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Gray Whale Inn Mystery #5
Brush with Death
For Natalie Barnes, the flurry of trendy artists setting up shop on Cranberry Island promises to be the perfect recipe for relaxing and enjoying the holiday season. But Natalie’s good luck is turning out to be a stroke of misfortune for her niece, Gwen. The local gallery’s new owner hates Gwen’s paintings, and her mentor Fernand is too distracted by a competing artist to help Gwen improve her style. When Natalie finds Fernand dead, seemingly the victim of suicide, she can’t believe someone who had so much joy and success in his life would kill himself. Finding clues at Fernand’s home that support her suspicion of murder, Natalie’s hunt for answers places her next on the killer’s list. Will she be able to solve this murder masterpiece before it’s too late?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2013
332 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Karen MacInerney
52 books1,142 followersI'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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
October 7, 2014
When I started this book I immediately thought that I must have skipped a book in the series so I doubled checked. The reason is because the author begins by alluding to incidents and circumstances that evidently occurred between the end of the last book (Berried to the Hilt) and this. Many of these were very different from what she previously established, i.e., Fernand being a fixture at the Inn and Gwen's art show as well as a Thanksgiving visit to John's family. Perhaps she wrote a short story bridging books 4 and 5. It is disconcerting.
Overall I decided to just read the book. I will finish the series' that I have on hand but I wouldn't spend money to complete it. The series as a whole is just too slapdash and repetitive. My main (pun intended) reason for keeping up with it is the author's description of coastal Maine. And I do plan to try the Eggnog Bread recipe from this book.
This was a badly edited book with inconsistencies that kept me from enjoying it as much as I would have liked. Even if the author does have umpteen series' going her editor should have caught these.
- In chapter 9, Natalie mentions that her ring finger feels bare without the engagement ring and a few pages later, without having put the ring on, she is nervously twisting the ring on her finger. Could have been a simple fix with the addition of the word "mentally."
- At one point Charlene teases Natalie for not knowing about Fernand's sexuality after telling her that he had a boyfriend. The next day Charlene apparently didn't know anything about him having a lover.
- Early in the book Natalie alludes to John's attorney father. Later she muses that John's mother was disappointed that he did not go into medicine like his father.
- At the beginning of chapter 15 Natalie notices Fernand's sister has sedatives in her medicine cabinet but later Natalie doesn't seem to remember that on hearing he was drugged and police were investigating the sister.
Overall I decided to just read the book. I will finish the series' that I have on hand but I wouldn't spend money to complete it. The series as a whole is just too slapdash and repetitive. My main (pun intended) reason for keeping up with it is the author's description of coastal Maine. And I do plan to try the Eggnog Bread recipe from this book.
This was a badly edited book with inconsistencies that kept me from enjoying it as much as I would have liked. Even if the author does have umpteen series' going her editor should have caught these.
- In chapter 9, Natalie mentions that her ring finger feels bare without the engagement ring and a few pages later, without having put the ring on, she is nervously twisting the ring on her finger. Could have been a simple fix with the addition of the word "mentally."
- At one point Charlene teases Natalie for not knowing about Fernand's sexuality after telling her that he had a boyfriend. The next day Charlene apparently didn't know anything about him having a lover.
- Early in the book Natalie alludes to John's attorney father. Later she muses that John's mother was disappointed that he did not go into medicine like his father.
- At the beginning of chapter 15 Natalie notices Fernand's sister has sedatives in her medicine cabinet but later Natalie doesn't seem to remember that on hearing he was drugged and police were investigating the sister.
December 6, 2018
Another good entry in the series. I was glad of who the culprit was because I didn't like them. Lots of little subplots going on in this one but it made it fun. The ending was also rather exciting.
December 17, 2012
So you think you have problems? Maine’s Gray Whale Inn owner Natalie Barnes discovers her engagement ring’s fake, her mother in law’s coming to visit – or stay, her inn’s about to be foreclosed, her painter niece is distraught, and then she discovers the body of a friend.
Karen MacInerney builds suspense seasoned with humor, love, good cooking and memorable characters in this newest Cranberry Island mystery. How have I missed these Gray Whale Inn mysteries? I am a Maine guy and should know about these things!
This is a great book to curl up with in your favorite chair!
Karen MacInerney builds suspense seasoned with humor, love, good cooking and memorable characters in this newest Cranberry Island mystery. How have I missed these Gray Whale Inn mysteries? I am a Maine guy and should know about these things!
This is a great book to curl up with in your favorite chair!
December 14, 2013
I love the setting of these books, having spent a lot of time in Maine visiting my parents. In fact, my first YA novel, Cheshire Moon, is set on a fictional island off the coast of Maine in Penobscot Bay. [I based it on Islesboro, but called it Summerhaven.]
