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Gray Whale Inn Mystery #8
Claws for Alarm
It’s summertime on Cranberry Island, and things are heating up for innkeeper Natalie Barnes. She may be hosting a yoga retreat, but things at the Gray Whale Inn are anything but Zen. Between juggling dietary restrictions and managing flaring tempers, Natalie’s about ready for a retreat of her own… far away from the inn’s fit but finicky guests.
Unfortunately, there’s no reprieve on the island. The lobster co-op and pier are under threat once again, this time by a new arrival whose vision for Cranberry Island looks more like a spread in Coastal Living than a quaint Maine fishing village. When the instigator turns up dead next to the co-op and the police start fishing for suspects, Natalie’s dear friend Claudette is the one they haul up.
Will Natalie trap the killer in time? Or will she be next?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2018
463 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Karen MacInerney
52 books1,148 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 91 reviews
June 14, 2018
Natalie’s current guests at her bed and breakfast are on a yoga retreat, but any thoughts she’d had of peace and quiet have vanished. They are demanding different food and squabbling amongst themselves. However, the real drama is happening elsewhere on this island off the coast of Maine where newcomer Francine is making everyone’s life miserable in her efforts to remake the island into what she thinks is should be. After a particularly memorable fight with Claudette, Francine winds up dead. Natalie knows her friend couldn’t have done it. But who did?
I do need to get one issue out of the way first. There is a timing issue in the plot that keeps me from giving the version I read five stars. Once it is edited (and the author is working on the revisions), that won’t be an issue at all. And that’s great because this book is wonderful. I love the setting of the series, and always feel like I’ve gotten to relax when I am reading about it. Natalie and the usual cast are old friends, and I was glad to get updates on them. The new characters are just as strong and memorable. I thought I had the killer pegged early, but it turned out I was wrong, yet all the twists made sense at the end.
NOTE: I received a copy of the book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I do need to get one issue out of the way first. There is a timing issue in the plot that keeps me from giving the version I read five stars. Once it is edited (and the author is working on the revisions), that won’t be an issue at all. And that’s great because this book is wonderful. I love the setting of the series, and always feel like I’ve gotten to relax when I am reading about it. Natalie and the usual cast are old friends, and I was glad to get updates on them. The new characters are just as strong and memorable. I thought I had the killer pegged early, but it turned out I was wrong, yet all the twists made sense at the end.
NOTE: I received a copy of the book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 27, 2018
Cranberry Island's newest resident, Francine Hodges, is making waves in her quest to convert the charming island village into her version of a perfectly manicured and picturesque New England town right out of the pages of Coastal Living, so it's no surprise when she's found with her head smashed in by a brick. Unfortunately, she'd been arguing recently with island resident, Claudette, who's quickly charged with her murder. Natalie has her hands full trying to clear Claudette's name, keeping her very needy yoga retreat guests happy and peaceful, and preventing her bff Charlene from permanently abandoning the island in her search for love. With multiple suspects, Karen MacInerney's Claws for Alarm, the 8th entry in her Gray Whale Inn Mystery Series, kept this reader on the edge of her seat (well, sofa....) trying to guess whodunit and why! A+++
June 18, 2018
CLAWS FOR ALARM, the eighth book in the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries by Karen MacInerney, is a delightful story that transports the reader to Cranberry Island off the coast of Maine. I’ve been a longtime fan of this series and this newest installment did not disappoint. The protagonist, Natalie Barnes, runs the Gray Whale Inn and has her hands full with contentious yoga retreat guests. But when a new island resident is found murdered and one of her long-time friends is suspected of committing the crime, Natalie knows she must get involved. I enjoyed how even though Natalie’s husband is the local law enforcement officer, he respects his wife and values her input in the case. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and the author weaves in secrets surrounding the inn’s guests to those living on the island which added to the threads of the plot and subplots.
The author includes bits and pieces of island life giving the reader a feel for the setting and made me want to visit for a vacation! Ms. MacInerney writes with a sense of humor that brings a freshness to this story and her vivid descriptions, whether about food, location, or characters made me feel like I was right there. Natalie is an incredible cook and you’ll be drooling often while reading. Fortunately the author includes several recipes at the back of the book and they all sound delicious!
The author includes bits and pieces of island life giving the reader a feel for the setting and made me want to visit for a vacation! Ms. MacInerney writes with a sense of humor that brings a freshness to this story and her vivid descriptions, whether about food, location, or characters made me feel like I was right there. Natalie is an incredible cook and you’ll be drooling often while reading. Fortunately the author includes several recipes at the back of the book and they all sound delicious!
July 1, 2018
Gray Whale innkeeper Natalie Barnes is hosting a yoga retreat, but things are far from serene on Cranberry Island. Newcomer Francine Hodges is bent on changing things on the island as to attract a different sort of people. But the locals are not happy with her ideas, which causes things like food fights in the local grocery.
