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Cranberry Bluff
Molly Elliott's quiet life in Tallahassee, Florida, is disrupted when routine errands land her in the wrong place at the wrong time: the middle of a bank robbery. Accused and cleared of the crime, she flees both media attention and mysterious, threatening notes, to move across the country to Cranberry Cove, where she has inherited her Aunt Maggie's bed and breakfast on the Northern California coast. Her new beginning is peaceful - that is, until five guests show up at the inn for a weekend, each with a hidden agenda.
Mix together one blushing honeymoon couple, one flamboyant boutique owner, a deadpan traveling salesman, and a charmingly handsome novelist, and there’s more than scones cooking at Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. As true motives become apparent, will Molly's past come back to haunt her or will she finally be able to leave it behind?
Mix together one blushing honeymoon couple, one flamboyant boutique owner, a deadpan traveling salesman, and a charmingly handsome novelist, and there’s more than scones cooking at Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. As true motives become apparent, will Molly's past come back to haunt her or will she finally be able to leave it behind?
240 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 21, 2014
2720 people are currently reading
2560 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Garner
36 books883 followersDeborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
October 31, 2017
boooooooring ! the characters were soo predictible, so unpleasant and I knew everything after the 6 first chapters, no need to read the other 30
February 13, 2017
Cranberry Bluff is a fun, easy read. I really enjoyed the different guests at the B&B who were not what they appeared to be.
There is a bonus cookbook included with the cranberry recipes that were in the book. I really want to try the cranberry lemon muffins.
It was a nice cozy mystery and I wouldn’t mind reading more from this author.
There is a bonus cookbook included with the cranberry recipes that were in the book. I really want to try the cranberry lemon muffins.
It was a nice cozy mystery and I wouldn’t mind reading more from this author.
January 13, 2015
The whole premise is ridiculous. Molly just walks away from a crime scene! Where were the cops? Then she just happens to inherit a B & B. And finally all these characters show up at the same time. I know Adrian Monk would understand Mr. Miller, but he and the other "guests" are just bizarre. Molly might run a nice B & B, but as a lead character she almost disappears in this murky turkey.
April 25, 2019
This was a fun, quick read. I was in the mood for a light mystery and this was the perfect fit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
Good story
Good mystery. It kept you guessing until the end. Never would have guessed who the third really was. Liked the romantic thread through the story.
Good mystery. It kept you guessing until the end. Never would have guessed who the third really was. Liked the romantic thread through the story.
March 8, 2024
Okay, I'm giving this a two because the author can write, but if you're a fan of plots, definitely skip this one, since the plot holes in this one are big enough for planets to fly through.
The writing is fine, even if the main character - Molly - is about as exciting as a clod of mud. But the plot made my head hurt. This story is predicated on the fact that Molly witnessed an armed bank robbery and when the robbery is over, she got up and - even though she's just witnessed a federal crime - walked out of the bank. Before the police arrived. Without being stopped by the security guard. Because she's upset. WTF?! Okay, so we let that slide.
Then her aunt dies and leaves her a bed and breakfast across the country - literally, since she's in Tallahassee, Florida and the B and B is in Cranberry Bluff, California - so Molly moves and takes over the B & B business. Because when someone leaves you a business, you simply move and take it over, experienced or not. You don't cash in. Because Molly was receiving threatening notes after the bank robbery due to an uncanny resemblance to the robber, who, thanks to hints in the book, we find apparently robbed the bank at the behest of a mysterious villain. Because mysterious villains apparently know that Tallahassee bank tellers keep the crown jewels in the drawers. Wait - only $60,000 was stolen? Then why has Al "Binky" villain sent not one, not two, not three, but FOUR private detectives across the country to Molly's B&B in California (all booked for the same time period, of course) to recover this tremendous sum of money. That makes fiscal sense.
And among these self-proclaimed private eyes are plenty of relationships, such as Bryce and Sally, who have travelled the world and previously worked the same case in Russia and, of course, slept together. Let's be realistic for a sec. Your average private eye probably deals with lost dogs, cheating spouses, and insurance fraud. But these two met while on assignment in Russia. Give me a frickin' break. These weren't trained CIA operatives, they were rinky dink private eyes that made bumbling mistakes in the book. Bryce is, predictably, incredibly handsome and falls for Molly first thing, determining right away that she's innocent. Of the remaining two private eyes, one is a former spouse of Binky (Sadie) and the fourth and final private eye (Mr. Miller) happened to be in the alley behind the bank when it was being robbed - yes, the original robbery upon which this book is based - and witnessed the crime, which was being committed by one of the other private eyes (Sally) at the behest of previously mentioned shady character Al "Binky", who used to married to private eye number three (Sadie), knocked out the robber (Sally) and stole the proceeds. Does your head hurt yet?! Is it spinning?!