I also find the heroine/innkeeper/amateur sleuth appealing, and what's not to love about all the indulgent food [and the recipes afterward]? Still, I want to shake some sense into Natalie. For five books now, she has made the same mistakes in judgment that have of course gotten her into mortal peril each and every time. As Natalie herself admits in this book, a murderer had taken her out in a small skiff and tried to drown her before. So why doesn't she ever learn? [I'm smiling here.]
I think MacInerney demonstrates in many passages that she has what it takes to be a fine writer—but she's not consistent. Maybe it was the Kindle version I was reading, but there were numerous typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors in my book, including one line where a character's "college" is peeking over his Sansabelt. Say what? I still can't figure that one out. Maybe that's not the author's fault though; maybe it was poor editing on the Kindle version.
So why—if I like the setting, the protagonist, and the author—do I keep having the same "meh" reaction to each book? I guess because I think with all this promise, they could be so much better than they are. As a lover of cozies, I'm willing to suspend disbelief and cut the author a lot of slack. But come on: five murders in three years on an island with a permanent population of only one hundred souls? Yikes! I don't think I'd book a room at the Gray Whale Inn. :D
Yes, part of the appeal of cozies is precisely that you feel you know what to expect with each outing; they may be formulaic, but that's comforting. Maybe my concern is that the characters are too plot-driven, by which I mean they act in ways that the author needs them to in order to make the plot go the way she wants it to go. Which is why Natalie keeps making the same errors in judgment each and every time, so that she can wind up facing death from the cornered murderer at the climax of every book. I wish the author would let her characters surprise us sometimes, and that she would find fresher ways to inject tension and urgency into the climaxes.
I think she was trying to do that in this book by introducing several subplots, but I think there were too many of those: it was distracting.
I also find the heroine/innkeeper/amateur sleuth appealing, and what's not to love about all the indulgent food [and the recipes afterward]? Still, I want to shake some sense into Natalie. For five books now, she has made the same mistakes in judgment that have of course gotten her into mortal peril each and every time. As Natalie herself admits in this book, a murderer had taken her out in a small skiff and tried to drown her before. So why doesn't she ever learn? [I'm smiling here.]
I think MacInerney demonstrates in many passages that she has what it takes to be a fine writer—but she's not consistent. Maybe it was the Kindle version I was reading, but there were numerous typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors in my book, including one line where a character's "college" is peeking over his Sansabelt. Say what? I still can't figure that one out. Maybe that's not the author's fault though; maybe it was poor editing on the Kindle version.
So why—if I like the setting, the protagonist, and the author—do I keep having the same "meh" reaction to each book? I guess because I think with all this promise, they could be so much better than they are. As a lover of cozies, I'm willing to suspend disbelief and cut the author a lot of slack. But come on: five murders in three years on an island with a permanent population of only one hundred souls? Yikes! I don't think I'd book a room at the Gray Whale Inn. :D
Yes, part of the appeal of cozies is precisely that you feel you know what to expect with each outing; they may be formulaic, but that's comforting. Maybe my concern is that the characters are too plot-driven, by which I mean they act in ways that the author needs them to in order to make the plot go the way she wants it to go. Which is why Natalie keeps making the same errors in judgment each and every time, so that she can wind up facing death from the cornered murderer at the climax of every book. I wish the author would let her characters surprise us sometimes, and that she would find fresher ways to inject tension and urgency into the climaxes.
I think she was trying to do that in this book by introducing several subplots, but I think there were too many of those: it was distracting.
May 31, 2013
This is a book in a beloved series that always seems too long in coming. The thing is...even if Ms. MacInerney wrote a novel every three months...it would be too long in coming for me. The characters stick in my mind and they are like friends sending me a catch-up family newsletter of what has been going on in Natalie Barnes life.
The fifth novel was worthy of any waiting. The book caught me in the opening and as I sat with my cup of tea, snuggled in my armchair, I found myself caught by the aromas of the written word.
Natalie Barnes owns and operates a lovely Bed and Breakfast on Cranberry Island, Maine. She loves cooking and taking care of her guests, her fiancé John, her niece Gwen, and her kitty Biscuit.
This story revolves about Gwen's entry into the Art market. Her mentor, Fernand has gotten her a show with a with a local art patron, who is not truly respected. As Fernand reminds Natalie, this first art show is about getting Gwen's name out there, even if the patron, is a bit sleazy acting, and looking. Gwen is showing the pressure, and when she is told to do 'oils' versus her favorite medium, watercolors, she begins to show insecurities.
