Book Review: Let’s Not Go Overboard Here

Let’s Not Go Overboard Here

By Erica Hendry

Let’s Not Go Overboard Here is thedebut novel by Erica Hendry, a mystery with a hint of romance and a hilarious writing voice that is so millennial-coded. And by that I mean there are references to the main character, Mel’s love of the reality show Below Deck, Mary Kate and Ashley’s days as detectives, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and a key part of the plot hinges on an in-depth knowledge of Taylor Swift’s lyrics and entire discography. This book is dangerous because it might force you to open up your credit card and book a trip to Chania on the Isle of Crete, Greece.

Mel is a lawyer who is struggling after the death of her long-time, childhood best friend Ari. She’s become a workaholic and now she’s forced by HR to take a vacation. She dreads any empty time, because she doesn’t want to process her grief. Her other friend Vish calls her with an invitation at the perfect time. The company he works for is going public, and to celebrate, they are renting a yacht and sailing around Crete, and he wants Mel to be his plus-one.

Vish works for a British start-up that is a virtual-reality members-only club experience (Soho House but make it online). Since she has followed them on social media, Mel is an awe of Ollie, Freya, and her boyfriend, CEO Seb.

When Freya goes missing, everyone thinks she is just exploring the islands and being her whimsical, messy self. But Mel immediately suspects Seb. As she sets out to find out what really happened to Freya, she can’t ignore the chemistry she has with Abby, a member of the ships crew, a sarcastic, no-nonsense Australian, who just so happens to save Mel’s life.

 The writing voice in this novel is strong, so you have to like pop culture references and her sense of humor. A lot of the novel is kind of her being nosy and interviewing people about Freya’s whereabouts. There were a couple of twists and turns I didn’t predict. The novel feels like a campy version of a locked-room mystery. If you like mysteries set on boats, the power of female friendship, and a queer love story, give this one a try!