The only reason I gave this two full stars is because the author can write a decent sentence and she actually did a good job of getting the cozy part of the mystery down. As far as plots, this one was an insult to anyone's intelligence.
The writing is fine, even if the main character - Molly - is about as exciting as a clod of mud. But the plot made my head hurt. This story is predicated on the fact that Molly witnessed an armed bank robbery and when the robbery is over, she got up and - even though she's just witnessed a federal crime - walked out of the bank. Before the police arrived. Without being stopped by the security guard. Because she's upset. WTF?! Okay, so we let that slide.
Then her aunt dies and leaves her a bed and breakfast across the country - literally, since she's in Tallahassee, Florida and the B and B is in Cranberry Bluff, California - so Molly moves and takes over the B & B business. Because when someone leaves you a business, you simply move and take it over, experienced or not. You don't cash in. Because Molly was receiving threatening notes after the bank robbery due to an uncanny resemblance to the robber, who, thanks to hints in the book, we find apparently robbed the bank at the behest of a mysterious villain. Because mysterious villains apparently know that Tallahassee bank tellers keep the crown jewels in the drawers. Wait - only $60,000 was stolen? Then why has Al "Binky" villain sent not one, not two, not three, but FOUR private detectives across the country to Molly's B&B in California (all booked for the same time period, of course) to recover this tremendous sum of money. That makes fiscal sense.
And among these self-proclaimed private eyes are plenty of relationships, such as Bryce and Sally, who have travelled the world and previously worked the same case in Russia and, of course, slept together. Let's be realistic for a sec. Your average private eye probably deals with lost dogs, cheating spouses, and insurance fraud. But these two met while on assignment in Russia. Give me a frickin' break. These weren't trained CIA operatives, they were rinky dink private eyes that made bumbling mistakes in the book. Bryce is, predictably, incredibly handsome and falls for Molly first thing, determining right away that she's innocent. Of the remaining two private eyes, one is a former spouse of Binky (Sadie) and the fourth and final private eye (Mr. Miller) happened to be in the alley behind the bank when it was being robbed - yes, the original robbery upon which this book is based - and witnessed the crime, which was being committed by one of the other private eyes (Sally) at the behest of previously mentioned shady character Al "Binky", who used to married to private eye number three (Sadie), knocked out the robber (Sally) and stole the proceeds. Does your head hurt yet?! Is it spinning?!
The only reason I gave this two full stars is because the author can write a decent sentence and she actually did a good job of getting the cozy part of the mystery down. As far as plots, this one was an insult to anyone's intelligence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2016
Cute cozy mystery. Pleasant surprise, as I got this e-book for free through BookBub.
The cranberry pastries sounded delicious. One of the characters made me laugh with his OCD behavior.
The cranberry pastries sounded delicious. One of the characters made me laugh with his OCD behavior.
December 4, 2015
Captivating Mystery
I absolutely loved this book. I was not sure what to expect, but when I started to read it, I felt myself escape to Cranberry Cove.
Molly has suffered a horrible injustice and she is trying to rebuild a new life. Her Aunt Maggie passed away and left her quaint bed and breakfast to Molly. As Molly begins to adjust to life as a new innkeeper, she eagerly awaits her new guests. While they all appear to to pleasant, not all of them are as innocent as they appear.
This story was well thought out and cleverly written. My favorite character is Sadie, she added so much color to the story. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I absolutely loved this book. I was not sure what to expect, but when I started to read it, I felt myself escape to Cranberry Cove.
Molly has suffered a horrible injustice and she is trying to rebuild a new life. Her Aunt Maggie passed away and left her quaint bed and breakfast to Molly. As Molly begins to adjust to life as a new innkeeper, she eagerly awaits her new guests. While they all appear to to pleasant, not all of them are as innocent as they appear.