Then, Gwen's mentor is found dead...by Natalie...what is going on? Secrets abound, families are being torn asunder by them. Claudette's daughter in law? Just what is going on there? This famous artist arriving with her agent and renting a house during the winter??? Why? Who is messing with Natalie's very existence on Cranberry Island? All these questions and more...as we are cleverly drawn into the fabric of Natalies life.
The writing is tight, the dialog makes you feel part of the conversations, the recipes are inviting me to bake, I can smell the burnt cabbage...what? Ah, I should let you find out for yourselves. I truly enjoyed this book and think you will also.
Now, to wait for the next one...sigh.
The fifth novel was worthy of any waiting. The book caught me in the opening and as I sat with my cup of tea, snuggled in my armchair, I found myself caught by the aromas of the written word.
Natalie Barnes owns and operates a lovely Bed and Breakfast on Cranberry Island, Maine. She loves cooking and taking care of her guests, her fiancé John, her niece Gwen, and her kitty Biscuit.
This story revolves about Gwen's entry into the Art market. Her mentor, Fernand has gotten her a show with a with a local art patron, who is not truly respected. As Fernand reminds Natalie, this first art show is about getting Gwen's name out there, even if the patron, is a bit sleazy acting, and looking. Gwen is showing the pressure, and when she is told to do 'oils' versus her favorite medium, watercolors, she begins to show insecurities.
Then, Gwen's mentor is found dead...by Natalie...what is going on? Secrets abound, families are being torn asunder by them. Claudette's daughter in law? Just what is going on there? This famous artist arriving with her agent and renting a house during the winter??? Why? Who is messing with Natalie's very existence on Cranberry Island? All these questions and more...as we are cleverly drawn into the fabric of Natalies life.
The writing is tight, the dialog makes you feel part of the conversations, the recipes are inviting me to bake, I can smell the burnt cabbage...what? Ah, I should let you find out for yourselves. I truly enjoyed this book and think you will also.
Now, to wait for the next one...sigh.
January 16, 2016
Winter on Cranberry Island should be a time for Natalie to relax but her niece is preparing to show her paintings at an art show, her future mother-in-law is coming to visit and she has just received a foreclosure notice for the Inn. Then she finds her niece’s mentor dead and when she realizes he really didn’t commit suicide she puts herself right in the line of fire as she tries to uncover the truth.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
After just losing our house to foreclosure this one started out hitting a little close to home but as I continued to read Natalie’s circumstances were totally different than ours so I was able to get right past it and enjoy the splendor of Cranberry Island and its residents. But the financial woes of another character did break my heart.
The mystery had more than a few twists and kept me enthralled to the final page. John was away from the island when the murder occurred so Natalie was sleuthing on her own. Gwen was dealing with conflicting advice from Natalie and the gallery owner while trying to deal with her mentor’s death. John’s mother grew by leaps and bounds for me in this installment. Plus Natalie’s way with food and her ability to just whip something up had me drooling.
The author pulls us right into the story. We can feel the frigid air and the freezing water, smell the muffins baking and picture Gwen’s masterpieces with such ease. If this is a new series for you start at the beginning with Murder on the Rocks but if you are like me you have been waiting for this installment you will devour this story. Karen MacInerney has exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to return to Cranberry Island again soon.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
After just losing our house to foreclosure this one started out hitting a little close to home but as I continued to read Natalie’s circumstances were totally different than ours so I was able to get right past it and enjoy the splendor of Cranberry Island and its residents. But the financial woes of another character did break my heart.
The mystery had more than a few twists and kept me enthralled to the final page. John was away from the island when the murder occurred so Natalie was sleuthing on her own. Gwen was dealing with conflicting advice from Natalie and the gallery owner while trying to deal with her mentor’s death. John’s mother grew by leaps and bounds for me in this installment. Plus Natalie’s way with food and her ability to just whip something up had me drooling.
The author pulls us right into the story. We can feel the frigid air and the freezing water, smell the muffins baking and picture Gwen’s masterpieces with such ease. If this is a new series for you start at the beginning with Murder on the Rocks but if you are like me you have been waiting for this installment you will devour this story. Karen MacInerney has exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to return to Cranberry Island again soon.
August 3, 2013
I have read all of the books in this series, and this most recently published was a little disappointing. The author is following a formula for her books, which is too bad. The setting is great, the main character is likeable but she's not growing. She doesn't learn from her mistakes...she keeps making the same mistakes over and over, getting into danger, getting kidnapped by the murderer and having the same brushes with death (sorry 'bout that ;)). I like to see a character evolve over time and Natalie isn't. If the author writes another one, I would probably read it just to see if there is improvement.
