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Gray Whale Inn Mystery #9
Scone Cold Dead
Innkeeper Natalie Barnes is living her dream life, creating scrumptious scone recipes and relishing cool summer days on quaint Cranberry Island, Maine… until she stumbles across a dead body tucked under the blueberry bushes.
Could the killer be one of her artsy out-of-town guests?
Or will the murderer turn out to be uncomfortably close to home?
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2019
322 people are currently reading
380 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 66 reviews
July 23, 2019
It’s late spring on Cranberry Island, but the beautiful weather is doing nothing for the tensions building. Something is going on with the lobstermen on the island. There are rumors of illegal activity, but no one seems to have any proof. Natalie Barnes is concerned about that, but she is also concerned that her bed and breakfast doesn’t have reservations like in years past. Fortunately, she does have some guests thanks to the new artists commune her niece, Gwen, has opened. But when the tension on the island leads to murder, will Natalie figure out what happened?
It’s always a pleasure to visit Cranberry Island, and this book is no exception. The characters are old friends by this point, and there are a couple of sub-plots that focus on them that helped pull me into the book early. Not that the mystery itself wasn’t compelling, and the sub-plots and mystery weave in and out of each other expertly. There are several good fully developed suspects we meet and plenty of turns before we hit the suspenseful climax. Natalie is working on recipes for a scone competition, so it is no surprise that three of the recipes at the end of the book are scones. Fans of the series will be happy with our latest visit to the island, and this book is fun enough to hook new fans as well.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It’s always a pleasure to visit Cranberry Island, and this book is no exception. The characters are old friends by this point, and there are a couple of sub-plots that focus on them that helped pull me into the book early. Not that the mystery itself wasn’t compelling, and the sub-plots and mystery weave in and out of each other expertly. There are several good fully developed suspects we meet and plenty of turns before we hit the suspenseful climax. Natalie is working on recipes for a scone competition, so it is no surprise that three of the recipes at the end of the book are scones. Fans of the series will be happy with our latest visit to the island, and this book is fun enough to hook new fans as well.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 6, 2019
The newest in the Gray Whale Inn series brings us back to our beloved island with the characters we have grown to love.
The characters all seemed consitent with the previous books so that was pleasant to return to.
I am a bit disappointed however that the murderer was obvious from the first page he showed up in the book. Also Adam was used as motivation to go sleuthing herself again.
There were a few mistakes in the book that i found disappointing especially since it supposedly was proof read by several members of the Macinerney Mystery Mavens.
On pg. 72 Quartz is described as having "a small butterfly barrette covered in dark crystals" in her hair. But on pg 145 she says she doesnt own anything like that which does get picked up later again to proof that a character named Emma had been in Chad's room.
On pg 99 the narrator said "the dinner menu was crabmeat quiche" only to then turn around on pg 106 to answer crabmeat quiche when someone asks what's for breakfast. A bit confusing.
Then the last mistake i noticed: on pg 121 Adam's boat is the only one still missing but then, a few pages later on 128 Natalie says "and a bigger coincidence that Mac's boat is still missing" which isnt mentioned afterwards and henceforth only Adams boat is talked of as still missing.
I love this series very much but the consistency mistakes seem to be getting worse.
I did really enjoy the surprise chapter at the end of the book for a new book of MacInerney's that's coming out later this year.
The characters all seemed consitent with the previous books so that was pleasant to return to.
I am a bit disappointed however that the murderer was obvious from the first page he showed up in the book. Also Adam was used as motivation to go sleuthing herself again.
There were a few mistakes in the book that i found disappointing especially since it supposedly was proof read by several members of the Macinerney Mystery Mavens.
On pg. 72 Quartz is described as having "a small butterfly barrette covered in dark crystals" in her hair. But on pg 145 she says she doesnt own anything like that which does get picked up later again to proof that a character named Emma had been in Chad's room.
On pg 99 the narrator said "the dinner menu was crabmeat quiche" only to then turn around on pg 106 to answer crabmeat quiche when someone asks what's for breakfast. A bit confusing.
Then the last mistake i noticed: on pg 121 Adam's boat is the only one still missing but then, a few pages later on 128 Natalie says "and a bigger coincidence that Mac's boat is still missing" which isnt mentioned afterwards and henceforth only Adams boat is talked of as still missing.
I love this series very much but the consistency mistakes seem to be getting worse.
I did really enjoy the surprise chapter at the end of the book for a new book of MacInerney's that's coming out later this year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2019
Scone Cold Dead is another winner in the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries! Settling in to read, on a hot summer day, the book transported me to the comforting and mystery filled Inn. Natalie and her friends and family are faced with two puzzling murders of island visitors and a local crime that sets this island community on edge.
I've always enjoyed the character of Natalie - smart, strong, independent, a loyal friend and a person you can relate to, even when she's solving deadly mysteries. In this book, Catherine (her husband John's mother) has a larger role and I loved to see the two women work together. The "backstories" in the book, involving Catherine, Mac, Eli, Claudette and Charlene added to the book's enjoyment. The author weaves several stories together, flawlessly, and all loose ends are tied up.
The combination of mysteries and the Inn is wonderfully cozy. The descriptions of the Inn, town and, of course, the delicious food make the book a treat for all the senses. After reading about the baking competition, all I wanted was a scone and there are several delicious recipes included in the book. Be sure and read the first chapter from the author's new paranormal series, coming out in the Fall...it looks fantastic!
Waiting impatiently for the next visit to the Gray Whale Inn.
I received an ARC, from the author for a fair and honest review of this book.
I've always enjoyed the character of Natalie - smart, strong, independent, a loyal friend and a person you can relate to, even when she's solving deadly mysteries. In this book, Catherine (her husband John's mother) has a larger role and I loved to see the two women work together. The "backstories" in the book, involving Catherine, Mac, Eli, Claudette and Charlene added to the book's enjoyment. The author weaves several stories together, flawlessly, and all loose ends are tied up.
The combination of mysteries and the Inn is wonderfully cozy. The descriptions of the Inn, town and, of course, the delicious food make the book a treat for all the senses. After reading about the baking competition, all I wanted was a scone and there are several delicious recipes included in the book. Be sure and read the first chapter from the author's new paranormal series, coming out in the Fall...it looks fantastic!
Waiting impatiently for the next visit to the Gray Whale Inn.
I received an ARC, from the author for a fair and honest review of this book.
July 24, 2019
4.5 out of 5: SCONE COLD DEAD by Karen MacInerney, is the ninth book in the Gray Whale Inn Mystery series. This is a fun addition to a delightful series. The author effectively portrays the small island setting of Cranberry Island off the coast of Maine. The smell of the sea and air, the bobbing of boats in the harbor, the cawing of seabirds are all the backdrop to trouble brewing amongst the lobstermen. Ms. MacInerney weaves in the problems facing these hardy souls who try to make a living from the turbulent sea while trying to toe the line of adhering to regulations. Tempers amongst the lobstermen reach the boiling point and protagonist, Natalie Barnes, owner of the Gray Whale Inn, is pulled into the fray. One of her new guests is a young woman who plans to ride along with a volatile lobsterman as an observer. Speculations arise to whether she’s arrived on the island to investigate the lobstermen and when Natalie stumbles across her body the first morning after arriving, she’s decides she needs to find the truth about what happened.
There were plenty of clues and several subplots that kept the plot moving. In addition to the murder mystery, the well-loved characters had storylines that provided an emotional connection to the story. While this is the ninth book, it can be read as a standalone. However, if you admire character development then you’ll enjoy starting at the beginning of the series to follow the growth of the protagonist and her friends. The only thing that detracted from this delightful book was the oversight in several editing errors. Despite that, I’m looking forward to future books in the Gray Whale Inn Mystery and see what new adventures find Natalie Barnes.
The protagonist cooks up scrumptious meals for the guests of Gray Whale Inn. Ms. MacInerney includes several recipes at the back of the book and they all sound amazing.
I was provided a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There were plenty of clues and several subplots that kept the plot moving. In addition to the murder mystery, the well-loved characters had storylines that provided an emotional connection to the story. While this is the ninth book, it can be read as a standalone. However, if you admire character development then you’ll enjoy starting at the beginning of the series to follow the growth of the protagonist and her friends. The only thing that detracted from this delightful book was the oversight in several editing errors. Despite that, I’m looking forward to future books in the Gray Whale Inn Mystery and see what new adventures find Natalie Barnes.
The protagonist cooks up scrumptious meals for the guests of Gray Whale Inn. Ms. MacInerney includes several recipes at the back of the book and they all sound amazing.
I was provided a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2019
Another winner from Karen MacInerney. I literally found myself short of breath while reading this latest installment of the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries! So many red herrings; so many plot twists and turns! There's a lot going on in Scone Cold Dead, and it makes for an exciting read. Pick it up on Kindle now!
August 7, 2019
I love this series and was more than happy when I won this ARC in a give-away.
My expectations were high and I can say I wasn't disappointed.
The book is well written as usual, it's great to meet again the fleshed out cast of characters, and the mystery keeps you guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next installment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Ms MacInerney for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
My expectations were high and I can say I wasn't disappointed.
The book is well written as usual, it's great to meet again the fleshed out cast of characters, and the mystery keeps you guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading the next installment.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Ms MacInerney for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
August 24, 2019
Quick mystery, ends well
Love this series, same old murder but the characters are like family! Already Jonesing for Book 10! Might be time for babies!
Love this series, same old murder but the characters are like family! Already Jonesing for Book 10! Might be time for babies!
August 27, 2021
I enjoyed this new adventure in the series. I like reading about the meals Natalie prepares for her guests.
August 8, 2019
In Karen MacInerney's 9th 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 number of guest in town teaching and attending classes at the new art guild. As it turns out, a couple of the guests seem to know each other from a prior time in their lives and the reunion is less than amicable. Meanwhile, the men of the local lobster coalition are up in arms over a strange incident of boats being cut loose during the night. There are rumors of illegal fishing and selling of lobsters, causing in-fighting within the group. To add to the island's hullabaloo, one of Natalie's B&B guests turns up dead and the killer could be any one of a number of locals and guests.
I thoroughly enjoy Karen MacInerney's cozy mystery series. The characters in this series have become so well developed over time that reading the stories feel like you're reading about great friends and family. 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 thoroughly enjoy Karen MacInerney's cozy mystery series. The characters in this series have become so well developed over time that reading the stories feel like you're reading about great friends and family. 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.
July 5, 2019
Cosy Mystery
I love this series. Natalie is living her dream and though she is not native to Cranberry Island she has a good heart and has been accepted by the locals. I do wish there was better editing and proofreading. Words missing, errors, etc. It detracts from the enjoyment that these stories bring. The author and editor should re-read Chapter 12 and find the glaring error. The Acknowledgments thank her crew of proofreaders. Well, they are not doing a good job. This has been a recurring issue since the third book in this series.
I love this series. Natalie is living her dream and though she is not native to Cranberry Island she has a good heart and has been accepted by the locals. I do wish there was better editing and proofreading. Words missing, errors, etc. It detracts from the enjoyment that these stories bring. The author and editor should re-read Chapter 12 and find the glaring error. The Acknowledgments thank her crew of proofreaders. Well, they are not doing a good job. This has been a recurring issue since the third book in this series.
December 10, 2025
Scone Cold Dead by Karen MacInerney is the ninth book of the Gray Whale Inn cozy mystery series set on (fictitious) Cranberry Island, Maine. Natalie Barnes is living her dream - owner/operator of a B&B on delightful Cranberry Island in Maine, married to a hunky husband she adores, free to create and experiment with delicious recipes to serve her guests and enter in contests, best friends with Charlene, Postmistress on the island, her source of all the latest news and gossip. But...when a guest at her B&B is murdered, and her niece's husband is a suspect, Natalie must go into sleuth mode with her best friend. They have personal relationships with everyone on the island, so they can ferret out secrets far better than law enforcement can. Even though Natalie's hunky husband IS law enforcement...
Entertaining cozy mystery with interesting side plots of secondary character's struggles and accomplishments. Recommend read the series in order to get the full benefit of the relationships of island residents as they have evolved.
Recipes: Apple Puff Pancake with Cinnamon Butter Maple Syrup, Cranberry Island Crabmeat Quiche, Chocolate Cherry Hazelnut Scones, Lemon Blueberry Sunburst Scones, Maple Walnut Scones.
"What kind of scones?" "I'm planning to make cherry, dark chocolate, and toasted hazelnut this afternoon." "Three kinds of scones, or all of that in one scone?" "All in one."
Scrubbing females meant that instead of marking egg-bearing females, who carry their eggs on their bellies, with a V-notch and returning them to the water, he was dipping them in bleach and removing their eggs. And "short" lobsters were ones that hadn't yet reached a size where they could be sold legally. Maine lobstermen took conservation of the species seriously; both of these infractions were a very big deal.
"Of all the lobster boats on all the islands..."
Charlene was restocking the chicken broth from a box, and was the most put-together stock clerk I'd ever seen. Today, she wore charcoal eyeliner that matched her sparkly gray V-neck and flared jeans that hugged her curvy form. I could see why my cousin - and most of the men on the island - were smitten.
"It was all pretty horrible. Talk about a snowplow parent."
Entertaining cozy mystery with interesting side plots of secondary character's struggles and accomplishments. Recommend read the series in order to get the full benefit of the relationships of island residents as they have evolved.
Recipes: Apple Puff Pancake with Cinnamon Butter Maple Syrup, Cranberry Island Crabmeat Quiche, Chocolate Cherry Hazelnut Scones, Lemon Blueberry Sunburst Scones, Maple Walnut Scones.
"What kind of scones?" "I'm planning to make cherry, dark chocolate, and toasted hazelnut this afternoon." "Three kinds of scones, or all of that in one scone?" "All in one."
Scrubbing females meant that instead of marking egg-bearing females, who carry their eggs on their bellies, with a V-notch and returning them to the water, he was dipping them in bleach and removing their eggs. And "short" lobsters were ones that hadn't yet reached a size where they could be sold legally. Maine lobstermen took conservation of the species seriously; both of these infractions were a very big deal.
"Of all the lobster boats on all the islands..."
Charlene was restocking the chicken broth from a box, and was the most put-together stock clerk I'd ever seen. Today, she wore charcoal eyeliner that matched her sparkly gray V-neck and flared jeans that hugged her curvy form. I could see why my cousin - and most of the men on the island - were smitten.
"It was all pretty horrible. Talk about a snowplow parent."
July 2, 2019
I have a weird fascination with islands, and if a book or a movie is set on an island, count me in. I have always thought I would like to live on an island one day. I like the fact that they are isolated and it seems like it would be a quiet way to live.
Cranberry Island, however, is anything but peaceful and quiet in this book. There's a lot of drama going on. Tensions are running high with the lobstermen (is that a word?) amid rumors of poaching. Natalie, of course, gets involved in the drama when one of her B&B guests is found dead and everyone thinks it might be related to the poaching. As if that isn't enough, Natalie's mother in law is having relationship troubles and Natalie's niece Gwen has started her new project, the Art Guild. There's a lot going on!
The real drama, in my opinion, is over the scones though. Natalie is testing out scone recipes for a contest she wants to enter. Her first experiment is chocolate cherry hazelnut scones. Which sound SO amazing. That recipe is the clear winner, but does she stop? No, she tries TWO MORE scone recipes AFTER this?! Lemon blueberry? Are you kidding me?? My mouth is watering so much right now. Luckily the recipes are included in the book!! (Spoiler -- the third recipe is maple walnut.)
All kidding aside, I really love this book series. I've been reading these books for years, and stepping back into Natalie's B&B is like a mini-vacation for me. If you like cozies you should definitely give this series a try!
Cranberry Island, however, is anything but peaceful and quiet in this book. There's a lot of drama going on. Tensions are running high with the lobstermen (is that a word?) amid rumors of poaching. Natalie, of course, gets involved in the drama when one of her B&B guests is found dead and everyone thinks it might be related to the poaching. As if that isn't enough, Natalie's mother in law is having relationship troubles and Natalie's niece Gwen has started her new project, the Art Guild. There's a lot going on!
The real drama, in my opinion, is over the scones though. Natalie is testing out scone recipes for a contest she wants to enter. Her first experiment is chocolate cherry hazelnut scones. Which sound SO amazing. That recipe is the clear winner, but does she stop? No, she tries TWO MORE scone recipes AFTER this?! Lemon blueberry? Are you kidding me?? My mouth is watering so much right now. Luckily the recipes are included in the book!! (Spoiler -- the third recipe is maple walnut.)