But one morning Natalie and her husband John receive word that Francine has been found dead near the pier. Someone bashed her head in, and the authorities focus their investigation on Natalie's friend Claudette. It's up to Natalie to prove Claudette's innocence, and find the real killer.
A trip to Cranberry Island is always a delight, and this latest installment is no different from the others. Natalie and John are the perfect hosts for the inn, and their latest guests, the yoga retreat goers add color to the story.
I like Claudette, and the food fight sets the table for this perfect tale. The search for the killer takes the readers on a great ride, as does the description of island life.
If you haven't started the Gray Whale Inn mysteries this is the perfect place to begin. Then you can go back and catch up on the other books set on the island. You won't be sorry you did.
I need someone to book me a room at the Gray Whale for a stay that lasts a long time.
But one morning Natalie and her husband John receive word that Francine has been found dead near the pier. Someone bashed her head in, and the authorities focus their investigation on Natalie's friend Claudette. It's up to Natalie to prove Claudette's innocence, and find the real killer.
A trip to Cranberry Island is always a delight, and this latest installment is no different from the others. Natalie and John are the perfect hosts for the inn, and their latest guests, the yoga retreat goers add color to the story.
I like Claudette, and the food fight sets the table for this perfect tale. The search for the killer takes the readers on a great ride, as does the description of island life.
If you haven't started the Gray Whale Inn mysteries this is the perfect place to begin. Then you can go back and catch up on the other books set on the island. You won't be sorry you did.
I need someone to book me a room at the Gray Whale for a stay that lasts a long time.
August 20, 2018
In Karen MacInerney's 8th edition to the Gray Whale Inn mystery series, Natalie Barnes, owner of the Gray Whale Inn Bed and Breakfast on the little Maine community of Cranberry Island, is hosting a yoga retreat. A strange cast of characters have Natalie making strange looking power drinks rather than her usual homebaked goodies. Meanwhile, a new couple has taken up residence on the island looking to make some major changes that are not going over so well with the locals, leading to a murder and finger-pointing at Natalie's good friend Claudette. So it's up to the Inn's owner to figure out the mystery and save Claudette and her goats from being framed for the murder.
I generally don't read many mysteries but I thoroughly enjoy Karen MacInerney's cozy mystery series. There are bonus recipes at the end of the book of all of the food mentioned in the story. As always, I look forward to new books in all of Karen's series.
I generally don't read many mysteries but I thoroughly enjoy Karen MacInerney's cozy mystery series. There are bonus recipes at the end of the book of all of the food mentioned in the story. As always, I look forward to new books in all of Karen's series.
June 6, 2018
RECIPES!! There are recipes at the end of the book! Yum ones!!
Amateur sleuth/cozy tend to be my mystery of choice. I have been a fan of Karen MacInerney for quite some time. I started with her Tales of an Urban Werewolf series and then found that she wrote amateur sleuth too. Really good ones!
I love the setting and the premise of this series. Natalie moved to the island of Cranberry to run an inn. Karen makes it real how Natalie can keep the place going, have the food ready, and still get involved in solving the mystery. Sometimes those things fall through the cracks in other books. I tend to stop reading those.
There's a yoga retreat full of intriguing personalities, there's a new-to-the-island woman who is making a complete nuisance of herself by trying to change all that is wonderful about Cranberry Island. There is a murder and there are plenty of fab suspects.
I like that Nat's husband is a deputy and knows that Nat can be trusted to help in her way to investigate. He helps around the inn where he can and doesn't get wrapped around the macho axle while doing so.
Off to see if my husband would like the crab-stuffed avocados for dinner one day soon.....recipe in the back of the book!!
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
Amateur sleuth/cozy tend to be my mystery of choice. I have been a fan of Karen MacInerney for quite some time. I started with her Tales of an Urban Werewolf series and then found that she wrote amateur sleuth too. Really good ones!
I love the setting and the premise of this series. Natalie moved to the island of Cranberry to run an inn. Karen makes it real how Natalie can keep the place going, have the food ready, and still get involved in solving the mystery. Sometimes those things fall through the cracks in other books. I tend to stop reading those.
There's a yoga retreat full of intriguing personalities, there's a new-to-the-island woman who is making a complete nuisance of herself by trying to change all that is wonderful about Cranberry Island. There is a murder and there are plenty of fab suspects.
I like that Nat's husband is a deputy and knows that Nat can be trusted to help in her way to investigate. He helps around the inn where he can and doesn't get wrapped around the macho axle while doing so.
Off to see if my husband would like the crab-stuffed avocados for dinner one day soon.....recipe in the back of the book!!
