantly trying to figure out who the killer or killer's are. I really couldn't figure out a definitive killer since everyone could be guilty when more deaths were happening. Friends turn on each other and romances are tested. Everyone is trying to figure out the motives and find evidence to prove the why's and how's.

Some of the twists I guessed, but I still enjoyed how things played out and there were many twists that surprised me throughout the book. This felt like a movie and there were even references to scary movies. I think this would be an awesome book to make into a movie, would be very entertaining.

In the author's note, it was interesting to hear that Naya and Yana were based on themselves and their experiences being biracial and Thai American and the challenges to belong and be accepted growing up and for the characters to be "proud of their roots."

This story was action packed with some humor to break up the tense moments. I recommend this book and it was a fun, easy read.

A twisty and fun whodunnit at sea! Any fans of Below Deck? I love that reality show and was so excited to get a copy of Seasick! Mystery & murder onboard a luxury yacht. The book picks up pace as the story unfolds and then doesn’t let go. Seasonal readers will love all of the summer cruise vibes! Highly recommended for anybody who would enjoy a locked-room, YA thriller set at sea. Overall a very enjoyable, easy to read mystery to kick off the summer reading season.

This YA thriller really knows how to throw a blood bath party. The book starts with a mystery person in the middle of running, trying not to be caught up in the murders. Talk about a start to hook someone!

A good chunk of the book is ex-best friend drama- which.. got old quick. That, and the fact that the main two we see are named Yana and Naya. I couldn't tell you how many times I had to pause and make sure who I was reading.

Beside that, its great for people who like escape room type books, who done it type books, and thrillers in general. The book sucks you in and keeps you reading till the end.

SEASICK is a mashup of Mean Girls and Scream where high school graduates get a super exclusive trip on a glamorous yacht to the Bermudas. What should be the best ever epic graduation party for this circle of popular and rich friends, turns into a nightmare when they start getting murdered. The friends try to figure out what is going on and who is after them while trying to stay alive in this harrowing thriller. A definite page-turner!

There are two main POVs in this story, both girls with multicultural backgrounds who didn't grow up in the rich, popular circles of their small town. They were best friends until one of them joined the circle in eighth grade while the other remained outside. Both get invited into this exclusive group of graduates who take a congratulatory trip on a yacht. Even though neither really needs to go, they both want to fit in and receive the advantages of the elite group and so they go. The story starts off between their two perspectives and gossip posts from one of the popular girls. Everything is pretty superficial with all the drama, manipulation, competition and bullying that readers would expect from this type of story and then turns into a bloody murderous rampage while the characters try to figure out who the villain is and how to save themselves.

I didn't love either main character. I think part of that was the type of story this is and that they didn't really ever feel genuine. They were always trying to fit in with this other group regardless if these other people deserved to be their friends or to have their opinions count. They didn't always choose to be kind or stand up against their friends who were being mean. It's all very materialist and caring a lot about what others think of them. Both POVs were also a bit similar to me in background, voice and choices so they blended together sometimes. I would have liked them to be more distinct and at least one of them to be more confident. They felt a bit lackluster for characters. Because of this, the beginning dragged a bit for me while the story was being set up and all the gossiping and backstabbing was going on. However, once the first murder happens, this story becomes much more intense. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen and who the murderer was, even through all their stupid, cliche choices that you would find in most teenage thrillers like this one (like not being alone when someone is trying to kill you!). The story does keep readers guessing a bit, which is always good, with a few twists. There is also a sweet ending, even though it's tied off a little too prettily.