All kidding aside, I really love this book series. I've been reading these books for years, and stepping back into Natalie's B&B is like a mini-vacation for me. If you like cozies you should definitely give this series a try!
July 1, 2019
Scone Cold Dead is book 9 in the Gray Whale Inn series by Karen McInnerney. Set on Cranberry Island ,Maine, this series features Natalie, owner and keeper of the Gray Whale Inn (Bed and Breakfast). In this book, one of Natalie's guests, who is on the island to be an observer on one of the lobster boats, is murdered on her first morning. After finding her, questions abound: was she really an observer, an undercover officer, or a reporter there to do a story? And if so, a srory about what? As Natalie, her husband John, her mother-in-law Catherine , and her friend Charlene poke into the murder, much seemingly unrelated information comes to light. As in any good cozy, Natalie pokes around enough to finally aggravate the murder enough to put her in his/her sights!
As always, this was a fun book. It was great to visit with the people of Cranberry Island again for a while, and the plot had more than enough twists and turns to keep me guessing right up till the end! Honestly, I never really saw the killer's identity coming till the reveal. I highly recommend this as a great cozy read, any time of the year!
As always, this was a fun book. It was great to visit with the people of Cranberry Island again for a while, and the plot had more than enough twists and turns to keep me guessing right up till the end! Honestly, I never really saw the killer's identity coming till the reveal. I highly recommend this as a great cozy read, any time of the year!
May 15, 2019
It was terrific being back again reading about the beautiful Cranberry Island and the fabulous Natalie and the folks in the Grey Whale Inn. It’s summertime on the island and they are fortunate enough to have an enthusiastic art teacher giving classes to the Cranberry Island masses and it’s not the only thing turning heads as there has been some devilment going on on the island too with someone damaging boats of the locals ... The island locals become even more uneasy when a body of a young woman turns up !
I loved this story and all the twists and turns to find out what sneaky business was going on on the island and who is to blame . This was a fun read and I loved every page . I read this in one sitting , it’s a brilliant addition to this series . More please!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review .
I loved this story and all the twists and turns to find out what sneaky business was going on on the island and who is to blame . This was a fun read and I loved every page . I read this in one sitting , it’s a brilliant addition to this series . More please!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review .
July 2, 2019
Lobster poaching, strangers to the island who are not strangers to each other and a murdered guest are just a few of the tribulations Natalie is dealing with as she tries to increase bookings at the Gray Whale Inn and decide which scone recipe is the winning recipe to enter in the Portland newspaper's contest.
Each time I begin reading one of the Gray Whale Inn mysteries, I feel liked I've returned to visit dear friends. The characters have great depth and personality. Ms. MacInerney writes mysteries with many twists and turns and fabulous humor.
I greatly enjoyed my latest stay at the Gray Whale Inn and highly recommend this book, in fact the whole series, to all mystery readers.
Each time I begin reading one of the Gray Whale Inn mysteries, I feel liked I've returned to visit dear friends. The characters have great depth and personality. Ms. MacInerney writes mysteries with many twists and turns and fabulous humor.
I greatly enjoyed my latest stay at the Gray Whale Inn and highly recommend this book, in fact the whole series, to all mystery readers.
July 6, 2019
Natalie Barnes may not have an artistic talent but her baking is an art form that stands apart from the rest. Natalie, Charlene and Catherine are all taking art classes at the Gwen's Art Guild while several artists are staying at the Inn. Life gets very complicated when a young woman comes to stay at the Inn while she is due to observe on a lobster boat and is later found dead. There is a lot going on at the fisheries and lots of rumors for Natalie to check into to find the truth before someone she loves gets hurt or worse.
This story has so many twists and turns that I had a hard time putting it down. There are always several things going on at once and so many rumors to follow, it's like real life and I loved it.
This story has so many twists and turns that I had a hard time putting it down. There are always several things going on at once and so many rumors to follow, it's like real life and I loved it.
October 16, 2024
"Scone Cold Dead" is book #9 in the "Gray Whale Inn Mystery" series by Karen MacInerney.
My thoughts:
The story itself was interesting with several suspects for the murder. Subplots with a characthers health and a couple having relationship issues add to the drama. As always, there are a few tasty recipes included at the end as well as a sneak peak at the beginning of book #10 in this series.