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
January 3, 2019
In this book, the murder victim is a new comer to the island who has ruffled a lot of people who become suspects. Natalie becomes involved when the main suspect is someone that Natalie feels is not the killer. The book was a quick easy read.
May 11, 2020
Nice addition to this series. I wish the Gray Whale Inn was for real--I'd so be there for a vacation....despite the number of murders that happen there.
January 12, 2024
This was a good mystery. It was interesting and I was totally wrong about everything. Recipes are included at the end and I might have to try the lemon cookies.
June 6, 2025
3.5 stars
June 10, 2022
Ok story
July 2, 2023
Claws for Alarm by Karen MacInerney is book 8 of the Gray Whale Inn cozy mystery series set in contemporary Maine. A yoga retreat group comes to stay at Natalie's Gray Whale Inn. Conflict seems to be the rule within the group; they're certainly not calm and peaceful guests. A new conflict brewing all across Cranberry Island: a newcomer resident wants to 'makeover' the island into a high-end vacation resort; never mind that long-term residents will lose their homes and jobs.
As always, murder occurs on the island, and someone Natalie cares about is the prime suspect. This time it's her best friend Charlotte, who owns/manages the general store, and is 'gossip central'. Of course Natalie must jump into full investigation mode, since the off-island police are not interested in the truth, just want to arrest an easy suspect and quickly close the case.
Natalie has plenty of red herrings to eliminate before she can identify the killer, so she bakes plenty of goodies. Bringing cookies gains her easy entry to her fellow islanders' homes, where she pries into their personal business. Of course, once Natalie correctly identifies killer and motive, she is in mortal danger.
Enjoy the recipes Natalie prepares for Gray Whale Inn guests, friends, and to help her sleuth: John's Beef Stroganoff, Blueberry Cobbler Muffins, Oatmeal Raspberry Crumble Bars, Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars, King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Texas Sheet Cake.
As always, murder occurs on the island, and someone Natalie cares about is the prime suspect. This time it's her best friend Charlotte, who owns/manages the general store, and is 'gossip central'. Of course Natalie must jump into full investigation mode, since the off-island police are not interested in the truth, just want to arrest an easy suspect and quickly close the case.
Natalie has plenty of red herrings to eliminate before she can identify the killer, so she bakes plenty of goodies. Bringing cookies gains her easy entry to her fellow islanders' homes, where she pries into their personal business. Of course, once Natalie correctly identifies killer and motive, she is in mortal danger.
Enjoy the recipes Natalie prepares for Gray Whale Inn guests, friends, and to help her sleuth: John's Beef Stroganoff, Blueberry Cobbler Muffins, Oatmeal Raspberry Crumble Bars, Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars, King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Texas Sheet Cake.
September 24, 2024
"Claws For Alarm" is book #8 in the "Gray Whale Inn Mystery" series by Karen MacInerney.
"It’s summertime on Cranberry Island, and things are heating up for innkeeper Natalie Barnes. She may be hosting a yoga retreat, but the mood at the Gray Whale Inn is anything but Zen. Between juggling dietary restrictions and managing flaring tempers, Natalie’s about ready for a retreat of her own… far away from the inn’s fit but finicky guests.
Unfortunately, there’s no reprieve on the island. The lobster co-op and pier are under threat once again, this time by a new arrival whose vision for Cranberry Island looks more like a spread in Coastal Living than a quaint Maine fishing village. When the instigator turns up dead next to the co-op and the police start fishing for suspects, Natalie’s dear friend Claudette is the one they haul up.
Will Natalie trap the killer in time? Or will she be next?"
My thoughts:
A yoga retreat that is anything but calming. Relationship woes amongst the retreat members as well as some others around the island, a murder and another person attacked. Not exactly what Natalie was hoping the week would be like but she does her best to keep the retreat group fed with healthy food and trying to prove her friend Claudette is innocent of murder.
No surprise as to who the murder victim was. Seems like they made enemies everywhere they went. Even so, who hated the person enough to kill them wasn't so easy. Of course the police took the obvious route and tried to put it on Claudette but no one on the island believed she could do something like that. I had it down to one of two suspects early on so wasn't overly surprised at the outcome or motive.
Several interesting twists and revelations before the killer and motive were finally revealed. A few yummy sounding recipes are included at the end as well as a preview of the first chapter of another book with the Kindle edition.
As much as I enjoy this series, there seemed to be a few spots where at least one character was given two different names. That should have been caught in proof reading.
Overall, a quick entertaining read.
"It’s summertime on Cranberry Island, and things are heating up for innkeeper Natalie Barnes. She may be hosting a yoga retreat, but the mood at the Gray Whale Inn is anything but Zen. Between juggling dietary restrictions and managing flaring tempers, Natalie’s about ready for a retreat of her own… far away from the inn’s fit but finicky guests.
