All Killers Aboard by David Fennell

 

Struggling writer Martha is forced to take a job as a ghost-writer for Jacqui Dulac, a TV star still living off the fame of her long-cancelled show. Martha has to join Jacqui on board a luxurious cruise liner as it crosses the Atlantic. What neither of them knows is that the liner is also hosting a convention for serial killers.

Author David Fennell has penned one of my favourite thriller series of recent years, the DI Grace Archer books, so as soon as I spotted All Killers Aboard, I just knew I had to read it. I was also intrigued by this new direction, a comedic murder mystery. Would the author be able to pull it off?

I really didn't need to worry, as the author has managed to tread the fine line between dark humour and the macabre with seeming ease. Characters are well fleshed out, without spending too much time on the backstories of the serial killers, and this keeps the momentum flowing. The array of killers is varied, from "Mom and Pop" teams, through to mysterious men in black garb, all passing as passengers aboard the ship. To add to the suspense, there are "normal" passengers, but fans of thrillers will know to watch for people pretending to be something they're not.

There are some truly comical moments, with one in particular reminiscent of a perverse version of "Weekend At Bernie's", however David Fennell's twisted imagination is never far away, and there are still some darker moments that will make you wince.

Martha and Jacqui are a great double act. The start of their relationship is prickly. Jacqui was once a huge TV star, but is now considered a has-been and is living off her fame; she expects subservience and fawning. Millennial Martha is not going to grovel to anyone; she quickly learns how to handle Jacqui's demands. I loved the way that by the conclusion, their relationship had become almost like a mother and daughter. I do hope we haven't seen the last of this pairing.

All Killers Aboard by David Fennell will be published on 30th July 2026 in hardback, ebook, and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing for a review copy.

Author Details

David Fennell was born and raised in Belfast. He left for London at the tender age of eighteen and jobbed as a chef, waiter and bartender for several years before starting a career as a writer in the software industry. He is now a full time author of six books including the multi-award nominated SLEEPER series. His third novel, the bestselling THE ART OF DEATH, marked the beginning of a popular new crime series. His latest book, A VIOLENT HEART, is out now.