A Deadly Plot

Snug Harbor Mysteries #5

by Karen MacInerney

Crisp sea breezes and dark secrets...

Autumn has arrived in Snug Harbor, bringing crisp breezes, colorful leaves, and… controversy. A new cruise ship deal has the whole town in an uproar, and to Max’s dismay, her boyfriend Nicholas is caught squarely in the middle of the storm.

When his stunning law partner, Larissa, is found dead along the Shore Path, the police waste no time arresting Nicholas. But as Max digs deeper, she discovers that Larissa and Nicholas may have shared more than a workload. And she soon learns that quaint Snug Harbor is teeming with old grudges, hidden motives, and more than one secret partnership. Untangling the truth won’t be easy, especially when every clue seems to lead to a new twist.

With hidden plots to unravel and her fairytale romance slipping through her fingers, Max must race to clear Nicholas’s name—before her happily-ever-after becomes a full-blown nightmare.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2026

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to reading all of Karen MacInerney series, so when the author offered me an opportunity to read an ARC of A Deadly Plot in her Snug Harbor Mystery series, I was very excited. I really love Max, the whole start over after divorce scenario, the lovely bookshop and small Maine coast town vibe, and of course a good mystery. When we join Max, she is helping her friend Denise get ready for her bakery opening next door, preparing for the twins 20th birthday, trying to see how she felt about the big town controversy dealing with cruise docking fees and wondering if she has a problem in her relationship when she sees Nick leaving a local bar with an attractive women in a red suit! Fortunately, she has an opportunity to ask Nick about the situation over dinner and finds out the women in a colleague, and they are going to be representing the town's case over the docking fees problem. Max is feeling much better about the situation as she takes her pup for his morning walk before opening the store until she comes across the women's body just off the path at the beach. Who would want a woman who has only been in town one day dead? Is Nick really considered a suspect? How will the twins handle Mom's new boyfriend as a suspect especially with their father in town stirring up trouble? With problem after problem mounting, can Max and Denise find enough other suspects to get Nick out of jail, save the twins' birthday, and get the bakery open? You will definitely want to come along for a crazy trip to Snug Harbor! A special thanks to author #Karen MacInerney and #GrayWhalePress for an opportunity to read! #ADeadlyPlot #SnugHarborMysteries #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Carla Brauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relationship on the rocks and a body on the shore path. Welcome to another mystery in Snug Harbor!

Cozy mysteries are my happy place, and another visit to Snug Harbor and Seaside Cottage Books is just what my soul needed. During this 5th installment of the Snug Harbor Mysteries, Seaside Cottage Books owner Max is navigating some rather major bumps in her post divorce relationship with her ex-husband. To add to an unsteady feeling about her financial future she discovers not only another dead body, but also feels she may have discovered that her relationship with her boyfriend Nicholas might not be what she believed it to be. Could her relationship be on its way out, and is Nicholas involved in the murder? Small towns have twisted power structures and Snug Harbor is not immune to corruption and manipulation in the name of entitlement and money. If you are a fan already of the Snug Harbor Mysteries you will want to catch up on all that is happening in this delightfully fun town. If you haven’t yet discovered this series, you’ll want to give it a go! A Deadly Plot by Karen MacInerney is hands down one of my favorites so far.

[Vicki May · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest Snug Harbor Mystery finds Max navigating family drama with her twins and ex-husband, running her bookstore, helping Denise get her business of the ground and seeing her boyfriend with another woman on the sidewalk in town. When she finds the mystery woman's body while on a walk with Winston, so many uncomfortable questions come to the forefront about Nick and his involvement with the woman.
A Deadly plot is a fabulous addition to the Snug Harbor Mystery series. The is humor, emotional turmoil, a myriad of family dynamics and a great twisty mystery. I enjoy all Karen MacInerney's work and can enthusiastically recommend A Deadly Plot and the entire Snug Harboe series to cozy readers
I received an ARC from the author but this review is entirely voluntary and all opinions expressed with
within are my own.

[TsarinaTyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good book in the Seaside Cottage Book series by Karen MacInerney. This story finds bookshop owner, Max Sayers, worrying about the trustworthiness of her boyfriend, Nicholas. She sees him talking with another woman and they look a bit too familiar for her liking. Then, before long, he's involved in a murder investigation ... and not in his role as an attorney, but as a murder suspect! Can Max put together the pieces of this murder mystery and clear Nicholas of the crime? While all this is going on both of her daughters are in Snug Harbor to celebrate their 20th birthday ... and they aren't alone ... Max's ex-husband and his new fiance are staying in town, too ... and far too close for comfort for Max. This was a really good read with strong subplots to keep your interest and a cast of wonderful characters. It's always nice to visit Snug Harbor again!

[Kathleen Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max has her hands full in this latest Snug Harbor mystery installment. Her boyfriend, Nicholas is suspected of killing a colleague that was interested in much more from him than work. Max has no choice but to find out what’s really going on! We finally get to meet her daughter Audrey. Add in dealing with her ex-husband who throws her a financial curve ball. I enjoy reading about the characters in this series. They grow with every book. I was happy to finally see Audrey and get to know her as a part of Max’s life and not just a mention. Ms. MacInerney’s characters and real life situations are what draw her readers into each story and keep us coming back for more.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of the Snug Harbor books, and it's always hard to pick a favorite, but this is my favorite in the series. The way she writes makes it seem like the characters jump off the page, and I can relate to the emotions they feel. Her writing style involves humor, true emotional responses, and an imperfect heroine you can relate too. As far as the plot, well, no spoilers! Just trust me when I say you'll enjoy this book from beginning to end. As a treat, look up her other books, she has several series, and I love them all!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! What’s not to love about a small town, a bookstore, a murder mystery and Maine, especially when you need a book that takes you away from all the crises going on in life? Max is one of us…single parent, sole proprietor, ex-husband who forgets his promises to his ex-wife and twin daughters. If you ever needed a series to make you smile and say, “you go Max”, this is it! I wish I lived in Snug Harbor.

[BethAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deadly Plot is a wonderful addition to the Snug Harbor series! It not only delivers a well-crafted mystery, but also a bit of family drama and a touch of romance. The characters and the small town charm make it a cozy, comforting read and the cookie recipes at the end are a fun bonus!  I’m already looking forward to the next adventure with Max, Winston, and the crew.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cozy mystery! This series, set in Snug Harbor, Maine, is great! You have a bookstore set in Coastal Maine! You have the locals (and tourists), a bookstore owner who bakes delicious cookies (recipes included), some family drama and some romance. When you throw in a murder, you can’t go wrong!

[Wanda Shuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The latest in the Snug Harbor series by Karen MacInerney is fabulous. This is one of my favorite series by the author and have read the previous 4 and was so looking forward to the latest update of goings on in the small town! It certainly delivered! This book comfortably started the readers off with an update of the characters lives but quickly escalated into a suspenseful action packed, who do you trust novel.

[ANNETTE SCHUMERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fun and engaging read By Karen MacInerney! the setting and story had me hooked on page 1. I enjoyed the character flaws and heartfelt family dynamics.

[Nana Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!