Dead and Berried

Gray Whale Inn Mystery #2

by Karen MacInerney

Developers have returned to Cranberry Island and are planning to wipe out a natural cranberry bog. Natalie Barnes isn't sweet on the idea of commercial interests souring their cozy oasis, but the single innkeeper has other problems on her plate. Worst of all, there's a killer on the loose.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Suspense, Audiobook, Contemporary

312 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

I'm the author of the Agatha-nominated Gray Whale Inn mystery series, Tales of an Urban Werewolf. the Margie Peterson mysteries and the Dewberry Farm mysteries (plus a new fantasy in the works). My reading is like my writing: eclectic!

I grew up in the Northeast, but I currently live in Austin with my husband, two kids, and a houserabbit named Bunny. Feel free to visit me online at www.karenmacinerney.com; I love connecting with readers.

Reviews

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this again, so I'm revising my original review. Even though I read it before, it was still a book I couldn't put down.

Nathalie Barnes has her hands full. More developers are threatening her beloved island, her ex-fiancé is trying to get her to move back to Texas with him by tempting her with getting her a B&B there, an annoying guest is supposedly wanting to open her own B&B while picking Nat’s brain for ideas, not to mention there are a couple of murders, one of which Nat and Charlene are prime suspects.

In the meantime, Nat's bestie, Charlene has a new boyfriend, the local pastor named Richard. Nat wasn't really crazy about him which made Charlene mad, so she didn't speak to Nat for awhile in the book. We got to meet Charlene's teenage niece Tania who sometimes ran the store for her. Besties can't stay mad forever, so of course they shook hands and made up.

I read this book late in 2017 for a book club and have reread it for another book club since I wasn't really staying very clear on who the killer was along with other details. I didn't really guess it this time around either until the reveal which was pretty exciting. John once again got to show how sweet of a guy he is by being at Nat's side when she was (again) in the hospital at the end.

The very ending was cute with a hint of a ghost being put to rest. Earlier in the book, Nat had been hearing things in the attic, but that turned out to be something tangible. There was an old murder case from the 1800s that was solved by Nat finding a diary in the parsonage. I think the girl's ghost was just trying to say thank you for finding out the truth behind her death.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note to self: be more careful about cheap Amazon offerings. I thought okay, cozy little mystery for a light afternoon read. Sure. But the mistakes were irritating - until I decided to embrace them and just have fun wondering how many people read this book before it was published and never noticed. At first it was just little things: How could the chocolate be bubbling over if she turned off the burner?; She spent time talking about her sweater and his sweater and the pattern of his sweater, etc, and yet she revels in the feel of flannel when he hugs her?; How does one have a lap when standing, etc. But then she copied down the shelter phone number TWICE? And both times it was her excuse to go into Polly's house? Oh, yes, and how could she forget she stole a diary, and then not wonder who broke in to take it out of her pocket and lay it on the bed? Or why they would do such a thing?

Etc, etc, etc.

My take-home lesson? Read other reviews before making even little purchases.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the first book in the series, Murder on the Rocks, you will not be disappointed in the 2nd installment. Dead and Berried continues in the same fashion that makes this series so delightful. Lovable characters, even the kitties, make the reader want to visit this quaint town and stay at the bed-and-breakfast. You can almost taste the delicious food. I cannot wait to try some of the recipes. The plot is not complicated, but there is still some suspense which some cozy mysteries do not possess. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, be sure to pick up this series. I am sure you will fall in love with it like I did. I will certainly continue reading more of the series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, quick read with lots of yummy food descriptions and images of Maine! Took me right back to my trip there last year. Worth reading! 4 stars

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I did what I never thought I would actually do. Stranded without reading matter on a sleepless night, I read an entire novel using the Kindle app on my iPhone. Other than the fact that I had to change pages very frequently, the experience was pleasant.

This novel is the second in the Gray Whale Inn series. I read the first one a few months ago, and I found that I like the second one even better. The setting is lovely; the proprietor-of-a-bed-and-breakfast-protagonist leaves lots of room for snooping. My only criticism of the first two books would be that this heroine repeatedly takes the sort of chances that you usually get from the blonde teenager in a horror movie. A little bit of subtlety and caution would add to the realism. Nevertheless, the series is fun and great escape reading.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Eludes to specifics in the book but not full on spoilers*** This was a good follow up to the first book in the series. There were some things that really bugged me though. Nat continued to be civil to a guest that clearly was sabotaging her business and causing damage to her home, she was civil to a man who sabotaged her bike and inflicted bodily harm on her from the first book and is still shady in this book. She does nothing to stick up for herself against the bully hiding behind his badge investigating the case or her friend Charlene who turns on her for a while in this book. Nat comes across as a door mat that you can easily wipe your feet on. When this story ended it felt like there were still quite a few loose ends that needed to be tied up. I will definitely continue to read the series but Dead and Berried really bugged me.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first of this series, but had a couple of problems with this one. It was a good mystery, however, with lots of action at the end.

I do enjoy the author's work. (For example, I wish there were more books in her Margie Peterson series; it's a fun one.) I do plan to read the next Gray Whale Inn to see where it goes. 3.5*

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy, fluffy murder mystery. Quick read. I agree with others who have said reading this right after the first Gray Whale Inn mystery was kind of a letdown. It isn't as good as the first book - probably because it was way too similar. The addition of the ex-fiancee was the only really interesting part to me. Otherwise it felt like the same plot recycled. I'm still going to read the other books in the series, though.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star is too many, really. This book is going to end up on my unfinished list, because I can't stand it.

I got a total feeling of deja vu when I started reading this book. Oh, hey, someone is trying to develop the island, again. The first book, I let some stuff slide, 'cause, 1st book and all.

This one? By the time I was a few pages in I was annoyed with all the main characters. Natalie is coming off as an idiot. Training a rival B&B keeper, it doesn't take half a brain to see that Candy is planning on using the knowledge against Natalie, and the sink overflowing as an accident? Umm, no. She stuffed a washcloth in the overflow drain, for crying out loud!

Charlene and Natalie sound like they're in high school, "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were jealous." Gag. Yep, just like high school besties, when a boy is involved.

Heck, the guys are acting like they're in HS too. John, with his, "Not until he's gone," comment about not coming over for dinner until the former fiance is gone. So you're just going to leave the woman you supposedly care for to the ex instead of fighting for her? John should be over at the inn as often as he can.

Oh yeah, the former fiance. Honey, kick his arse down the road where he belongs, once a cheater always a cheater.

Ugh. I'm done with the Gray Whale Inn.

[Grey853 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this one after reading MURDER ON THE ROCKS. Natalie acted like an idiot when her fiance showed up, trying to win her back. Instead of chucking him out on his ass, she just flipflopped back and forth about whether to marry the lying sod or stick with John. Being stupid isn't something I admire in a protagonist.

The mystery itself wasn't bad, but after having such a good time with the first book in the series, this one let me down.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Karen MacInerney is such a talented author! The characters and setting are lovely. The mystery aspect always leaves you guessing. I find myself getting lost in the pages of the book! I cannot put the books on this series down. Looking forward to the next one!

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Developers have returned to Cranberry Island, and they're planning to wipe out a natural cranberry bog to build a luxury subdivision. Natalie Barnes isn't sweet on the idea of commercial interests souring their cozy oasis, but the innkeeper has other problems: a withering relationship with her best friend Charlene, the sudden appearance of her ex-fiancé with a tempting proposal, and eerie bumps in the night. Worst of all, there's a killer on the loose. When Charlene's lover is stabbed to death, Natalie promises to find the murderer for her heartbroken friend, who's also the number-one suspect.

This was a great continuation to a series that I've missed. Natalie is a great cozy character because she's independent, resourceful, and intelligent. The plot is engrossing and enthralling, I couldn't stop turning the pages. Cranberry Island is a great mysterious setting that seems, at times, like another character in the story. I recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love all things Maine, and Karen MacInerney definitely delivers in her Gray Whale Inn mystery series that takes place on Cranberry Island. I've read 2 or 3 of these stories, and now I'm going through and picking up the ones I missed. It was wonderful to hang out with Natalie again, to look over her shoulder as she cooks for her guests, and to see what's going on with the other islanders. The pages kept me turning as I wanted to find out the mystery behind the two murders and the mystery of the ancient diary, including whether or not Natalie's inn was actually haunted. A fun and cozy mystery series that I recommend!

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't with the characters. They all act like they are high schoolers honestly. And it is annoying! The personal aspects which would make the story cozy were so childish. Also, I hated all the weight talk. It sounded like she was maybe midsized and talks about how she felt her stomach jiggle... seriously? Eye rollssssss

The above sucks cause the mystery was good. But I can't continue with this series.... le sigh.

[Rbucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, easy read with an enjoyable story.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good ending but dragged a bit in the middle.

[Emmalynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just bad. Natalie is a doormat and doesn’t know how to run her business. The mystery parts are good but the characters are just weak

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately it was way too long and I lost interest as some point. The ghost side story was not getting my attention, the ex fiancée was weird and the ending felt rushed. Liked the cozy vibe

[Ruth Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Innkeeper Natalie Barnes has her hands full. There is so much going on with annoying guests at her inn, a murder and another murder, many suspects, old flame, and lots of action throughout the whole story. This is the kind of book you cannot put down and it goes pretty quick since it is an easy read.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book falls into the category of comforting read. I first found Karen MacInerney through her book Murder on the Rocks, the first book in the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries; but I have found myself coming back for more because of the enjoyable feel it left me with. There is just something about island living and the formed friendships and irritating acts of others that bring me back to see what they are up to next.