This story was well thought out and cleverly written. My favorite character is Sadie, she added so much color to the story. I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 5, 2016
Cute little cozy, with recipes at the end. I'm not a fan of the cranberry so I won't be trying any. But the story was entertaining , if a bit predictable in spots, and the characters were all interesting.
February 2, 2019
Lighthearted cozy read
This book started well and has lots of likeable characters, but the end was so rushed it spoiled it for me somewhat. I would read another though.
This book started well and has lots of likeable characters, but the end was so rushed it spoiled it for me somewhat. I would read another though.
June 30, 2022
The mystery was all right but the writing got repetitive too often for my liking.
June 12, 2023
2023 bk 203. Mixed emotions about this book. The opening and the first three quarters of the book were well done, characters that drew me in, made me happy and/or angry, interesting introductory plot device. But the last bit - left me a little bewildered and I can't say anything or it will be a spoiler. Just, I re-read looking for something that I felt should be there - and it wasn't. I will possibly try another book if she does a sequel because I liked the some of the characters and would like to see them again.
November 6, 2017
I really really enjoyed this book! I finished it in 1 day and it was a very quick and easy read. I loved the setting in a little cozy town and the characters were very well written. The plot was great and left me at the end totally surprised.
February 5, 2023
At first I thought that the plot would be very clear. That I knew which character was which typical persona. That I had it all figured out after 10 pages. But I was wrong. Only the love story was forseeable, but the plot itself was interesting and had a few surprises for me. A book I can recommend. A mixture of crime/mystery/love story.
August 11, 2018
Molly is given the opportunity to flee Tallahassee where she was mistaken as a bank robber. After her aunt passed away, she left Molly a Bed and Breakfast in Cranberry Cove. One group of occupants seem to be her usual clients. Little does she know that she's being watched and investigated. A really cozy mystery where people aren't who they seem to be. I really enjoyed the story.
June 25, 2023
This was a fun book to read
July 31, 2023
Cozy mystery set in Northern California coastal town. It took me awhile to sort out the characters because most of them were in disguise and had mysterious back stories. I did not care for this one.
November 12, 2017
Loved getting to know the guests at the B n B. A fun read and recommend the book.
January 16, 2015
I didn't quite know what to expect with this book. It starts with guests arriving at a cozy bed and breakfast in northern California. Once they've arrived and we've briefly met them, we start learning true identities and interior motives. None of the guests are who they originally appear to be.
I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Some were more sinister than others. Some of them know each other from previous interactions but they have their reasons for not letting on that they know each other. There's one that's quite elusive and we actually don't find out his motive until close to the end.
I loved Molly! She lived in Tallahassee, Florida and worked for an ad agency. One day when she took the deposit to the bank, she wound up right in the middle of a bank robbery. Unfortunately, she looked similar to the robber so she was a suspect for a time. She was cleared and moved to northern California when her Aunt Maggie died to run her bed and breakfast. Her plan is to start over but someone isn't willing to let that happen. Molly is oblivious to what's going on for a while, but hunky guest Bryce Winslow is about to change her world in multiple ways.
I loved guessing what was going on and what would happen in the end. It took some twists and turns and I didn't figure it out, so I really enjoyed the ending. I loved that it moved quickly and that made it hard for me to put down. Aunt Maggie would always give her guests a cookbook when they left so a nice bonus at the end was a copy of "Aunt Maggie's Cranberry Cottage Cookbook" with fourteen cranberry recipes--yum!! If you like a good, clean mystery with fun characters, you'll want to read this one!!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
I enjoyed getting to know each of them. Some were more sinister than others. Some of them know each other from previous interactions but they have their reasons for not letting on that they know each other. There's one that's quite elusive and we actually don't find out his motive until close to the end.
I loved Molly! She lived in Tallahassee, Florida and worked for an ad agency. One day when she took the deposit to the bank, she wound up right in the middle of a bank robbery. Unfortunately, she looked similar to the robber so she was a suspect for a time. She was cleared and moved to northern California when her Aunt Maggie died to run her bed and breakfast. Her plan is to start over but someone isn't willing to let that happen. Molly is oblivious to what's going on for a while, but hunky guest Bryce Winslow is about to change her world in multiple ways.