November 30, 2024
Brush with Death by Karen MacInerney is the 5th book in A Gray Whale Inn Mystery series. Cranberry Island has been inundated with several artists and following a party to welcome one of the more successful artists, a local artist and Gwen's mentor , Fernand is found dead. Natalie soon becomes involved in tracking the killer. This book follows the pattern of the previous ones and is a cozy and familiar read. The mystery is quite simple to solve but the book is still enjoyable. Bonus recipes are included and sound delicious. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
May 16, 2013
Gray Whale Inn mystery + Christmas/snowy setting = amazing! This is one of my Favorite series and this installment did not disappoint, which is saying a lot since it took forever to come out and i had high hopes. Hopefully the wait for the next book in the series isn't nearly as long. If you haven't read this series you are missing out!
June 7, 2018
Great atmosphere,lots of twists and turns. My favorite in the series th us far.
December 8, 2021
Good story. I’m going to try one of the recipes that are in the back
May 8, 2013
The fifth in the Gray Whale Inn series is, as usual, a light read with a very slight edge. Natalie Barnes has made a happy transition from a previous job in Texas to owner of a bed and breakfast on an island near Bar Harbor, Maine. In this book, she is engaged to John, a hunky sheriff's deputy and artist. It's December. Christmas is coming. This is down time for the inn.
However, Natalie is glad to have the breather. Having recently refinanced the inn, she now has a cushion. Life is good, right? Now if the engagement ring John gave her, the one that was his grandmother's, seems to have triggered an allergy. To complicate matters, John's mother is visiting. She makes Natalie feel inadequate, and Natalie has the feeling that her future mother-in-law was hoping for a better match for her only son.
In the meantime, her niece, Gwen, a gifted artist is getting ready for her first show. Meanwhile, a famous artist and her agent have rented a house on the island so the artist can rest and paint. The island's resident artist, Fernand, is hosting a party for her. The day after the party he is found dead, an apparent suicide. However Gwen is NOT convinced. Fernand has been mentoring her, and there has been nothing in his behavior to indicate that he was depressed. I
n the meantime, Natalie also has to deal with the fact that the lawyer who handled the closing for her refinance apparently did NOT pay off her previous mortgage. Now the previous mortgage holder is preparing to foreclose. There's not a lot of mystery here, but the characters are interesting and complex. The scenery is wonderful, and there are even some great recipes at the end.
However, Natalie is glad to have the breather. Having recently refinanced the inn, she now has a cushion. Life is good, right? Now if the engagement ring John gave her, the one that was his grandmother's, seems to have triggered an allergy. To complicate matters, John's mother is visiting. She makes Natalie feel inadequate, and Natalie has the feeling that her future mother-in-law was hoping for a better match for her only son.
In the meantime, her niece, Gwen, a gifted artist is getting ready for her first show. Meanwhile, a famous artist and her agent have rented a house on the island so the artist can rest and paint. The island's resident artist, Fernand, is hosting a party for her. The day after the party he is found dead, an apparent suicide. However Gwen is NOT convinced. Fernand has been mentoring her, and there has been nothing in his behavior to indicate that he was depressed. I
n the meantime, Natalie also has to deal with the fact that the lawyer who handled the closing for her refinance apparently did NOT pay off her previous mortgage. Now the previous mortgage holder is preparing to foreclose. There's not a lot of mystery here, but the characters are interesting and complex. The scenery is wonderful, and there are even some great recipes at the end.
June 4, 2013
First off you should know that I adore this Gray Whale Inn series ,and the newest book above only makes me love it even more. The heroine in the series is called Natalie Barnes and she runs the Gray Whale inn on Cranberry island. Natalie is a character I am very fond off. She is resilient even though she comes up against trouble and danger a lot of the time that would make a lesser person get off that island quicker then you can Ahoy there!
In Brush With Death Natalie has really reached a real low point in her life.. A lot of things are happening in her life that she has little control over and she is really struggling with it all. You really feel for her , she is trying to be brave and just get on with things but you just want to give her a huge hug..
As always there is delectable sounding cooking going on in the book ..I wish Natalie's inn was real as I sure would be paying a visit to sample some of her wonderful recepies. The food mentioned makes it very hard to resist reading this book without a cup of something hot alongside something tasty to nibble on. This book is a winner in my book and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. This book has everything ..mystery.. great characters and fabulous setting.. long May This Series Last!!!!!
In Brush With Death Natalie has really reached a real low point in her life.. A lot of things are happening in her life that she has little control over and she is really struggling with it all. You really feel for her , she is trying to be brave and just get on with things but you just want to give her a huge hug..