Unfortunately, there’s no reprieve on the island. The lobster co-op and pier are under threat once again, this time by a new arrival whose vision for Cranberry Island looks more like a spread in Coastal Living than a quaint Maine fishing village. When the instigator turns up dead next to the co-op and the police start fishing for suspects, Natalie’s dear friend Claudette is the one they haul up.
Will Natalie trap the killer in time? Or will she be next?"
My thoughts:
A yoga retreat that is anything but calming. Relationship woes amongst the retreat members as well as some others around the island, a murder and another person attacked. Not exactly what Natalie was hoping the week would be like but she does her best to keep the retreat group fed with healthy food and trying to prove her friend Claudette is innocent of murder.
No surprise as to who the murder victim was. Seems like they made enemies everywhere they went. Even so, who hated the person enough to kill them wasn't so easy. Of course the police took the obvious route and tried to put it on Claudette but no one on the island believed she could do something like that. I had it down to one of two suspects early on so wasn't overly surprised at the outcome or motive.
Several interesting twists and revelations before the killer and motive were finally revealed. A few yummy sounding recipes are included at the end as well as a preview of the first chapter of another book with the Kindle edition.
As much as I enjoy this series, there seemed to be a few spots where at least one character was given two different names. That should have been caught in proof reading.
Overall, a quick entertaining read.
May 30, 2018
Welcome back to Cranberry Island, and the Gray Whale Inn Mystery series. Natalie Barnes, proprietor of the Inn, has agreed to host a week long yoga retreat. Although she is known for her luscious meals and deserts, this retreat wants "healthy" food. While she is coping with the challenges this presents, she is also drawn into a conflict between neighbors. Francine, relative newcomer to the island is on a crusade to beautify the island, up to and including ridding the island of some of it's long standing traditions. After becoming involved in what becomes a physical confrontation with Claudette, a long time islander, Francine is found dead. Claudette is the easy suspect, but Nat and her husband John know that just can't be so. And so begins Natalie's investigation into another murder. As she talks to others, it becomes apparent that there is no shortage of Islanders who had some reason to dislike Francine!
This book is so much fun. Being the 8th installment in this series, it was so good to see some of the regular group of islanders! Charlene, Nat's best friend, Catherine, Nat's mother-in-law, Claudette and Eli, her husband are all back. I love the imagery Ms. MacInerney uses to create a sense of being on an island off the coast of Maine- you can almost smell the sea air!! There are plenty of new characters as well, with attendees at the yoga retreat being fleshed out as real characters, not just as a backdrop for the usual suspects. I must admit that I was torn in several directions while trying to decide who the culprit was, and if the two crimes in the book were related.
If you are looking for a great read, filled with mystery, fun and yummy recipes, this is a book you must check out.
This book is so much fun. Being the 8th installment in this series, it was so good to see some of the regular group of islanders! Charlene, Nat's best friend, Catherine, Nat's mother-in-law, Claudette and Eli, her husband are all back. I love the imagery Ms. MacInerney uses to create a sense of being on an island off the coast of Maine- you can almost smell the sea air!! There are plenty of new characters as well, with attendees at the yoga retreat being fleshed out as real characters, not just as a backdrop for the usual suspects. I must admit that I was torn in several directions while trying to decide who the culprit was, and if the two crimes in the book were related.
If you are looking for a great read, filled with mystery, fun and yummy recipes, this is a book you must check out.
June 1, 2018
It can be murder to be a newcomer in a small community.
Claws for Alarm is the 8th installment of Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale Inn Mystery series. This is actually the first book I have read in the series, so I couldn't wait to see who the characters were. The book is set on the island of Cranberry Cove, and our protagonist is Natalie Barnes, owner of the Gray Whale Inn. The inn is currently full of yoga enthusiasts, and a newcomer, Francine Hodges, is trying to turn the quaint little island into a spread from Coastal Living Magazine. When Francine turns up dead, it is easier to make the list of suspects than it is to find someone who actually liked her.
Normally, I start a series at the beginning, but I had an opportunity to get a copy of the book from the author for a fair and honest review. How could I turn that down? Even starting the series at this point, I quickly found myself at home with the cast of characters. The relationships are great and well fleshed out. The setting sounds like a fun place to visit if you want to have a vacation that will really let you get away from it all.
The plot was really good. It took a while to narrow down suspects, and sometimes you ended up reconsidering one you had put to the side. I did figure it out before the end, but barely before Natalie did. She kept things really tight, but with lots of misdirection.