"Innkeeper Natalie Barnes is living her dream life, creating scrumptious scone recipes and relishing cool summer days on quaint Cranberry Island, Maine… until she stumbles across a dead body tucked under the blueberry bushes. Could the killer be one of her artsy out-of-town guests? Or will the murderer turn out to be uncomfortably close to home?"
My thoughts:
The story itself was interesting with several suspects for the murder. Subplots with a characthers health and a couple having relationship issues add to the drama. As always, there are a few tasty recipes included at the end as well as a sneak peak at the beginning of book #10 in this series.
"Innkeeper Natalie Barnes is living her dream life, creating scrumptious scone recipes and relishing cool summer days on quaint Cranberry Island, Maine… until she stumbles across a dead body tucked under the blueberry bushes. Could the killer be one of her artsy out-of-town guests? Or will the murderer turn out to be uncomfortably close to home?"
July 5, 2019
I enjoy this series that takes place on an island in Maine near Mount Desert Island. The description of the island sounds so inviting that I want to be there! Natalie always has an interesting mix of guests staying at her inn. It's always fun to check in on all the other familiar characters on the island too. The food she cooks sounds fantastic, but too hard for me. I'm more of a three ingredient kind of gal. The mystery was one I hadn't figured out before Natalie did, so that's always a good thing. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to the author for my ebook copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for my ebook copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 6, 2019
Reading A Gray Whale Inn mystery is like visiting an old friend. At this point I am so invested in the characters, I just want to know what they are up to, how are Gwen and Adam doing since the wedding, how's Charlene's relationship with Natalie's cousin going, what new recipes does Nat have going and who's staying at the Inn!
Of course all these answers point us to a new mysterious death that may have something to do with the Lobster Co-OP, of which Adam is a part or the new Art Guild Gwen has set up.
Inspite of the murder and threats received by Nat you will get to spend some time with your favorite people while they figure out what's going on and of course there will be recipes!
Of course all these answers point us to a new mysterious death that may have something to do with the Lobster Co-OP, of which Adam is a part or the new Art Guild Gwen has set up.
Inspite of the murder and threats received by Nat you will get to spend some time with your favorite people while they figure out what's going on and of course there will be recipes!
August 2, 2019
Great read!
Although I haven't read any others in this series - yet - it was easy to get into the story and to become invested in the characters. MacInerney spins a fast paced tale that easily enmeshes you and has you playing arm chair detective. But the solution came way out of left field, at least for me!
Well written, lots of sub stories that are equally well developed, and a cast of regular characters that quickly become friends. I'm looking forward to back tracking now and catching up on the first eight volumes of this series! If you need me, I'll be reading on my balcony!
Although I haven't read any others in this series - yet - it was easy to get into the story and to become invested in the characters. MacInerney spins a fast paced tale that easily enmeshes you and has you playing arm chair detective. But the solution came way out of left field, at least for me!
Well written, lots of sub stories that are equally well developed, and a cast of regular characters that quickly become friends. I'm looking forward to back tracking now and catching up on the first eight volumes of this series! If you need me, I'll be reading on my balcony!
July 22, 2023
3 stars because the series is kind of addictive despite the repetition. Once you have read one book though you’ve basically read them all. It feels like a formula, reading a Hallmark movie if you will. This is what you encounter over and over in this series. “Oh no someone died”, I better bake something. Oh here comes John, my stomach flipped. Better go clean the rooms, so I can snoop. Someone broke into my house at night and hit me on the head, guess I’ll just touch things and go back to bed. I’ll let the police know later even though I’m a suspect in a murder. Oh there goes the dangerous person I suspect the most, let me follow them. Oh they hit me over the head, hope I survive.
July 4, 2019
I have fallen in love with the Gray Whale Inn mysteries. I love the island setting, I'd love to visit Cranberry Island if it were real. Book 9 in the Gray Whale Inn series doesn't disappoint. Natalie the innkeeper investigates a murder on one of her, just arrived, guests. Is her murder linked to all the tensions going on between the lobster fishermen? Be sure to read and find out!
Lots of plot twists, entertaining story lines and characters, a highly recommended read.
I've received a advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review.