As always there is delectable sounding cooking going on in the book ..I wish Natalie's inn was real as I sure would be paying a visit to sample some of her wonderful recepies. The food mentioned makes it very hard to resist reading this book without a cup of something hot alongside something tasty to nibble on. This book is a winner in my book and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. This book has everything ..mystery.. great characters and fabulous setting.. long May This Series Last!!!!!
February 16, 2013
The Gray Whale Inn Mysteries books are a great cozy mystery series. Have you discovered it yet? Now is the time!
I love the setting of a small Maine island near Bar Harbor. I've only been to Bar Harbor once but it earned a spot in my heart, what a gorgeous spot! I was there on a hot summer day so it is interesting to read about it in the midst of a cold winter.
Great story revolving around the artists on Cranberry Island, financial worries for our innkeeper Natalie and the arrival of the soon to be mother-in-law! Natalie's artist niece Gwen's mentor Fernand is found dead...is it suicide or murder? Next, the victim's lover and his estranged sister have checked in to the inn..the tensions abound. When Gwen is attacked and the autopsy shows Fernand was unconscious before his wrists were slashed, the hunt is on for the murderer.
Great story with plenty of action and suspense. Delightful recipes included at the end of the story. Be sure to pick this book up at the beginning of May.
I love the setting of a small Maine island near Bar Harbor. I've only been to Bar Harbor once but it earned a spot in my heart, what a gorgeous spot! I was there on a hot summer day so it is interesting to read about it in the midst of a cold winter.
Great story revolving around the artists on Cranberry Island, financial worries for our innkeeper Natalie and the arrival of the soon to be mother-in-law! Natalie's artist niece Gwen's mentor Fernand is found dead...is it suicide or murder? Next, the victim's lover and his estranged sister have checked in to the inn..the tensions abound. When Gwen is attacked and the autopsy shows Fernand was unconscious before his wrists were slashed, the hunt is on for the murderer.
Great story with plenty of action and suspense. Delightful recipes included at the end of the story. Be sure to pick this book up at the beginning of May.
June 2, 2013
This is the 5th installment in the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries, and I did enjoy it. That being said, this book (I read the e-book version) is in desperate need of a copy editor! There were several places where the mistakes simply yanked me out of the story and had me shaking my head-in one case a minor character changes gender in the middle of a conversation, the victim's name is interchanged with different character, etc. I will say that the story kept me guessing- who killed Fernand? His lover, his sister, his protogee? Ms. MacInerney once again expertly delivers the type of cozy mystery we have come to expect from her.
July 7, 2019
I enjoyed the first couple of books, but the glaring inconsistencies in characters/plot point are starting to become glaringly obvious. Depending on which book you read, Gwen is going to Cali, already in Cali, or never going to Cali. I bet there is maybe a school in Maine she could transfer to if her education is so important!
Let’s not even talk about the engagement ring and the difference between the two books.
And really, Natalie just isn’t my favorite.
Let’s not even talk about the engagement ring and the difference between the two books.
And really, Natalie just isn’t my favorite.
March 18, 2014
2.5 stars. Missed editing errors and apathy towards the characters kept me from really enjoying what many might find to be a good cozy mystery.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/824116...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/824116...
May 29, 2013
Really good cozy mystery. I've read all the Gray Whale Inn books and this is the best yet.l Mc Inerney mixes several mysteries within the book and needless to say, all are solved at the end. Cranberry Island, the Inn and all the residents provide a most satisfying tale.
May 28, 2017
Really like the Maine setting......although it reminds me of why I like warm climates......like the characters, like the story line....all in all a nice quite read...
July 31, 2024
"Brush With Death" is book #5 in the "Gray Whale Mystery" by Karen MacInerney.
"For Natalie Barnes, the flurry of trendy artists setting up shop on Cranberry Island promises to be the perfect recipe for relaxing and enjoying the holiday season. But Natalie’s good luck is turning out to be a stroke of misfortune for her niece, Gwen. The local gallery’s new owner hates Gwen’s paintings, and her mentor Fernand is too distracted by a competing artist to help Gwen improve her style. When Natalie finds Fernand dead, seemingly the victim of suicide, she can’t believe someone who had so much joy and success in his life would kill himself. Finding clues at Fernand’s home that support her suspicion of murder, Natalie’s hunt for answers places her next on the killer’s list. Will she be able to solve this murder masterpiece before it’s too late?"
My thoughts:
Natalie isn't feeling the holiday spirit as other stresses are weighing heavy on her. A major problem with the Inn's mortgagee, an early visit from her future mother-in-law Catherine, strange and disturbing "offerings" left near the back door of the Inn would be more than enough, but then there is the murder of Fernand. Police want to rule it suicide but Gwen, Nat and John - among others - are having a hard time accepting that.