I loved guessing what was going on and what would happen in the end. It took some twists and turns and I didn't figure it out, so I really enjoyed the ending. I loved that it moved quickly and that made it hard for me to put down. Aunt Maggie would always give her guests a cookbook when they left so a nice bonus at the end was a copy of "Aunt Maggie's Cranberry Cottage Cookbook" with fourteen cranberry recipes--yum!! If you like a good, clean mystery with fun characters, you'll want to read this one!!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
December 10, 2015
Molly Elliott was content with her life in Tallahassee, Florida, until one day when she went to the bank to made the daily deposit for the company where she worked. When she got to the teller’s window, she was stopped by a woman with a gun telling people to drop to the floor while she escaped with the bank’s money. That was scary enough, but Molly was quickly identified as the robber: Same hair, same build, same coat. It didn’t take too long for the police to realize that Molly was not the woman caught on the security camera, but someone seemed to think she had the money. She received threatening notes and her apartment was ransacked.
When her aunt in Cranberry Cove, California, died and left her bed and breakfast to Molly, Molly decided that’s where her future lay. She cut all ties with the people she knew in Florida and quickly fell into the routine of the owner/manager of the small bread and breakfast.
One week, Molly’s guests were a newly-wed couple, a flamboyant middle-aged woman, a quiet salesman who kept to himself, and an extremely handsome man who said he was writing a book. None of them were actually who they claimed to be.
While Molly innocently went on with her B & B responsibilities, the others all proceeded to do what they really wanted to do: Follow up on the missing money.
CRANBERRY BLUFF was a fast read. The main drawback was it was not explained how all these people were able to find Molly and how they all chose the same time to come to her B & B.
Interesting quote: “....The past redefines itself over time....What we remember isn’t always accurate.”
The book concludes with fifteen cranberry recipes for items as diverse as scones, relish, brie bites, soup, and sorbet.
The book was a free Amazon download.
When her aunt in Cranberry Cove, California, died and left her bed and breakfast to Molly, Molly decided that’s where her future lay. She cut all ties with the people she knew in Florida and quickly fell into the routine of the owner/manager of the small bread and breakfast.
One week, Molly’s guests were a newly-wed couple, a flamboyant middle-aged woman, a quiet salesman who kept to himself, and an extremely handsome man who said he was writing a book. None of them were actually who they claimed to be.
While Molly innocently went on with her B & B responsibilities, the others all proceeded to do what they really wanted to do: Follow up on the missing money.
CRANBERRY BLUFF was a fast read. The main drawback was it was not explained how all these people were able to find Molly and how they all chose the same time to come to her B & B.
Interesting quote: “....The past redefines itself over time....What we remember isn’t always accurate.”
The book concludes with fifteen cranberry recipes for items as diverse as scones, relish, brie bites, soup, and sorbet.
The book was a free Amazon download.
January 10, 2015
I've read another book by this author and knew this is a mystery, but I completely forgot that fact when I started reading. I was immediately drawn into the scene--a bed and breakfast in Northern California. Molly inherited her aunt's place and runs it very efficiently. I loved the descriptions of the characters--each so quirky and unique. I also loved the descriptions of the setting. I've been to a few bed and breakfast places and I love how each is so similar, yet so unique, if that makes any sense. I was so wrapped up in this, that I was totally taken by surprise when the mystery was introduced. Of course, I was completely wrapped up in that element, too, before I knew it.
Molly was in the wrong place at the wrong time and became mistaken as a thief. She was cleared and moved on, yet her past is catching up to her. She has to once again prove her innocence and it's harder to do than it seems.
Molly is a great character. She's very organized and kind. She has the perfect personality to run this place--I don't think I would have the patience to do so. I loved each and every character, as well as the twists and turns the story took. Things didn't end up the way that I expected them to and I love being surprised.
Content: a few mild swear words; no violence; mild romance; brief, non-descriptive mentions of past intimate relationships--no details and very vague. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
Molly was in the wrong place at the wrong time and became mistaken as a thief. She was cleared and moved on, yet her past is catching up to her. She has to once again prove her innocence and it's harder to do than it seems.
Molly is a great character. She's very organized and kind. She has the perfect personality to run this place--I don't think I would have the patience to do so. I loved each and every character, as well as the twists and turns the story took. Things didn't end up the way that I expected them to and I love being surprised.
