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Gray Whale Inn Mystery #11
Reel Trouble
Sea breezes, Hollywood starlets, and secrets at the Gray Whale Inn...
Innkeeper Natalie Barnes has her hands full helping her niece Gwen adjust to her new baby girl--and managing the arrival of her opinionated sister Bridget--when a star-studded film crew descends on the Gray Whale Inn to film a historical murder mystery. Between her troublesome sister and an inn full of demanding guests, Natalie feels like she's barely treading water. Then she finds a nosy crewmember floating belly-up behind the inn, and Natalie realizes that the film's fictional murder plot isn't the only one afoot.
The next day, a cast member crumples to her knees on set. The culprit? Poison. Now, the heat is on as news reporters and nosy islanders start speculating about the murderer... and the inn itself. Will Natalie manage to crack the case before she--and the Gray Whale Inn--both wind up dead in the water?
Innkeeper Natalie Barnes has her hands full helping her niece Gwen adjust to her new baby girl--and managing the arrival of her opinionated sister Bridget--when a star-studded film crew descends on the Gray Whale Inn to film a historical murder mystery. Between her troublesome sister and an inn full of demanding guests, Natalie feels like she's barely treading water. Then she finds a nosy crewmember floating belly-up behind the inn, and Natalie realizes that the film's fictional murder plot isn't the only one afoot.
The next day, a cast member crumples to her knees on set. The culprit? Poison. Now, the heat is on as news reporters and nosy islanders start speculating about the murderer... and the inn itself. Will Natalie manage to crack the case before she--and the Gray Whale Inn--both wind up dead in the water?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2024
76 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Karen MacInerney
52 books1,147 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 14, 2024
It seems like it's been a long time since we have had a chance to catch up with Natalie and company at the Gray Whale Inn, so it was especially fun to wade in. Natalie and John are hosting a film crew and some of the actors in a movie being filmed on Cranberry Island. With a full Inn, many demanding pampered patrons, Gwen having a colicky baby and her disapproving sister Bridget coming for a visit, it promises to be a very busy time for everyone. Just when Natalie is sure things couldn't get wilder, she finds a dead body floating off shore where the crew is set to start filming, and it's one of the crew! Can Natalie keep everyone calm, safe, and fed while she figures out if she's hosting a murderer at the Inn? Can she keep the press at bay? Who can they trust among the rich and famous? With all the locals, intrigue, and good food about, it is wonderful to get back to the Gray Whale Inn.
October 14, 2024
The Grey Whale Inn has been taken over by Hollywood when a film crew to film a historical mystery. At the same time Natalie’s opinionated sister has arrived to help with her grandchild. Natalie’s attention is being split by her demanding guest and wanting to help her exhausted niece deal her mother’s visit.Things here complicated when one of the crew turns up dead.
This is a great cozy mystery, I think this one is my favorite in the series so far. The characters are realist, relatable, and interesting. The mystery is full of surprises to keep you guessing who the murderer is and why. I look forward to the next one.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
This is a great cozy mystery, I think this one is my favorite in the series so far. The characters are realist, relatable, and interesting. The mystery is full of surprises to keep you guessing who the murderer is and why. I look forward to the next one.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
September 30, 2024
Reel Trouble is real.......ly terrific!!
I finished the book this afternoon and absolutely love the story!! I was so glad to visit with old friends Natalie, John, Gwen, Charlene, Eleazer, Claudette, and even Pudge and Muffin on beautiful Cranberry Island in the great state of Maine! If you've read any other books in Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale Inn Mystery series, you know that when you're on Cranberry Island, your chances of coming across a dead body are about as likely as they'd be if you were in one of the quaint little towns in Midsomer, England. IYKYK. This time around, Natalie Barnes' lovely inn on this beautiful Maine island is booked solid by a film crew, directors, producers, and temperamental actors while they film a movie at the location. They're running Natalie off her feet with their special orders, diva demands, and multiple specialized meal menus, but they can't slow her down. She's loving meeting, and exceeding, the challenge. The movie being filmed has a murder scene and before they can even film the scene, life imitates art and Natalie finds a body. Now she's not only taking care of everyone's needs and demands, but she's poking around to try to find out the identity of the murderer. Will she find the murderer before they realize what she's doing and come after her? Read this wonderfully written, exciting, and intriguing story and find out what happens.
