The book is about the case of Amy Lynn Bradley who went missing in March 1998 from the cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas in the Caribbean.
There are several theories ranging from human trafficking to suicide. Until this day, neither Amy nor her remains have been found.
From the FBI
“Amy Lynn Bradley, while on a family cruise to the Caribbean, went missing from the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line’s ship Rhapsody of the Seas.
On Saturday, March 21, 1998, the vessel departed San Juan, Puerto Rico, and traveled to its first port of call, the island of Aruba.
On Monday, March 23, 1998, Rhapsody of the Seas departed Aruba and was traveling in international waters to its next island port of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
During the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 24, 1998, Amy Lynn Bradley went missing. The vessel later departed Curacao and continued on to the island of St. Martin (Sint Maarten) and further traveled to St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, before returning to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, March 28, 1998.”
The book
James Renner takes us through his investigation of Amy’s case. We meet old school friends, hear about the sports she played, what she studied, the close friends she made at College, and what she envisioned for her future.
We meet family, friends, roommates, and lovers. What they all have in common is sheer concern and sincere, deep feelings for Amy. However, there were also mixed feelings, concern for her future, and especially what a proper future would or should be like for a young woman in 1998. Depending on where you live and who you ask, you get different answers.
Renner interviews many people. He asks them all what they think happened to Amy. What stands out there is that none support the option that has been circulating in the media: human trafficking.
I agree that the picture of the escort named Jas resembles Amy however, the picture is vague. And, if you ran an escort service would your website include a picture of a missing American woman in plain view for everyone to see? Or would you fly under the radar? Check the book to see what Renner thinks of this possibility.
If you are familiar with the case, the book will not bring you huge revelations however, it does deepen the moments, the interactions Amy had with people, how she came across, and how she dealt with problems. The last part is far more crucial than anything else.
The words of her former lovers tell you that there was a darkness in Amy’s life. A darkness she could not shake and was desperate to leave behind. More than one person mentioned that Amy was apprehensive about the cruise.
The most important parts of the book come near the end, pages 245-248, when Renner speaks with Captain Filip Norberg and later when the author stands on the balcony of cabin 8564, on the eighth floor, where Amy was last seen by her dad.
The book has a very good pace. I read an Advance Reader’s Edition so I do not know what the ultimate presentation of the book will include such as photography. I am hoping for an extensive listing of all the sources.
Personal notes
When I read a true crime book I always appreciate to read how the author conducted their research. I do welcome words describing their frustration not being able to find articles or sources. However, you can take it too far. This may be Renner’s general writing style but it is not mine.
I want to read about Amy and not about all the personal obstacles in Renner’s life that, frankly, do not shed a positive light on him. I do wish him well and hope he heals. However, a personal journey should only be included if it helps the reader dig deeper into the victim’s case. In this book, it does not and makes the book roughly a third too long. It would have been better if some notes were collected in appendices at the end of the book and that personal struggles were explained in the author’s notes.
Using ChatGPT and wanting to be the first to write about Amy, sets the wrong tone for the reader. Throughout the book I felt that Renner did not have a clear vision of how he was going to research the case and present his results. It feels haphazardly placed together and at times it backfires as he so honestly describes.
He is unprepared for international travel, had no clue he would not blend into the Caribbean community, no international mobile data plan or local SIM card at hand, and no local contacts in any of the places he visited who he could trust and who could be his guide.
More Information
The family’s website from Amy’s family is here. They also offer a reward for the tips.
The official FBI website is here. There is a missing person’s poster with an age progression of what Amy could look like today. Note that her cheekbones have remained prominent. Her eyes have aged but remain recognizable.
Contact Information
If you have any information that can advance the case please contact the FBI office nearest to you or the Washington D.C Field Office or submit an anonymous tip online.
Note: I received an Advance Reader’s Edition from Ann Pryor at Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. My other book reviews are here.