Content: a few mild swear words; no violence; mild romance; brief, non-descriptive mentions of past intimate relationships--no details and very vague. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
December 30, 2014
3 1/2 STARS
This story has twists and turns that left me dizzy. You don't know who to trust and like. Lots of drama, mystery and cranberries make a story you don't want to put down.
Molly was at the bank as usual to make a deposit was just in time for a bank robbery. She was even arrested for it & then let go. Now she lives across the country and owns a Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. She is single.
She has five guests one week and they are all keeping secrets from her and each other. People still think she has the money from the bank robbery. All the guests are so different from each other. There is the newlyweds , a older widow, the handsome playboy author, the loner.
Molly makes a lot of different dishes made with cranberries and the recipes are in the back of the book. Sure makes you hungry with all the different food discussed in the book.
The setting for the book is Cranberry Bluff, CA a small town on the coast.
The pacing was fast. Not to sure I like the ending but I will look again when its not so early in the 2:00 am
I was given Cranberry Bluff to read so I could give an honest review of it and be part of it's blog tour.
October 3, 2016
Different Type of Cozy
I found this to be a nice story with just enough twists to keep me wondering.
Molly was a witness to a bank robbery, left before the police arrived then wondered why she was a person of interest.
She then moves to Cranberry Cove to start life over, but when some odd guests check into her b&b it looks like she might have to prove she's innocent again.
It's funny but I liked the story line, which is different and a nice break from the usual cozy. And I liked the characters except for the main character Molly. To me she has no personality, no depth. Where I have a good handle on all the others, she may as well be a pole in the barn suite.
The ending is a bit of a surprise, but then when you think about it, as it should be.
Did I like the book, yes. Will I read more written by Deborah Garner, most definitely because her writing style is very good and she keeps to the story. Will I recommend this book, of course.
I found this to be a nice story with just enough twists to keep me wondering.
Molly was a witness to a bank robbery, left before the police arrived then wondered why she was a person of interest.
She then moves to Cranberry Cove to start life over, but when some odd guests check into her b&b it looks like she might have to prove she's innocent again.
It's funny but I liked the story line, which is different and a nice break from the usual cozy. And I liked the characters except for the main character Molly. To me she has no personality, no depth. Where I have a good handle on all the others, she may as well be a pole in the barn suite.
The ending is a bit of a surprise, but then when you think about it, as it should be.
Did I like the book, yes. Will I read more written by Deborah Garner, most definitely because her writing style is very good and she keeps to the story. Will I recommend this book, of course.
July 21, 2018
Good god, what an amateur effort! I am having a hard time believing this book got published. But a free book on Amazon is not exactly something to sneeze at.
But I should have passed. I do not even know where to being with this. Molly moves from Tallahassee to the west coast to take over her aunt’s B&B after she starts receiving harassing letters following a bank robbery. She was a bystander, but, well, well, looked just like the robber!
Fast forward to Washington where five people move into the B&B, on the same day. All are connected to the robbery, some more than others.
The coincidences fly fast and furiously here. The end was ridiculously predictable. All the background o each of the guests was utterly pointless. One shopped constantly. One was OCD in the extreme. One was a shoplifter. One was a suave handsome alleged novelist. You can guess where that went.
Waste of paper. Waste of time.
But I should have passed. I do not even know where to being with this. Molly moves from Tallahassee to the west coast to take over her aunt’s B&B after she starts receiving harassing letters following a bank robbery. She was a bystander, but, well, well, looked just like the robber!
Fast forward to Washington where five people move into the B&B, on the same day. All are connected to the robbery, some more than others.
The coincidences fly fast and furiously here. The end was ridiculously predictable. All the background o each of the guests was utterly pointless. One shopped constantly. One was OCD in the extreme. One was a shoplifter. One was a suave handsome alleged novelist. You can guess where that went.
Waste of paper. Waste of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2017
Cranberry Cove, California is the location of the Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. The new owner by inheritance, is Molly Elliott. Now Molly was looking for a new beginning after a misunderstanding by the police in Tallahassee, Florida.
Suddenly, her B & B is filled with an assortment of persons that have their own agendas for staying at the Inn. Could it be the Bank Robbery that Molly was suspected of having done? Well, did she steal the money or was it truly an error. If it was an error...how was it planned?
The characters are interesting and the book tells you their background. There wasn't much action but I wondered which, if any, or if all, really were the culprits.