In a nutshell:
Read if you like...
- Movies like Mean Girls and Scream
- Suspenseful mysteries in close proximity, think Death on the Nile
- Stories where you're not sure who to trust
- Suspense with a few twists
- Gossipy tidbits thrown in and secrets uncovered
- Multicultural characters
- Romance with a bit of heat
- Characters who aren't safe from being murdered
- More than a bit of bloody violence
- A super sweet, prettily tied up ending
Some things I didn't like...
- The characters were a bit flat and not overly likable
- The POV's voices felt and sounded very similar
- The characters and story were fairly superficial
- There was nothing that really made me think or challenged me
- There were a lot of blunt, descriptive, suggestive parts
- The ending was tied up too perfectly

In the end, was it what I wished for? This isn't my type of read, but it still held my interest once the mystery and murders got going. For those who enjoy these types of stories, this is definitely worth adding to your list.

Content: Swearing, innuendo, suggestive content, crude references, racist comments, some bloody violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through TBR and Beyond Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

"“Sex, greed, and money,...the holy trinity of homicide.”
This story starts out slow as we meet our two POVs, former best friends, Naya and Yana. Naya and Yana have both been invited to board an exclusive mega yacht for a trip to Bermuda. Once onboard, there is a lot of suspicious activity from the other passengers and once the bodies begin piling up, it's full steam steam ahead! (Pun intended.) Naya and Yana most determine is they can trust each other despite their estrangement.
I struggled with how to rate this book. While I was engrossed in the story, it didn't grip me without suspense. Once the who and the why was revealed and the why, I didn't find it believable. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll be vague in my question but, did all this blood need to be shed because the killer had to have it all?

The plot, twists, and story was good. The characters were portrayed very well. And the fact that the murders take place in the middle of the ocean made it even better.

Seasick was an interesting title for a very fast paced YA Novel. Kristin and Pintip did an amazing job setting the scene and having many characters who were either reliable or unreliable characters. Naya and Yana were brilliant as the main characters who could see past everything that had happened in the past and worked together to try and catch a killer

I loved how each chapter had a time stamp and oh boy did a lot happen and the murders Agatha Christie would be proud of. I could not work out who the killer was so I gave up guessing and enjoyed the ride and when the killer was unmasked I was surprised.

For all the above reasons Seasick receives 4 stars

Naya and Yana are former best friends who find themselves on a luxury yacht cruise as they get inducted into an exclusive society of their high school’s top graduates. This seems like it’s going to be a vacation of a lifetime before going their separate ways to college. But then things start to take a deadly turn. Do you like locked door mysteries? The ones where the entire plot takes place in one area and the perpetrator and the victims have nowhere to go and the key to solving it is somewhere in plain sight? How about a luxury yacht murder mystery/thriller instead? One minute, you’re sailing the high seas, enjoying the luxury, pretending you’re Jack and Rose, then the next minute, all your friends are dead. And the killer is definitely on the boat. And it’s one of you.

This book was way more intense and bloodier than I thought it was going to be. For a YA read, there is quite a big body count. I am not going to spoil anything but there were a lot of twists and turns I did not see coming. Let’s just say, NO ONE is safe. Honestly I was just as scared as Naya and Yana. The alternating POVs helped to heighten the situation and make you keep guessing about what was going to happen. It's a fun and fast summer read.

What I really appreciated about the book was the portrayal of the handling of microaggressions by the two main characters. Both of them are BIPOC and since they are both living in an area that is predominately white, they have had to deal with these types of comments their whole lives. But because they are in high school and desperately want to fit in, it is not uncommon to just brush off some of the comments or act like it doesn’t bother them even though it really does. Even with everything else that is going on in the book, it gives a heavy dose of reality for those who live in areas where you are always going to be seen as a minority.

"Seasick," co-authored by Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn, is a gripping young adult thriller that plunges readers into a deadly game of cat and mouse on the high seas. With its intriguing premise and well-crafted characters, this novel delivers an engaging read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The story centers around ex-best friends Naya Morgan and Yana Bunpraserit, who have always felt like outsiders in their small Oklahoma town. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they are inducted into an elite society of Yatesville High’s top recent graduates, opening doors to unimaginable opportunities. The adventure begins with a celebratory yacht trip to Bermuda, promising an escape from their usual social struggles and a chance to embark on new beginnings.