Lots of plot twists, entertaining story lines and characters, a highly recommended read.
I've received a advanced readers copy in exchange for a honest review.
August 11, 2019
Gray Whale Inn Mysteries never disappoint!! I can honestly say this is one of my top two favorite cozy series. I literally bought a B&B because of this series. Each time a new Gray Whale book comes out, I eagerly open it to see what Natalie and the people of Cranberry Island are up to. They feel like friends and family.
Do yourself a favor and check these out!!! This is the ninth book in the series. If you are looking for the first, it's Murder on the Rocks.
Karen - I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!! But I don't know why ANYONE checks in to the Gray Whale Inn anymore!!
Do yourself a favor and check these out!!! This is the ninth book in the series. If you are looking for the first, it's Murder on the Rocks.
Karen - I LOVE YOUR BOOKS!! But I don't know why ANYONE checks in to the Gray Whale Inn anymore!!
October 3, 2020
I love Maine. Karen MacInerney’s Gray Whale Inn Mystery Series only enhances that love. Her descriptive writing allows the reader to, not only read a great story, but to see the characters, hear the sounds of a sleepy fishing town, and smell the salt air.
The mystery moves along swiftly, with plenty of twists and turns. Although hints are plentiful, the ending brings surprises. While a couple of misprints caused me to go back and reread, they don’t take away from the story.
Can't wait for the next! Highly recommended.
Oh, and the recipes in the back look scrumptious!
July 4, 2019
Natalie is an innkeeper on a small island off the coast of Maine. The lobstermen of the island seem to be in turmoil, but no one seems to know what the issue really is. As a supposed lobster inspector comes to town and turns up dead the next morning, no one knows who is at fault. Lots of red herrings and surprises. The ending is a surprise.
This is an enjoyable series. Great characters and good mysteries.
This is an enjoyable series. Great characters and good mysteries.
July 13, 2019
Loved! This is the ninth installment of the series and it is still strong. Yes for an island there seems to be a high murder rate but there are lots of visitors to this idyllic island. Visiting once again with what seem like friends, we are whisked into the world of art, lobster fishing and general life. We worry about our neighbors and people that are visiting. Looking forward to another visit (and additional yummy recipes)!
July 24, 2019
Despite a few editorial issues, I thoroughly enjoyed the latest installment to Gray Whale Inn. Natalie continues to be a great friend and aunt, getting involved in another mysterious death in order to help the island community. In the mean time, she worries about her neighbors and family. A lovely mix of everyday problems we all face and a murder (which thankfully, I have not faced). I would truly love to spend a week there, taking walks and eating the wonderful food.
August 2, 2019
A terrific addition to a delightful series. I wish I could stay at the Gray Whale Inn. Of course, I wouldn't want to be the next murder victim. Not a fan of scones, but the flavors of the ones described in this book sounded scrumptious. Lots of issues, which I will not describe as they play heavily in the mystery. Timely and typical/realistic ones for sure. Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my voluntary review.
August 29, 2019
I like all the books in this series. Usually they get a 5⭐️ But this one gets a 4 because some of the characters (Chad’s father) were overdrawn. He is a caricature (as is the mother). Otherwise the usual characters are consistent and their stories continue. They are like family so I want to find out what’s going on with them. I like the way the author continues the “story” of the island. Characters who were in previous stories appear again. Also the recipes sound delicious!
August 12, 2024
same ole same ole
I enjoyed the first books, but there is too much repetition…. everything is fine until somebody gets murdered, Natalie “investigates” by asking everybody on the island questions, she either gets hit on the head or shot in the leg. Then by an unbelievable stroke of luck she gets out of the bad situation.
If things keep going the way they are, there will be nobody to left on the island. Everyone will either be dead or in jail for killing everyone else.
Time to find another series with a bit more interesting plots. Sorry.
I enjoyed the first books, but there is too much repetition…. everything is fine until somebody gets murdered, Natalie “investigates” by asking everybody on the island questions, she either gets hit on the head or shot in the leg. Then by an unbelievable stroke of luck she gets out of the bad situation.
If things keep going the way they are, there will be nobody to left on the island. Everyone will either be dead or in jail for killing everyone else.
Time to find another series with a bit more interesting plots. Sorry.
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