This was a gentle read.
Suddenly, her B & B is filled with an assortment of persons that have their own agendas for staying at the Inn. Could it be the Bank Robbery that Molly was suspected of having done? Well, did she steal the money or was it truly an error. If it was an error...how was it planned?
The characters are interesting and the book tells you their background. There wasn't much action but I wondered which, if any, or if all, really were the culprits.
This was a gentle read.
July 23, 2018
This book is boring and nonsensical. I love a good cozy mystery, but this book contains about 10 percent mystery, with the other 90 percent just as descriptive text.
Two of the characters spend a majority of their time shopping, which means they can’t actually do what they came to the B&B to do. We do spend paragraph after paragraph getting to read about what exactly was purchased and even what a certain outfit a new accessory will compliment.
This book is just awful. Don’t waste your time. There’s no true mystery. There’s a “romance” that somehow develops out of nothing. And the author seems to enjoy describing clothes or the B&B itself more than creating action or conversation.
Two of the characters spend a majority of their time shopping, which means they can’t actually do what they came to the B&B to do. We do spend paragraph after paragraph getting to read about what exactly was purchased and even what a certain outfit a new accessory will compliment.
This book is just awful. Don’t waste your time. There’s no true mystery. There’s a “romance” that somehow develops out of nothing. And the author seems to enjoy describing clothes or the B&B itself more than creating action or conversation.
March 2, 2017
Cranberry Fluff
Short, easy,little book with nothing too deep to challenge the reader. It is a cute story with an unusual premise.....all the good guys and bad guys circling each other in one location. Actually, it could make a cute Hallmark Movie.
Short, easy,little book with nothing too deep to challenge the reader. It is a cute story with an unusual premise.....all the good guys and bad guys circling each other in one location. Actually, it could make a cute Hallmark Movie.
March 2, 2018
Fun, light mystery with a foodie undercurrent (at least when it comes to cranberries.) The recipes at the end were a nice touch.
May 11, 2018
To escape an unhappy situation in Florida, Molly Elliot moved to California to run the Cranberry Cottage Bed & Breakfast that she inherited from her aunt. The arrival of five guests is good for business, but their behavior seems a little off at times, or is she just being paranoid? Molly’s greatest fear is that her past will catch up with her, a fear that could be well founded.
There’s not a lot of action in this small-town story. The mystery stems from an exploration of the motives and actions of the quirky guests, plus the truth about an incident Molly witnessed while living Florida. There’s also a fair bit of focus on food and clothes, which cozy readers will enjoy. The author uses several points of view, so readers will know more than Molly does about what’s really going on.
The ending wound up a little too quickly, and there is no real drama to speak of even when the culprit’s caught. I would have preferred more, but other readers might be fine with it. The setting was beautifully described and I liked the practical, no-nonsense protagonist who doesn’t do stupid things.
There’s not a lot of action in this small-town story. The mystery stems from an exploration of the motives and actions of the quirky guests, plus the truth about an incident Molly witnessed while living Florida. There’s also a fair bit of focus on food and clothes, which cozy readers will enjoy. The author uses several points of view, so readers will know more than Molly does about what’s really going on.
The ending wound up a little too quickly, and there is no real drama to speak of even when the culprit’s caught. I would have preferred more, but other readers might be fine with it. The setting was beautifully described and I liked the practical, no-nonsense protagonist who doesn’t do stupid things.
June 23, 2021
I am a fond of Deborah Garner's books and I enjoyed Cranberry Bluff. The main character in this book is Molly Elliott who leaves Tallahassee, Florida and goes to Northern CA to run The Cranberry Cottage Bed and Breakfast. Her mother's identical twin, Aunt Maggie, has recently died and left the b & b to her. Molly was happy to leave her old life in Florida behind after being in the wrong place at the wrong time during a bank robbery. Initially she was suspected of running off with the stolen money. But the case was never solved and the money was never recovered. Now five new guests have checked into the b & b. They each turn out to be something other than what they seem, which makes this book a lot of fun to read. Garner does a great job describing the people and places of Cranberry Bluff! Sadie Kramer from San Francisco is described as plump, in her mid-sixties, sporting red hair. I like older characters in books and I like reading about places in Northern CA since that's where I live. I will definitely be reading more of Garner's books in the future.
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