However, the dream voyage quickly turns into a nightmare when one of their classmates is found brutally murdered. Trapped on the yacht with a killer on the loose, Yana and Naya are forced to confront their strained relationship. As the body count rises, they realize that rekindling their friendship might be their only hope for survival.

The authors expertly build tension and suspense, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where danger lurks around every corner. The luxury yacht, a symbol of privilege and escape, transforms into a sinister trap, adding layers of irony to the unfolding drama. Cast and Dunn skillfully navigate the dynamics of a closed-circle mystery, where every character is a potential suspect and trust is a rare commodity.

Naya and Yana are compelling protagonists, each dealing with their own insecurities and past traumas. Their development from estranged friends to allies in a life-or-death situation is both believable and emotionally resonant. The interplay between their personal growth and the escalating peril around them adds depth to the narrative.

The book also doesn't shy away from addressing social issues, subtly weaving in themes of privilege, microaggressions, and the pressures faced by high-achieving students. These elements enrich the story, making it more than just a thriller but also a commentary on societal expectations and personal resilience.

However, while "Seasick" excels in building suspense and character relationships, it occasionally stumbles with pacing. Some plot twists, though surprising, feel rushed and could benefit from more development. Additionally, a few secondary characters lack the depth that Naya and Yana possess, which might leave readers wanting more backstory and motivation for the supporting cast.

Overall, "Seasick" is a riveting and thought-provoking read that successfully blends mystery, drama, and social commentary. Kristin Cast and Pintip Dunn have crafted a story that keeps readers guessing until the very end, with a conclusion that is both satisfying and chilling. Fans of young adult thrillers will find much to enjoy in this dark, atmospheric tale of friendship, survival, and the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of privilege.

Seasick by Kristin Cast; Pintip Dunn did not disappoint!
A suspenseful and taut page-turner that is impossible to put down! Seasick captivated me with its twisty premise and left me spellbound by the memory of its richly-drawn characters.
This author can write and I devoured every single word.

Thank You NetGalley and Delacorte Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The synopsis did the plot a little bit of a disservice – it invalidated the group entertaining the possibility that the killer could be a stowaway or crew member. It had to be one of them. That being said, it was still a bloody ride to figure out who it was. The isolation of the inductees being on board a yacht without adult supervision (mostly), should have been a dream come true and instead, it turned into a nightmare ride. All the inductees have secrets – even Everly; the author of the toxic gossip blog, who loves nothing more than finding and spilling them for all to read online.

The similarity of the main character names had me going back to reread often – which caused the book’s spell to be broken, even if temporarily. I enjoyed the story from both girl’s perspectives and their individual quirks. Most of the other characters are the typical entitled and snotty kids who encourage you to dislike them. The only two that got a pass were (eventually) Gabe and Brett because he was at least the comedic relief.

It was awesome to read something new (with a different co-author) from Kristin Cast. This is my first book from her since enjoying the House of Night series after high school. I enjoyed the locked door terror of being isolated on a luxury yacht with a murderer. I stayed up entirely too late finishing this one because I HAD to know the conclusion. I recommend Seasick to readers who love young adult, fast-paced (total timeline on board the boat is around 24 hours), locked door (yacht in this case), murder mystery books. A big thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours, Delacorte Press, Kristin Cast & Pintip Dunn for the opportunity to join this tour and read this bloody adrenaline ride of a book.

Kristin Cast never ceases to amaze me with her books. The characters felt captivating and I was on the edge of my seat almost every chapter! It was sometimes hard to keep the two FMC straight because of how close the names were, but I felt it was beautifully written with a nice ending!

I love Kristin Cast, so when I saw this book up for review I jumped at the chance. The entire plot of this story was pretty fun. 2 best friends on a mega yacht cruise to Bermuda and tragedy and turmoil strike. I love a good whodunnit and this one hit the mark. There was no shortage of drama and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this in one sitting it was so good.