I had figured out who was leaving the "offering" but wasn't sure why. As for the murder? I was waffling between a couple of suspects but wasn't overly surprised at who the culprit was. Of course there was a life threatening part before the culprit was in custody.
I do like how the core characters are growing and relationships are evolving and deepening. I wish Fernand had not been the victim here as there was a lot more that could have been told about his story.
A preview of the next book in the series is included at the end of the Kindle edition as are a few recipes that were mentioned in the book.
"For Natalie Barnes, the flurry of trendy artists setting up shop on Cranberry Island promises to be the perfect recipe for relaxing and enjoying the holiday season. But Natalie’s good luck is turning out to be a stroke of misfortune for her niece, Gwen. The local gallery’s new owner hates Gwen’s paintings, and her mentor Fernand is too distracted by a competing artist to help Gwen improve her style. When Natalie finds Fernand dead, seemingly the victim of suicide, she can’t believe someone who had so much joy and success in his life would kill himself. Finding clues at Fernand’s home that support her suspicion of murder, Natalie’s hunt for answers places her next on the killer’s list. Will she be able to solve this murder masterpiece before it’s too late?"
My thoughts:
Natalie isn't feeling the holiday spirit as other stresses are weighing heavy on her. A major problem with the Inn's mortgagee, an early visit from her future mother-in-law Catherine, strange and disturbing "offerings" left near the back door of the Inn would be more than enough, but then there is the murder of Fernand. Police want to rule it suicide but Gwen, Nat and John - among others - are having a hard time accepting that.
I had figured out who was leaving the "offering" but wasn't sure why. As for the murder? I was waffling between a couple of suspects but wasn't overly surprised at who the culprit was. Of course there was a life threatening part before the culprit was in custody.
I do like how the core characters are growing and relationships are evolving and deepening. I wish Fernand had not been the victim here as there was a lot more that could have been told about his story.
A preview of the next book in the series is included at the end of the Kindle edition as are a few recipes that were mentioned in the book.
March 21, 2020
Brush with Death by Karen MacInerny is the 5th book of the Gray Whale Inn cozy mystery series set on fictional Cranberry Island in contemporary Maine. Natalie Barnes loves her life. She moved to Cranberry Island 3 years ago, and invested her life savings in a bed-and-breakfast inn. She loves meeting new people, and cooking and baking for her guests. Now it's early December, tourist season over. She savors the beautiful Currier & Ives views out her windows. Her niece Gwen is staying with her, developing her painting talent with local artist Fernand. Her fiance John is off island at a training conference, but due home soon.
The quiet peace of Natalie's winter on the island is soon disturbed in several ways, many plot threads to distract with potential red herrings. Natalie suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself in financial peril. Then she finds a murder victim, in a crime scene staged to look like suicide. A good friend on the island has a mysterious psychotic daughter-in-law visiting. Gwen's paintings are rejected by the art show sponsor (who has terrible sartorial taste). He forces Gwen to change her style and media; Natalie suspects him of lechery. Natalie is the target of blood spatter attacks and voodoo-doll threats. Her engagement ring inflames her finger, and her Boston Brahmin mother-in-law-to-be arrives.
Plenty of secrets to unravel. Natalie pokes her nose into everyone's business, and takes foolish risks. Meanwhile she prepares delicious food for unexpected inn guests and friends. Recipes are included: Winter Knitters Candy Cane Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, Chilly Night Hatch Chile Stew, Crusted Garlic and Rosemary Pork Tenderloin, Rustic Sausage and Cheese Lasagna, Eggnog Bread, Gwen's Favorite Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Berry Muffins, Christmas Simmering Potpourri
The quiet peace of Natalie's winter on the island is soon disturbed in several ways, many plot threads to distract with potential red herrings. Natalie suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself in financial peril. Then she finds a murder victim, in a crime scene staged to look like suicide. A good friend on the island has a mysterious psychotic daughter-in-law visiting. Gwen's paintings are rejected by the art show sponsor (who has terrible sartorial taste). He forces Gwen to change her style and media; Natalie suspects him of lechery. Natalie is the target of blood spatter attacks and voodoo-doll threats. Her engagement ring inflames her finger, and her Boston Brahmin mother-in-law-to-be arrives.
Plenty of secrets to unravel. Natalie pokes her nose into everyone's business, and takes foolish risks. Meanwhile she prepares delicious food for unexpected inn guests and friends. Recipes are included: Winter Knitters Candy Cane Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, Chilly Night Hatch Chile Stew, Crusted Garlic and Rosemary Pork Tenderloin, Rustic Sausage and Cheese Lasagna, Eggnog Bread, Gwen's Favorite Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Berry Muffins, Christmas Simmering Potpourri
December 4, 2018
Brush with Death is the fifth book in Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale Inn Mystery Series. It's the holiday season on Cranberry Island, but there's not much cheer to be found when Fernand, Gwen's artist mentor, is found dead of suspected suicide, and Natalie receives unpleasant gifts like voodoo dolls and blood on her doorstep. Once again, Natalie investigates and ends up in trouble...