This book was really enjoyable, and I would recommend it for some leisurely summer reading. I'm going to go back and start from the beginning when I go on vacation this year. Looks like I'm going to make some new book friends on vacation.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
Claws for Alarm is the 8th installment of Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale Inn Mystery series. This is actually the first book I have read in the series, so I couldn't wait to see who the characters were. The book is set on the island of Cranberry Cove, and our protagonist is Natalie Barnes, owner of the Gray Whale Inn. The inn is currently full of yoga enthusiasts, and a newcomer, Francine Hodges, is trying to turn the quaint little island into a spread from Coastal Living Magazine. When Francine turns up dead, it is easier to make the list of suspects than it is to find someone who actually liked her.
Normally, I start a series at the beginning, but I had an opportunity to get a copy of the book from the author for a fair and honest review. How could I turn that down? Even starting the series at this point, I quickly found myself at home with the cast of characters. The relationships are great and well fleshed out. The setting sounds like a fun place to visit if you want to have a vacation that will really let you get away from it all.
The plot was really good. It took a while to narrow down suspects, and sometimes you ended up reconsidering one you had put to the side. I did figure it out before the end, but barely before Natalie did. She kept things really tight, but with lots of misdirection.
This book was really enjoyable, and I would recommend it for some leisurely summer reading. I'm going to go back and start from the beginning when I go on vacation this year. Looks like I'm going to make some new book friends on vacation.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
June 30, 2018
In this latest book in the Gray Whale series, Cranberry Island Inn owner, Natalie, and her husband, John, host a group from Florida that chose the peaceful Maine inn for their yoga retreat. Between modifying her usually decadent meals to please her health conscious guests and consoling her BFF, Charlene, whose long-distance relationship is on the rocks, Natalie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. After witnessing a public confrontation at the general store between island resident, Claudette, and island newcomer, Francine, Florida-native, Francine is found murdered. Francine had been on a mission to beautify the island to her standards and had been making enemies all over town with her plans. When a retreat guest is found unconscious on the path near the inn, there is speculation about whether the two crimes are related. When Claudette is pegged as an easy prime suspect, Natalie gets to work trying to clear her name. With Francine having made so many enemies, Natalie has her work cut out for her!
I always enjoy traveling to Cranberry Island where the eclectic cast of characters feel like old friends. MacInerney uses her words to paint pictures so vivid I can almost hear the sea birds calling and smell the brine in the air. The Gray Whale series is definitely on my must-read list of cozy mysteries and I look forward to the next time I can return to the Island!
I always enjoy traveling to Cranberry Island where the eclectic cast of characters feel like old friends. MacInerney uses her words to paint pictures so vivid I can almost hear the sea birds calling and smell the brine in the air. The Gray Whale series is definitely on my must-read list of cozy mysteries and I look forward to the next time I can return to the Island!
December 2, 2019
This is the 8th in the Gray Whale Inn series (after Whale of a Crime), not including short stories and cookbooks. In it, we find Natalie continuing to run the Inn with her husband, John, and help of her niece and mother-in-law. A new islander is making waves, doing her darndest to turn the island into a vision worthy of a magazine cover, wanting to move the pier and getting rid of Natalie’s friend, Claudette’s, goats that, as usual, are wreaking havoc chomping on any and all greenery they can find. Someone gets tired of the pushy woman – she is found with her head bashed in with a brick. Because she and Claudette had the most recent row, Claudette becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Natalie knows her friend isn’t capable of such an atrocity, so sets out to learn all she can to find the real culprit – all while hosting a yoga retreat, trying to talk her friend out of moving, and making delicious recipes (which are in the back of the book).
I have really enjoyed this series, but this one unfortunately fell a little flat. It has all the makings of a great cozy. The author paints a picture of a beautiful and quaint locale, as well as of Natalie’s friends. However, I just wasn’t vested in the murder as I usually am. At one point I had to remember who the murder victim WAS. Fans probably won’t be disappointed, but a new reader will probably not be tempted to start at the beginning to catch up which is the real crime here.
I have really enjoyed this series, but this one unfortunately fell a little flat. It has all the makings of a great cozy. The author paints a picture of a beautiful and quaint locale, as well as of Natalie’s friends. However, I just wasn’t vested in the murder as I usually am. At one point I had to remember who the murder victim WAS. Fans probably won’t be disappointed, but a new reader will probably not be tempted to start at the beginning to catch up which is the real crime here.
August 8, 2018
Great Cozy Series
I really love the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries. They are a cozier choice than some of the Mystery, Suspense, Thrillers I read. But it is like curly up in my comfy chair and watching Jessica Fletcher, in Murder She Wrote VS Jason Borne. Both are great, just different speeds.
I love Cranberry Island! I love the Inn, the islanders, the idea of living there or even getting to vacation there. I want to drink coffee in Charlene's little store on one of the worn, over stuffed couches. I want to hike to the Lighthouse and explore the hidden underground railroad, take a leisurely walk or sit and eat cookies and drink Earl Grey tea with Natalie. I love the little duo, Biscuit & Smudge. The goats even have a life of their own.
The story, like always, is well written. Guests at the Inn, with all their suspicious secrets, allow for murders to happen quite regularly, keeping Natalie busy making cookies for, and grilling the islanders, while snooping into the drawers and suitcases of her guests under the guise of 'cleaning'. Meanwhile, as Natalie solves crimes, the island law enforcer/husband, John, is left with more time to make his wooden boats for the art store and create beautiful drift wood carvings.
I thoroughly enjoyed Claws for Alarm and look forward to the next installment.
I really love the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries. They are a cozier choice than some of the Mystery, Suspense, Thrillers I read. But it is like curly up in my comfy chair and watching Jessica Fletcher, in Murder She Wrote VS Jason Borne. Both are great, just different speeds.
I love Cranberry Island! I love the Inn, the islanders, the idea of living there or even getting to vacation there. I want to drink coffee in Charlene's little store on one of the worn, over stuffed couches. I want to hike to the Lighthouse and explore the hidden underground railroad, take a leisurely walk or sit and eat cookies and drink Earl Grey tea with Natalie. I love the little duo, Biscuit & Smudge. The goats even have a life of their own.
The story, like always, is well written. Guests at the Inn, with all their suspicious secrets, allow for murders to happen quite regularly, keeping Natalie busy making cookies for, and grilling the islanders, while snooping into the drawers and suitcases of her guests under the guise of 'cleaning'. Meanwhile, as Natalie solves crimes, the island law enforcer/husband, John, is left with more time to make his wooden boats for the art store and create beautiful drift wood carvings.
I thoroughly enjoyed Claws for Alarm and look forward to the next installment.
May 29, 2018
One would think that having your quaint bed and breakfast inn, on a small island off the coast of Maine, fully booked by a yoga retreat, would lead to tranquility. Not for Nat and her husband John, the local law enforcement on Cranberry Island. Their inn has been dragged into a murder. The victim is a newly arrived resident bent on getting just about everyone on the island to become a prime suspect in her demise. Even the guests at the inn are on that list. However, none of them got into a knock down, drag out fight at the local store that involved bags of flour, potatoes and a jug of soy milk. Nat's friend, a participant in the brawl, goes to the head of the line of suspects and Nat is hot on the trail of a killer. Friends defend friends, especially when they are charged with murder.
Tensions are rising by the minute and there isn't enough time in the day, of yoga and meditation 24/7, to defuse this bunch. To be honest, most of the people who have crossed the victims path are wondering what took so long for her killer to snap.
This is the 8th in the Gray Whale Inn mystery series, a series that has never disappointed me. While this entry can be read as a stand alone it's even better to enjoy them in order. It's a wonderful series for a binge read.
Tensions are rising by the minute and there isn't enough time in the day, of yoga and meditation 24/7, to defuse this bunch. To be honest, most of the people who have crossed the victims path are wondering what took so long for her killer to snap.
This is the 8th in the Gray Whale Inn mystery series, a series that has never disappointed me. While this entry can be read as a stand alone it's even better to enjoy them in order. It's a wonderful series for a binge read.
July 8, 2018
While hosting a yoga retreat on Cranberry Island, where everything should be Zen, Maine innkeeper Natalie Barnes is trying to keep the peace amid the retreat attendees who have begun bickering amongst themselves, and new island resident Francine Hodges who is trying to beautify the island to the annoyance of everyone she meets.
Now with Francine dead and Natalie’s best friend Claudette being questioned, the goats chomping their way across the island, mysterious notes, who really knows whom and from where, threats, ex-wives, new affairs, food fights in the island store, arson, and a few recipes. What more could a reader want? It appears Karen MacInerney is literally throwing everything into this fun romp.
It might be summer on the island, but for me, The Gray Whale Inn is a series I enjoy cozying up with. It is returning to memorable characters that entertain and amuse. Characters who are unique and when not solving murders, add a bit of humor to island life and will share a cookie or casserole with those in need. It might be because the islanders are also looking for information, but hey, a cookie is a cookie and if you have to share a bit of gossip to get it-- that still works.
Now with Francine dead and Natalie’s best friend Claudette being questioned, the goats chomping their way across the island, mysterious notes, who really knows whom and from where, threats, ex-wives, new affairs, food fights in the island store, arson, and a few recipes. What more could a reader want? It appears Karen MacInerney is literally throwing everything into this fun romp.
It might be summer on the island, but for me, The Gray Whale Inn is a series I enjoy cozying up with. It is returning to memorable characters that entertain and amuse. Characters who are unique and when not solving murders, add a bit of humor to island life and will share a cookie or casserole with those in need. It might be because the islanders are also looking for information, but hey, a cookie is a cookie and if you have to share a bit of gossip to get it-- that still works.
June 7, 2018
I have read all the books in this series. I have enjoyed them all, but I especially like this one. I have come to love the quirky people who populate Cranberry Island. I enjoy the descriptions of the natural beauty and the hard working lobstermen who populate the island.
Natalie runs an Inn and with each adventure there re interesting new people to meet. This time a Florida group come to the Inn for a week retreat of yoga. And a new citizen of the island, Francine, causes mayhem with her desire to sanitize the island into a Country Living cover shoot. She ends up dead, and Natalie's friend Claudette is accused of her murder. Natalie explores and snoops to see if she can find the murderer before her friend is arrested. Does the Francine have ties to anyone in the yoga retreat? Are any of the lobstermen angry enough to kill over her attempts to "clean up" the island?
And as always, there are delicious recipes to explore!
Looking for a pleasant summer cozy? This is your book!
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a review. This is my personal opinion and there was no attempt to sway my review.
Natalie runs an Inn and with each adventure there re interesting new people to meet. This time a Florida group come to the Inn for a week retreat of yoga. And a new citizen of the island, Francine, causes mayhem with her desire to sanitize the island into a Country Living cover shoot. She ends up dead, and Natalie's friend Claudette is accused of her murder. Natalie explores and snoops to see if she can find the murderer before her friend is arrested. Does the Francine have ties to anyone in the yoga retreat? Are any of the lobstermen angry enough to kill over her attempts to "clean up" the island?
And as always, there are delicious recipes to explore!
Looking for a pleasant summer cozy? This is your book!
I received a free copy of the book in exchange for a review. This is my personal opinion and there was no attempt to sway my review.
June 2, 2018
Claws for Alarm
One of my favorite parts of Karen's books are how detailed her descriptions are of the land scape. I really want to walk the paths her character walk and taste the food they eat.
Natalie got to get her stretch on to keep up with the antics of the yaga retreat she is catering to at her quaint little inn on cranberry island in mane.
Summer time resident Francine is kicking up mayhem wanting to change hundreds of years of traditions on the island. That is till her number gets punched.
From here the story takes on nail biting pace that has your heart racing to get to the end. I love Karen's books so much, in fact as natalie was googling a name I had the urge to Google it to. That's how great the people are in the story, you just want to be a part of it.
If the stories aren't enough Karen spoils us with the recipes of the meals Natalie serves to her guest.
One of my favorite parts of Karen's books are how detailed her descriptions are of the land scape. I really want to walk the paths her character walk and taste the food they eat.
Natalie got to get her stretch on to keep up with the antics of the yaga retreat she is catering to at her quaint little inn on cranberry island in mane.
Summer time resident Francine is kicking up mayhem wanting to change hundreds of years of traditions on the island. That is till her number gets punched.
From here the story takes on nail biting pace that has your heart racing to get to the end. I love Karen's books so much, in fact as natalie was googling a name I had the urge to Google it to. That's how great the people are in the story, you just want to be a part of it.
If the stories aren't enough Karen spoils us with the recipes of the meals Natalie serves to her guest.
November 1, 2024
Visiting Cranberry Island is always delightful, but I wish Natalie's inn was a real place so I could book an extended stay! After eight books, the recurring characters feel like old friends, and I enjoy catching up with them. Natalie and John are wonderful hosts, and I love the respect they show one another in their personal relationship as well. I really didn't care for most of the yoga retreat guests - they were self-absorbed, picky and very demanding, but I *did like the goats, Pudge and Muffin :)
I wasn't surprised by who the murder victim was, nor that there was a very long list of possible suspects. At first, I kept changing my mind about who the culprit might be, but as more information was uncovered, I began to suspect the person who was eventually revealed to be the killer. The motive was a bit surprising, but it made sense.
The next book from this series is part of my Kindle library, and I look forward to reading it (relatively) soon.
I wasn't surprised by who the murder victim was, nor that there was a very long list of possible suspects. At first, I kept changing my mind about who the culprit might be, but as more information was uncovered, I began to suspect the person who was eventually revealed to be the killer. The motive was a bit surprising, but it made sense.
The next book from this series is part of my Kindle library, and I look forward to reading it (relatively) soon.
May 26, 2018
I just love this fun series set on Cranberry Island in Maine, my favorite state of all!! Natalie and John make the perfect couple for running the Gray Whale Inn, and also for investigating the untimely deaths that seem to happen whenever Nat is around! From her best friend, quirky Charlene, to her delightful, artistic niece, and her eclectic mother-in-law Catherine, and of course the ravenous, naughty flower-eating goats, Muffin and Pudge, this installment does not disappoint! I won't give away any details, but let's just say Natalie manages to get into harms way again in this one, while still running the Inn, solving the murder(s), and creating magnificently, mouth-watering dishes to serve her guests! You can almost smell and taste each meal that she prepares! Thank you for such a fast, fun, suspenseful and delicious read!
June 14, 2018
I've been reading this book series for years and I love them. I have a weird obsession with islands, especially mystery books set on islands. There is something very cozy (although also slightly scary) about being in a remote spot away from the rest of the world.
In this book, innkeeper Natalie is hosting a yoga retreat at the Gray Whale. The retreat ends up being anything but peaceful when a dead body is discovered near the lobster co-op. Who would kill new island resident Francine? (Spoiler alert: almost everyone is a suspect since she was a pretty horrible person.) The plot of this book moves along nicely and keeps you guessing. My only advice is to have snacks nearby -- the main character does a lot of cooking and baking and it might make you hungry. There are recipes included as well.
In this book, innkeeper Natalie is hosting a yoga retreat at the Gray Whale. The retreat ends up being anything but peaceful when a dead body is discovered near the lobster co-op. Who would kill new island resident Francine? (Spoiler alert: almost everyone is a suspect since she was a pretty horrible person.) The plot of this book moves along nicely and keeps you guessing. My only advice is to have snacks nearby -- the main character does a lot of cooking and baking and it might make you hungry. There are recipes included as well.
June 3, 2018
Claws for Alarm is 8th and latest installment in the Gray Whale Inn series, set on Cranberry Island, Maine. Usually I start a series at the beginning but I was offered a chance to read this book and after hearing so much about it I jumped on the chance. I am so glad that I did I fell in love with the Natalie and her Inn, the island was so well described that I felt like I was there. It sounds like a place I wish I could go visit. There were many twists and turns. This book was very enjoyable and kept you guessing until the end. I just ordered the rest of the set and am going to start from the beginning. I will definitely read more of Karen MacInerney’s books. I highly recommend this book and the series. I can’t wait for #9.
June 18, 2018
Set your sails for Cranberry Island where mysteries abound...
In her eighth book of the Gray Whale Inn Mystery series, Karen MacInerney provides a suspenseful story that keeps you guessing until the end.
As innkeeper, Natalie Barnes has her hands full, as usual, with challenging guests, this time, attending a yoga retreat, complete with complex relationships and underlying secrets among the attendees. When an island resident that everyone loves to hate is murdered and one of Natalie's friends is accused, amateur sleuth Natalie springs into action to solve the case.
MacInerney's dialogue is crisp and entertaining, while her setting on the island is picturesque and inviting. I look forward to much more from this author.
In her eighth book of the Gray Whale Inn Mystery series, Karen MacInerney provides a suspenseful story that keeps you guessing until the end.
As innkeeper, Natalie Barnes has her hands full, as usual, with challenging guests, this time, attending a yoga retreat, complete with complex relationships and underlying secrets among the attendees. When an island resident that everyone loves to hate is murdered and one of Natalie's friends is accused, amateur sleuth Natalie springs into action to solve the case.
MacInerney's dialogue is crisp and entertaining, while her setting on the island is picturesque and inviting. I look forward to much more from this author.
April 7, 2022
Barely 3 stars. I came across this title while ordering another book with the same title from the library and figured, why not read it too. But I didn't realize that it was the eighth book in a series, which meant I didn't know the background of the various main characters, and therefore frequently felt a little bit lost. It didn't help that some of the characters had similar names: Charlene and Claudette; Alex and Adam, for example. A yoga retreat should be peaceful, but it isn't. And when a newcomer to the island, who had been making waves, is found murdered, Natalie can't help wondering if she was connected in some way to someone at the retreat. Not sure if I enjoyed it enough to seek out the earlier books in the series.
May 27, 2018
Claws for Alarm continues a terrific Gray Whale Inn Mystery series. A new couple has moved to the island and now the wife is out to change everything about the island to a magazine-cover style. She is now the most disliked person on the island, but the whole island is unsettled. Natalie’s guests at the Inn are a yoga retreat group, but they are definitely not in harmony! Her mother-in-law and her boyfriend are on the outs, her niece is too busy to plan her wedding, and her best friend is mad at her boyfriend and ready to leave the island! Great characters, an island setting in Maine that you want to visit (or move to), and an intriguing mystery make this another great cozy in this series!
June 4, 2018
Claws for Alarm is the eighth Gray Whale Inn by author Karen MacInerney. I first discovered this series after visiting Maine. I loved Maine and was thrilled to find a series set in the area close to the Bar Harbor region.
Happy to catch up with Natalie and all the residents of Cranberry Island. Nasty new resident, Francine, who is wanting to convert the island into some kind of Disneyish Maine island is found murdered. Obvious right from the start is a local, Claudette. Natalie works hard to clear Claudette and find the real killer.
Great read and love the recipes!!
Highly recommend this series and Claws for Alarm.
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