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Children's/Delcorte for advanced copy for honest review

Happy Pub Day to this locked yacht thriller!

Some kids get in on merit, others have their parents money, either way Yatesville after graduation trip is a super mega yacht and it's a party some die for. They all know each other from their years at school, but this group has its fair share of secrets. Strong bonds and old friends turned enemies set sail out of Miami on the trip of a lifetime. It starts great on board this gorgeous boat, but as the sun sets we already have a fateful event.. The crew members are loopy, there is no one manning the ship and we have our first tragedy. With no spoilers there is no way this was an accident. But it doesn't end there as there is a killer/muderer on board. Those left need to weed through all the secrets to find out why someone would want their 'friends' dead. 4 stars recommend

Yana is selected to join an exclusive society after graduating from Yatesville High School in Oklahoma. As a perk of being in the society, she not only gets a full-ride scholarship to the college of her choice, but she also gets to go on a trip to Bermuda aboard a superyacht with her group of friends and other inductees. She is excited about this opportunity and what it will mean for her family! Also on the trip is Yana's former best friend, Naya, who was invited to be inducted with the rest of the group at the last minute. As the group sets sail, what should be a fun and relaxing trip quickly turns into a nightmare. Secrets are threatened to be exposed, the entire crew goes missing, and that's when the first dead body shows up on deck. As tensions between the group rise, they must work together to uncover who amongst their friends is a murderer to stop them before it is too late for the rest of them.

Seasick was a very well-executed young adult thriller! Suspense continues to build with every turn of the page. The authors did an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing up until the end. Even if you read closely, there weren't enough clues sprinkled in to guess who the murderer was, which is just the way I like it! There were a lot of different characters to keep track of, even though the story was only told from Naya and Yana's POV. The supporting characters sometimes blended together and were not as developed. The excerpts from the gossip page alluded to the secrets they were hiding, which provided a little more insight. I liked the authors' thought behind making Yana and Naya's names anagrams, but it made it challenging to keep track of who was who (and really messed with my brain). I was happy to see them rekindle their friendship while all of the chaos was happening around them.

Seasick is a must-have for any library! This locked-room mystery at sea is a solid addition to any thriller collection. I give this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4) and strongly recommend it for purchase.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Seasick 🛥️🌊🔪

Drama at sea! We start out by meeting Yana and Naya. Two friends who are accepted to go on a highly coveted cruise for spoiled rich kids. The two girls have a broken friend ship that needs to be mended. Will this cruise mend their friend ship? Or will the killer get to them before their friend ship can be mended.

This book is about two girls and former best friends, Yana and Naya, who are selected to join a secret, exclusive society as graduates of Yatesville High, and as a welcome event, are selected to go on a luxury yacht trip to Bermuda. At least one of them is hiding a secret, and before long, one of them is murdered. As the night goes on, who will be the last one standing, and who needed everyone dead?

This is a classic “whodunnit”, making you guess — who is the killer, and why? Both authors keep you guessing with some twists and turns and a couple red herrings. Part of this story in my opinion was a tad unrealistic.

I feel like we could have gotten to know more about the other characters and why they are so wealthy compared to Yana. The falling out between the two characters was a bit much (it was not a big deal). Overall the book kept my attention and I was able to read it in a day!

read if you like:
🥰 young adult thrillers
⁉️ whodunnits
🚢 boat mysteries
🤫 secret societies
💁🏻‍♀️ Gossip Girl

⭐️: 2.5/5
📖: YA mystery, thrillers
✏️: 6/10/24
Thank you to both authors and net galley for this ARC!

Great book! It kept me guessing the whole time! It was a great concept to a book but also made me terrified to go on a cruise!
I can see this being made into a movie which I would love to see!

This was a murder mystery with Death on the Nile vibes. It was a fast paced read told via Naya and Yana. I loved seeing the two girls mend their relationship and come together to both survive and find out who the killer was. It was filed with action and suspense. If you enjoy YA reads and locked room mysteries give this one a try.