To be completely candid, I did not like the fourth book in this series and considered not reading future tomes. But I have a weakness for holiday cozy mysteries so I decided to visit the Gray Whale Inn one more time and see if the author had recovered from her slump. While I did enjoy this book much more than Berried to the Hilt, I still feel that MacInerney's books suffer from a lack of originality. It seems that certain things happen in all the books (someone is hit over the head - someone almost dies at sea in a skiff). I read a lot of cozy mysteries and am very familiar with the common recurring themes and characters types they feature. For some reason, Natalie always seems just a little bit stupid compared to other cozy heroines when she dashes off into trouble without alerting the authorities, her boyfriend or even her friends. After finding so many dead bodies and almost dying at sea so many times, you think she would eventually wise up a bit.
In my opinion, the repetitive climax events are most unfortunate because the groundwork for the cozy mystery was solid. I did figure out the killer much earlier than the author's reveal, but I was still enjoying the book. I liked the new characters that were introduced and looked forward to their development as a part of the Cranberry Island community.
To be completely candid, I did not like the fourth book in this series and considered not reading future tomes. But I have a weakness for holiday cozy mysteries so I decided to visit the Gray Whale Inn one more time and see if the author had recovered from her slump. While I did enjoy this book much more than Berried to the Hilt, I still feel that MacInerney's books suffer from a lack of originality. It seems that certain things happen in all the books (someone is hit over the head - someone almost dies at sea in a skiff). I read a lot of cozy mysteries and am very familiar with the common recurring themes and characters types they feature. For some reason, Natalie always seems just a little bit stupid compared to other cozy heroines when she dashes off into trouble without alerting the authorities, her boyfriend or even her friends. After finding so many dead bodies and almost dying at sea so many times, you think she would eventually wise up a bit.
In my opinion, the repetitive climax events are most unfortunate because the groundwork for the cozy mystery was solid. I did figure out the killer much earlier than the author's reveal, but I was still enjoying the book. I liked the new characters that were introduced and looked forward to their development as a part of the Cranberry Island community.
August 20, 2019
I would give this a 2.5 out of 5. Brush With Death is 5th in the Gray Whale Inn mystery series and my first experience with the series. I picked up the book at the library because the setting and characters sounded charming and the mystery revolved around the art world, which is one of my favourite worlds.
And guess what? The setting and the characters WERE charming. The book moves along at a good clip, the story and the mystery were decent although perhaps not terribly tricky to figure out. But it had all the earmarks of a good cozy mystery.
So why only 2 (or 2.5) stars? The editing was terrible. Absolutely terrible. It was like watching a period drama on tv and spotting airplanes and water bottles and cell phones all over the place. So many small continuity errors that are totally unacceptable in a mystery novel where small details really count. At one point, I couldn't even follow a conversation between two characters. I even checked to see if the book had been self-published and perhaps the author had been unable to hire an editor but that was not the case. It really detracted from what was otherwise a fun read. I will give the series one more try because overall, it does get good reviews but if the editing isn't miles better I think I'll give up on it.
And guess what? The setting and the characters WERE charming. The book moves along at a good clip, the story and the mystery were decent although perhaps not terribly tricky to figure out. But it had all the earmarks of a good cozy mystery.
So why only 2 (or 2.5) stars? The editing was terrible. Absolutely terrible. It was like watching a period drama on tv and spotting airplanes and water bottles and cell phones all over the place. So many small continuity errors that are totally unacceptable in a mystery novel where small details really count. At one point, I couldn't even follow a conversation between two characters. I even checked to see if the book had been self-published and perhaps the author had been unable to hire an editor but that was not the case. It really detracted from what was otherwise a fun read. I will give the series one more try because overall, it does get good reviews but if the editing isn't miles better I think I'll give up on it.
October 13, 2017
Christmas is approaching and things are happening on tiny Cranberry Island - John's mother (Catherine) has made a surprise visit to the inn, Gwen is preparing for her first big art show, a famous artist has decided that Cranberry Island is the perfect place for her to hide away from her adoring public, and Gwen's mentor Fernand has a stalker. When Fernand is found dead due to a probable suicide the morning after a party, both Gwen and Natalie have their doubts. In addition to all this, Natalie's engagement ring is turning her finger black, and due to an error with her re-finance Natalie has received notification of foreclosure on the inn! Brush with Death keeps the reader quickly turning pages to find out what will happen next, and was an absolute pleasure to read. I love the way that the story line and the character development progresses with each book, and this 5th installment in the Gray Whale Inn mystery series by Karen MacInerney might just be my favorite to date. :-)
July 14, 2019
This series continues to get better and better with each entry. Not that it was ever not better, that's how good it is. This helped me sleep in beds not my own as young'n and I traveled around Kansas last week and it helped me acclimate once we returned home and sharing the bed with two 60 lb Doodles who like to take up space and kick in their sleep. Waking at various times of the night had me reading my Nook with this book to lull me back to sleep...eventually. It's an intriguing story that had me also reading "just one more page". sigh.....
Poor Nat has a crappe-tonne of stuff on her plate in this book. Money issues, death, brutal attacks and a visiting future mother-in-law who is less than enthused to have Nat join the family.
That Natalie keeps pushing on is a testament to her intestinal fortitude. Someone else might just huddle in a corner and wait for the bad stuff to go away.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
Poor Nat has a crappe-tonne of stuff on her plate in this book. Money issues, death, brutal attacks and a visiting future mother-in-law who is less than enthused to have Nat join the family.
That Natalie keeps pushing on is a testament to her intestinal fortitude. Someone else might just huddle in a corner and wait for the bad stuff to go away.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
December 4, 2016
I think this was my favorite book in the series so far, although I was sorry to see one of my favorite secondary characters eliminated in this book. MacInerney really paints a beautiful picture of Maine, an island in winter, that this book takes place around the Christmas season also really adds to the lovely picture she paint, as the story starts everything is going wrong, Natalie gets a foreclosure notice on the Inn, Gwen has a show for her art but the gallery owner wants her to change mediums and John informs her that his Mom is coming for two weeks over the holidays, what else could go wrong??? Oh yeah a murder. Good story with satisfying ending.
October 12, 2018
This book had a very cosy feel to it. An inn on an island off the coast of Maine with Christmas rapidly approaching. Lots of snow and baked goods.
Natalie is mostly a likable character though she does make exceptionally silly decisions when she is anxious - which she seems to be quite often.
A well-written mystery though I felt the heroine in danger scene went on for far too long. I ended up skimming most of it.
There also seemed to have a been a bit of an editing error. On page 133 John's mother didn't approve of John's not following his father into medicine and on page 175 it says his father was an attorney.
Natalie is mostly a likable character though she does make exceptionally silly decisions when she is anxious - which she seems to be quite often.
A well-written mystery though I felt the heroine in danger scene went on for far too long. I ended up skimming most of it.
There also seemed to have a been a bit of an editing error. On page 133 John's mother didn't approve of John's not following his father into medicine and on page 175 it says his father was an attorney.
February 26, 2020
A Brush with Death contains all the warmth and quirky characters of the first few books in this series. This book has many complications such as a new and suspect artist on the island; a relative of one of Natalie’s friends who suffers from a serious mental illness; the introduction of Natalie’s future mother in law; and, a gay stalker. However, there were so many errors in this book that should have been caught by a better editor. An example was when Natalie takes off running in tennis shoes but heads home in boots! I found myself wanting to get this book over with rather than hoping it wouldn’t end. What a shame.
April 30, 2020
Good story
I was a little hesitant about this book when I first started reading it.It seemed as though too much had been skipped over since the last book. However things were resolved and explained in a great way and I happily read on.Love the setting for this series as Maine is one of my favorite places.We live nearby and visit often. We even have a favorite Inn that we visit.I can always picture the setting and I love the characters. I recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
I was a little hesitant about this book when I first started reading it.It seemed as though too much had been skipped over since the last book. However things were resolved and explained in a great way and I happily read on.Love the setting for this series as Maine is one of my favorite places.We live nearby and visit often. We even have a favorite Inn that we visit.I can always picture the setting and I love the characters. I recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
January 19, 2025
Natalie's niece Gwen is trying to prepare paintings, but the gallery owner is trying to change her style. Adding to her niece's misfortune, Natalie finds her mentor, Fernand, dead. The police have determined that it was suicide, but Natalie is not buying that and proceeds to investigate.
This story was a bit of a whirlwind of events. Besides the murder, Natalie was dealing with a number of issues. Seems like the poor woman can never catch a break. The story was interesting, and I did not guess the murderer right away. I also liked the fact that recipes were included as usual.
This story was a bit of a whirlwind of events. Besides the murder, Natalie was dealing with a number of issues. Seems like the poor woman can never catch a break. The story was interesting, and I did not guess the murderer right away. I also liked the fact that recipes were included as usual.
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