Just when life is starting to get back to normal on Cranberry Island, developers have decided that a section of the land would make a perfect location for a new subdivision. The Gray Whale Inn’s proprietor, Natalie Barnes does not like the idea, but what can she do; that is until her friend is found dead, the sheriff calls it suicide, but Natalie knows there is more to it. Does the subdivision have something to do with it, or are there more goings on that Natalie has to get to the bottom of.

Being a cozy mystery, the actual killing of named characters is not what drives this book. It is the location, the community and the inhabitants of Cranberry Island; each part takes on its own personality. You still have to pay close attention as to why each person does what they do, but for the most part, the story has a comforting flow that takes you down a path to a somewhat obvious conclusion but still satisfying at the same time.

[Kayeb · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are simple fun books.........for 100 people who live on the island, the mureder rate is sure pretty darn high....but it includes recipes, which i generally forget to copy...even tho they look good most times. There is the formula.......she finds the bodies, is a suspect and gets into situations I would never do myself......part of the fun I think, since it is so darn implausible.

[close:] In this delicious follow-up to Murder on the Rocks, developers have returned to Cranberry Island. This time, they're planning to wipe out a natural cranberry bog, along with the island's namesake berries, to build a luxury subdivision. Natalie Barnes isn't sweet on the idea of commercial interests souring their cozy oasis, but the single innkeeper has other problems on her plate: a withering relationship with her best friend Charlene, the sudden appearance of her ex-fiancé with a tempting proposal, and eerie bumps in the night suggesting the Gray Whale Inn is haunted. Worst of all, there's a killer on the loose, picking off people like ripe fruit. When Charlene's lover-the handsome chaplain with a stake in the development- is stabbed to death, Natalie promises to find the murderer for her griefstricken friend, who's also the number-one suspect

[Katherine Coble · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a daily deal. It cost me $1.99 and two hours.

I think I have a new rule, that being:
Any fiction book that has recipes in the back automatically loses a star.

At the beginning of the book the protagonist is making a coffee cake. (Recipe in the back, natch.) Her cat comes into the room. She puts dry cat food (alas, no recipe!) in the bowl. Then she puts butter in the bowl.

It's not immediately clear that she went back to the coffee cake process; it sounds like she gave a stick of butter to the cat. I'll skip over how grossed out I am that she allows the cat into the kitchen where she prepares food for HER ENTIRE BED & BREAKFAST (health codes much??) and ask how a clunker like this made it through editing. Okay. Maybe I won't skip it. Gross.

I very much love novels set in hotels, inns, cafes, taverns, and restaurants. But this is the first mystery I've read in a hospitality setting, and I just don't think it works for me. What I enjoy about those stories is a feeling of nurturing and community. With the murder mystery element added--and all the red herrings that accompany it--that atmosphere is tainted. There is just no getting it back, no matter how many scone and brownie recipes are tacked on after the fact.

[Rona · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second in the series. I thought the first one was so-so, but gave it a second try. That's it.
The scenery is nice. The Inn is lovely, but who'd stay in a place where the inn-keeper is in the habit of looking for clues in the guest's rooms!
The viewpoint character has no sense, puts herself in danger over and over. There are people who will help her, but noooooooo; she has to run off in the dark all alone. One would think that nearly getting killed six months ago might have taught her something. But. no.
The plotting distracted me from the wrong-doer this time. However, there was no particular reason to think that he was the wrong-doer. There are always so many mean people around this little island.
Don't vacation on Cranberry Island. The only good thing there are the recipes in the back.
(PS, I don't finish books that I'd give one star to. This is moderately well written, in regard to it reading smoothly and being pleasant to read.)

[Petula Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book in the series had a lot of issues, but I thought it showed potential. I'm now thinking I was probably wrong. The protagonist remained just as idiotic as she was in the first book, but now she's also a terrible person.
There were many elements from the first book that were used once again for this one - is every book going to feature endangered species and lucrative development deals?

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many murders is a small island community. Main character is a fully grown adult yet makes decisions like a teenager. I like "cozy" mysteries for a reading break now and then, but these are just too far-fetched to enjoy.

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm done with this series. With a population of 100 at the rate the murders are happening, there's going to be nobody left by the time this series is over. Is every book going to be about somebody wanting to destroy the beauty of the island with some ill advised land development scheme?

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cooking in this book sounds just absolutely yummy. While not the absolute best mystery this series is a fun light read while at the beach!

Really have to try those Cherry brownies!!

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is good. I enjoyed this one better than the first. Love the characters. The island sounds so refreshing. I hope the rest in the series continues to be as good as 1 & 2.