I finished the book this afternoon and absolutely love the story!! I was so glad to visit with old friends Natalie, John, Gwen, Charlene, Eleazer, Claudette, and even Pudge and Muffin on beautiful Cranberry Island in the great state of Maine! If you've read any other books in Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale Inn Mystery series, you know that when you're on Cranberry Island, your chances of coming across a dead body are about as likely as they'd be if you were in one of the quaint little towns in Midsomer, England. IYKYK. This time around, Natalie Barnes' lovely inn on this beautiful Maine island is booked solid by a film crew, directors, producers, and temperamental actors while they film a movie at the location. They're running Natalie off her feet with their special orders, diva demands, and multiple specialized meal menus, but they can't slow her down. She's loving meeting, and exceeding, the challenge. The movie being filmed has a murder scene and before they can even film the scene, life imitates art and Natalie finds a body. Now she's not only taking care of everyone's needs and demands, but she's poking around to try to find out the identity of the murderer. Will she find the murderer before they realize what she's doing and come after her? Read this wonderfully written, exciting, and intriguing story and find out what happens.
July 21, 2025
"Reel Trouble" is book #11 in a "Gray Whale Inn Mystery" by Karen MacInerney.
The Inn is fully booked with the cast and crew for a movie shoot on the island. Besides the added revenue this brings, it also brings additional requests for services and dietary needs - and a murder! If that wasn't enough for Natalie, her opinionated sister Bridget is visiting to get to know her new granddaughter - Gwen's daughter Eva. Two month old Eva has been fussy beyond words and mom Gwen is worn out as hubby Adam is away dealing with his mothers hospitalization.
Stress and tension on all fronts! That doesn't stop Nat from trying to solve the murder and help her family though. The movie people are all pretty much oblivious to everyday reality and what other people are having to do to keep them happy. How Nat keeps herself in check around them is beyond me but at least she did get to put a few reporters in their place!
To be honest here, I really have a hard time liking Bridget. She doesn't seem to want to see or hear that her way isn't what is best for someone else's life. She means well, but really needs to back off!
I really wasn't sure who the killer was and found it hard to care as they were pretty much all unlikable. The ultimate takedown was well done however.
A preview of the first "Snug Harbor" mystery is included at the end of the Kindle edition as well as a few recipes from this book.
Overall, this was an entertaining cozy mystery read - though there were a handful of minor typos to distract observant readers.
The Inn is fully booked with the cast and crew for a movie shoot on the island. Besides the added revenue this brings, it also brings additional requests for services and dietary needs - and a murder! If that wasn't enough for Natalie, her opinionated sister Bridget is visiting to get to know her new granddaughter - Gwen's daughter Eva. Two month old Eva has been fussy beyond words and mom Gwen is worn out as hubby Adam is away dealing with his mothers hospitalization.
Stress and tension on all fronts! That doesn't stop Nat from trying to solve the murder and help her family though. The movie people are all pretty much oblivious to everyday reality and what other people are having to do to keep them happy. How Nat keeps herself in check around them is beyond me but at least she did get to put a few reporters in their place!
To be honest here, I really have a hard time liking Bridget. She doesn't seem to want to see or hear that her way isn't what is best for someone else's life. She means well, but really needs to back off!
I really wasn't sure who the killer was and found it hard to care as they were pretty much all unlikable. The ultimate takedown was well done however.
A preview of the first "Snug Harbor" mystery is included at the end of the Kindle edition as well as a few recipes from this book.
Overall, this was an entertaining cozy mystery read - though there were a handful of minor typos to distract observant readers.
October 6, 2024
Another great book by Karen MacInerney! The Gray Whale Inn is a wonderful B & B owned by Natalie Barnes and her husband John, located on picturesque Cranberry Island in Maine. Natalie has her hands full when the entire inn is rented by a film crew to make a movie using the inn and it's property. The crew is full of drama and lots of demands, keeping Natalie on her toes. If all that wasn't enough, her sister comes for a visit and Natalie finds a crew member dead! She has no choice but to try to find the murderer, it could be someone staying at the inn. I love the way the author pulls me into the story with great characters, even Cranberry Island is a character in this series.
September 30, 2024
Natalie is having to contend with an Inn filled with a Hollywood film crew, a visit from her sister and her niece Gwen with an inconsolable newborn. Just when she thinks things could not get any worse, one of the film crew is found murdered.
Reel Trouble is a fast paced page turner. The mystery keeps twisting to the action packed end. The humor woven into a wonderfully written books just adds to the readers enjoyment. As the recurring characters are evolving, I always feel like I'm visiting old friends when I return to The Gray Whale Inn. I highly recommend Reel Trouble and this entire series to all mystery readers.
Reel Trouble is a fast paced page turner. The mystery keeps twisting to the action packed end. The humor woven into a wonderfully written books just adds to the readers enjoyment. As the recurring characters are evolving, I always feel like I'm visiting old friends when I return to The Gray Whale Inn. I highly recommend Reel Trouble and this entire series to all mystery readers.
September 30, 2024
Perfect Cozy!
A great mystery served with a generous dose of cosiness! The Gray Whale Inn has everything a cozy lover is looking for, from the murder mystery, to the warming friendships, all served with vivid descriptions of the places and mouthwatering recipes. Is impossible to not look forward to the next visit!
A great mystery served with a generous dose of cosiness! The Gray Whale Inn has everything a cozy lover is looking for, from the murder mystery, to the warming friendships, all served with vivid descriptions of the places and mouthwatering recipes. Is impossible to not look forward to the next visit!
September 28, 2024
Murders and mayhem are always present at the Gray Whale Inn, but somehow Natalie saves the day. So many murders in such a bucolic place. Makes me want to visit! You will want to too.
Now, will Natalie take the time to compile a cookbook of the Inn’s recipes?
Now, will Natalie take the time to compile a cookbook of the Inn’s recipes?
October 1, 2024
Such a great continuation of the series. Famous people are not always the perfect guests. With a murder, visiting sister, an unhappy mom, and a sick baby, makes for a great story! Will there be another baby to add to the next book?
October 1, 2024
Love visiting with Natalie and her friends and family in Maine! This story has family drama, glamorous movie stars, a great mystery, and wonderful food! The Maine setting is icing on the cake! I highly recommend this book!
October 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of muddying the waters regarding the murders; the culprit took me by surprise. I also liked the fact that life with a new baby was reflected more realistic and it all wasn't picture perfect.
October 16, 2024
Not a dull moment...
I took this book on vacation and I had a hard time putting bit down. What is supposed to be a quiet Island, is anything but! Karen keeps you guessing as family life and running an inn full of interesting characters merge together.
I took this book on vacation and I had a hard time putting bit down. What is supposed to be a quiet Island, is anything but! Karen keeps you guessing as family life and running an inn full of interesting characters merge together.
November 1, 2024
Natalie solves the mystery by overhearing informative conversations. Once? Twice? No, once and again, chapter after chapter.
She discovers things too when cleaning her client's guests.
Come on!
Has Ms. McInnerney her hands full? (too many series?)
She discovers things too when cleaning her client's guests.
Come on!
Has Ms. McInnerney her hands full? (too many series?)
July 7, 2025
This is one of my all time favorite cozy series and this one did not disappoint. It was nice going back to the Inn and visiting with old friends. I like that the characters grow and evolve in this series and love th protagonist and her hubby.
October 14, 2024
Just my favourite cozy mystery series ever. Start at the beginning!! This is book 11.
October 24, 2024
Another wonderful book by Karen MacInerney!
October 25, 2024
Good to catch up with the goings on at the inn. Movie crew comes to the island to film and things are hectic with a full inn then Natalie finds a body!
October 27, 2024
This is a delightful addition to the Gray Whale Inn series. Characters are developed while solving a murder and poisoning.
November 13, 2024
really enjoyed the latest story...
November 20, 2024
Will always love the Gray Whale Inn mysteries. Karen MacInerney still manages to have me reading the whole book in just 2 sittings. This was no exception!
December 28, 2024
I like this series that is set on an island in Maine. This one is about a film crew staying at Natalie’s inn when a murder occurs. It was a quick read with some red herrings.
April 15, 2025
This series is a light read but I love the setting, Maine island, and the characters. I enjoy the main characters and the adventures that happen on this small island in Maine.
May 17, 2025
very good mystery enjoying her books
October 6, 2025
Another fun story with twists
There are Karen's usual and turns, her stories are always fun. You may figure out who done it early and then again
There are Karen's usual and turns, her stories are always fun. You may figure out who done it early and then again
January 18, 2025
Not as good as usual
I would like a little more mystery. Not enough excitement. More recipes needed too. I still enjoyed it. Write another
I would like a little more mystery. Not enough excitement. More recipes needed too. I still enjoyed it. Write another
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews