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Snug Harbor Mysteries #2
Inked Out
When fledgling bookseller Max Sayers agrees to host Snug Harbor, Maine's new mystery writers' group, she envisions filling Seaside Cottage Books with literary conversation, warm, fresh-baked cookies, and a community to support her assistant Bethany's mystery writing dream. But the group has barely begun its inaugural meeting when local author Reginald Blakely accuses young Bethany of plagiarizing his novel. The next morning, Reginald turns up a half mile from the bookstore, a letter opener plunged into her bony chest and her face covered in black ink. When police learn that an almost identical murder happened just last week--in Bethany's unfinished murder mystery—Max's beloved assistant rockets to the top of the suspect list.
As Max struggles to clear Bethany's name, she discovers that some old roots in Snug Harbor run deeper--and are more twisted--than she ever dreamed possible. She soon uncovers a network of deceit that sprouted from a bad seed planted in the bookstore itself, almost a century earlier. But someone doesn't like her digging. A rash of threatening anonymous phone calls--and a heavy inkwell hurled through the shop window, barely missing Max's head--send a clear and deadly message. Back off... or else.
Can Max clear her assistant's name in time? Or will she—and Seaside Cottage Books—be the killer's next victim?
As Max struggles to clear Bethany's name, she discovers that some old roots in Snug Harbor run deeper--and are more twisted--than she ever dreamed possible. She soon uncovers a network of deceit that sprouted from a bad seed planted in the bookstore itself, almost a century earlier. But someone doesn't like her digging. A rash of threatening anonymous phone calls--and a heavy inkwell hurled through the shop window, barely missing Max's head--send a clear and deadly message. Back off... or else.
Can Max clear her assistant's name in time? Or will she—and Seaside Cottage Books—be the killer's next victim?
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2021
282 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Karen MacInerney
52 books1,144 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 64 reviews
March 21, 2021
Inked Out reads more like a draft meant for the editor than the final product intended for the reader. Extra words, missing words, and a great deal of redundancy made this book painful to read.
Book two in the Snug Harbor series sees Max Sayer, with assistant Bethany, hosting a new mystery writers’ group at Seaside Cottage Books. The group is barely off the ground when Reginald Blakely accuses Bethany of plagiarizing his novel involving the death of a housekeeper. When Reginald’s body is found in the bookstore, Bethany becomes the number one suspect.
What slowly evolves is that one of the founding families of Snug Harbor wants to keep their secret buried since there is a proposed land deal and millions of dollars on the line and no one knows what could happen if the truth is told. Especially a truth that could reveal a long-forgotten member of the family and an end to the cash infusion that the family desperately needs.
If it wasn’t for the fact that I have enjoyed the past books from this author, I would give up completely. Hopefully, this was only a slight glitch in her usually well-oiled machine and soon she will get back to the writing that I have enjoyed.
Book two in the Snug Harbor series sees Max Sayer, with assistant Bethany, hosting a new mystery writers’ group at Seaside Cottage Books. The group is barely off the ground when Reginald Blakely accuses Bethany of plagiarizing his novel involving the death of a housekeeper. When Reginald’s body is found in the bookstore, Bethany becomes the number one suspect.
What slowly evolves is that one of the founding families of Snug Harbor wants to keep their secret buried since there is a proposed land deal and millions of dollars on the line and no one knows what could happen if the truth is told. Especially a truth that could reveal a long-forgotten member of the family and an end to the cash infusion that the family desperately needs.
If it wasn’t for the fact that I have enjoyed the past books from this author, I would give up completely. Hopefully, this was only a slight glitch in her usually well-oiled machine and soon she will get back to the writing that I have enjoyed.
April 15, 2021
I love the characters, the setting and the mystery. But the editing was sloppy, particularly towards the end. That automatically loses stars for me. There were responses that clearly referred to a now removed conversation, pronouns that didn't match the speaker, and a number of other basic mistakes any copy editor should have caught. Hopefully, Book 3 in the series is better on this crucial issue!
April 20, 2021
Great series so far! I can't wait to see what comes next!
March 11, 2021
This was a fun read, I enjoy this series and it's possibilities. Max is a great character, honest and very likable, I like that she is making new friends, rekindling old friendships, working on her shop while looking out for her young assistant and her daughter who is having trouble with her parents divorce. Unfortunately murder has decided to insert itself into the picture and when her young assistant becomes the number one suspect Max is going to give the police some other suspects! My one complaint is that the book was on the short side and while we get answers about who and why there wasn't much closure. I was left hanging a little bit.
March 10, 2021
Maybe running a bookstore wasn't the best idea
Max(ine) Sayers returns in the second Snug Harbor mystery and once again -- twice in the month since she opened her bookstore -- she finds herself embroiled in mystery. If possible, I enjoyed INKED OUT more than the first book. The addition of an unsolved murder from nearly 100 years ago, a writers' group for aspiring mystery authors, and the drama with Max's daughter make for a great read.
Max(ine) Sayers returns in the second Snug Harbor mystery and once again -- twice in the month since she opened her bookstore -- she finds herself embroiled in mystery. If possible, I enjoyed INKED OUT more than the first book. The addition of an unsolved murder from nearly 100 years ago, a writers' group for aspiring mystery authors, and the drama with Max's daughter make for a great read.
September 9, 2025
There were some typos in the book(mine being a library book, someone took the time to correct the errors) but overall pretty enjoyable.
April 26, 2021
#2 in series
An interesting mystery... Its nice to be back on the Coast of Maine with friends .
Looking forward to Book 3
An interesting mystery... Its nice to be back on the Coast of Maine with friends .
Looking forward to Book 3
April 24, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. Max Sayer is a great character, I am enjoying reading out her starting her life over. The mystery was interesting and I was completely surprised by who the murder was. I enjoyed how Max handled the situation with her daughter. I am looking forward to the next installment of the series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
March 8, 2021
Inked Out is the 2nd book of the Snug Harbor Mysteries by Karen MacInerney.
I had really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this one. For the most part, I did enjoy "Inked Out". The plot (and subplots) were interesting. The characters and their relationships were believable. The dialogue is well done. However, there were a number of small inconsistencies/errors that should have been caught in editing. I realize that the various steps in converting the text for ebook formats can sometimes result in errors, but I noted more than 20 spots where there was either a grammatical error, a missed word or timing error in the storyline. I also noticed that in 2 of the 4 recipes, the instructions start with preheating the oven, yet further down it states the dough must be chilled. All combined these were just annoying enough to distract me from thoroughly enjoying the story. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it but seeing all the little slip ups was enough to knock a star off for me. JMO
I had really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this one. For the most part, I did enjoy "Inked Out". The plot (and subplots) were interesting. The characters and their relationships were believable. The dialogue is well done. However, there were a number of small inconsistencies/errors that should have been caught in editing. I realize that the various steps in converting the text for ebook formats can sometimes result in errors, but I noted more than 20 spots where there was either a grammatical error, a missed word or timing error in the storyline. I also noticed that in 2 of the 4 recipes, the instructions start with preheating the oven, yet further down it states the dough must be chilled. All combined these were just annoying enough to distract me from thoroughly enjoying the story. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it but seeing all the little slip ups was enough to knock a star off for me. JMO
June 12, 2021
Below this author 's usual standard
I have read many of Karen MacInerny's books and enjoyed them. However, this one is in desperate need of an editor. It is full of misplaced words and typing errors which made it too annoying to maintain focus on the story. Someone, somewhere along the line needs to pay more careful attention. Computer correction programs are definitely insufficient. Too bad!
I have read many of Karen MacInerny's books and enjoyed them. However, this one is in desperate need of an editor. It is full of misplaced words and typing errors which made it too annoying to maintain focus on the story. Someone, somewhere along the line needs to pay more careful attention. Computer correction programs are definitely insufficient. Too bad!
March 25, 2021
I love the Gray Whale Inn Series. While this second installment to Snug Harbor was okay, it is sloppily written/edited. There was a time when one paragraph referred to the next day, a following graph made it sound like the previous day. Not to mention so many typos. They take away from the enjoyment of the book.
September 17, 2023
I have really enjoyed the books from this author’s Gray Whale Inn and Dewberry Farm series, so I had high hopes for this series as well. Fortunately, I have not been disappointed.
I like Max, the MC, and her friends, but she needs to stop making excuses for her college-aged daughter’s feelings and life choices and make the girl grow up, face facts and take responsibility for her own life. There’s very little that irks me more than parents who coddle their adult children and let the kids influence the parents’ decisions. Max makes good business decisions, and she doesn’t knowingly put herself into dangerous situations, something that is happening more and more often in cozy mysteries lately... finally!
The murder victim here was an arrogant, stuffy long-time resident of the town, disliked by nearly everyone who knew him, so there were plenty of suspects on my list at first. As the story progressed and clues were uncovered, the list grew shorter, but I didn’t figure it out until shortly before it was revealed in the book. The motive wasn’t what I expected, but it made sense.
There is only one more book in this series, only available to me in Kindle format, so I'll keep an eye out for a deal on the price so I can finish the series.
I like Max, the MC, and her friends, but she needs to stop making excuses for her college-aged daughter’s feelings and life choices and make the girl grow up, face facts and take responsibility for her own life. There’s very little that irks me more than parents who coddle their adult children and let the kids influence the parents’ decisions. Max makes good business decisions, and she doesn’t knowingly put herself into dangerous situations, something that is happening more and more often in cozy mysteries lately... finally!
The murder victim here was an arrogant, stuffy long-time resident of the town, disliked by nearly everyone who knew him, so there were plenty of suspects on my list at first. As the story progressed and clues were uncovered, the list grew shorter, but I didn’t figure it out until shortly before it was revealed in the book. The motive wasn’t what I expected, but it made sense.
There is only one more book in this series, only available to me in Kindle format, so I'll keep an eye out for a deal on the price so I can finish the series.
October 16, 2021
MacInerney’s Snug Harbor mysteries are off to a great start with A Killer Ending and Inked Out. My only objection is that each book ends with a teaser for the next book, which isn’t out yet!
College student, Bethany asks her employer, bookstore owner Max Sayers if they can host a mystery writers’ group, but things turn nasty when pompous, formerly wealthy, high society Reginald Blakely accuses Bethany of plagiarizing his work as they are both writing on the town’s unsolved hundred year old murder of a servant at the Halsten mansion/cottage, though from totally different points of view. Bethany is the primary suspect when Reginald turns up murdered after a late night break in at the bookshop. Other writers notice a similarity between his initial chapters and the writing of the Tatler who suggests nasty things about the towns residents, particularly the wealthiest of them. Could there be a link? Is blackmail involved and what secrets don’t the town scion’s want disclosed?
Thankfully Max has the support of many including attorney Nicholas, whom she’d had a major crush on when they were teens. They are now adults discovering there is still an attraction.
College student, Bethany asks her employer, bookstore owner Max Sayers if they can host a mystery writers’ group, but things turn nasty when pompous, formerly wealthy, high society Reginald Blakely accuses Bethany of plagiarizing his work as they are both writing on the town’s unsolved hundred year old murder of a servant at the Halsten mansion/cottage, though from totally different points of view. Bethany is the primary suspect when Reginald turns up murdered after a late night break in at the bookshop. Other writers notice a similarity between his initial chapters and the writing of the Tatler who suggests nasty things about the towns residents, particularly the wealthiest of them. Could there be a link? Is blackmail involved and what secrets don’t the town scion’s want disclosed?
Thankfully Max has the support of many including attorney Nicholas, whom she’d had a major crush on when they were teens. They are now adults discovering there is still an attraction.
October 2, 2023
I didn't read the first book in this series but I hope to rectify it- and read book #3 also. I loved the setting (Maine), the characters, the book shop, and the mystery itself. Ad I loved this author's other series.
When Max Sayers hosts a writer's group in her book shop she doesn't expect the writers to argue over a plot about a real 1936 local murder- nor does she expect to find a murdered body in her shop after hours. Worse, Max's young assistant, Bethany, is the prime suspect. Max noses around just a little but it's enough to get her involved in danger as someone thinks she's getting too close. A side mystery involves the finding of a hidden Bible in the basement of her store that has passages leading to the breaking of a code that was apparently found in book #1. And the assistance of an old romantic interest from her childhood visits to Snug Harbor.
My only complaint was that the part that interested me a lot, the 1936 murder, was glossed over and how did Max come to the answer? Was I sleeping and missed the clues? But it was very cool!
When Max Sayers hosts a writer's group in her book shop she doesn't expect the writers to argue over a plot about a real 1936 local murder- nor does she expect to find a murdered body in her shop after hours. Worse, Max's young assistant, Bethany, is the prime suspect. Max noses around just a little but it's enough to get her involved in danger as someone thinks she's getting too close. A side mystery involves the finding of a hidden Bible in the basement of her store that has passages leading to the breaking of a code that was apparently found in book #1. And the assistance of an old romantic interest from her childhood visits to Snug Harbor.
My only complaint was that the part that interested me a lot, the 1936 murder, was glossed over and how did Max come to the answer? Was I sleeping and missed the clues? But it was very cool!
April 23, 2023
I like mysteries of all types and I am a fan of Karen MacInerney. The story is good, the setting is nifty and I really ike the characters. I liked the first book in the series.
Thankfully I am a fan of Karen MacInerney and I kept reading this book. I might have stopped if it was a new-to-me author. The editing was...shall we say...a bit off. I'll leave it at that. I've never seen one of this author's books so off on editing. I'm hoping it was a fluke, in fact I'm sure it was.
I like when the reason for the main character to get involved in the investigation feels real and it is here. Only one of the characters irritated me, maybe two characters. It happens sometimes. Mostly it's because I'd like to think I wouldn't act or react the way that character did.
I can recommend this book if you can overlook or skim past the editing issues. I know I can recommend this series and definitely this author.
Thankfully I am a fan of Karen MacInerney and I kept reading this book. I might have stopped if it was a new-to-me author. The editing was...shall we say...a bit off. I'll leave it at that. I've never seen one of this author's books so off on editing. I'm hoping it was a fluke, in fact I'm sure it was.
I like when the reason for the main character to get involved in the investigation feels real and it is here. Only one of the characters irritated me, maybe two characters. It happens sometimes. Mostly it's because I'd like to think I wouldn't act or react the way that character did.
I can recommend this book if you can overlook or skim past the editing issues. I know I can recommend this series and definitely this author.
March 20, 2021
The second book in the Snug Harbor cozy mystery series is even better than the first. It centers on Bethany, the assistant in Max's book store, her mystery writer's group, and a murder that needs a solution before Bethany ends up on trial. Plus one of her daughters shows up to stay with her and adds a new dimension to Max's new life and possible romance.
I really enjoy reading the books by this author. She has five series and her characters are all fully developed and completely different from each other. The only thing they have in common is they are strong women, live in cool places, and surround themselves with interesting people.
Totally enjoyable book and series which I recommend to cozy mystery readers. It is fun as a reader to discover a new location and a whole new set of people along with the main character.
I really enjoy reading the books by this author. She has five series and her characters are all fully developed and completely different from each other. The only thing they have in common is they are strong women, live in cool places, and surround themselves with interesting people.
Totally enjoyable book and series which I recommend to cozy mystery readers. It is fun as a reader to discover a new location and a whole new set of people along with the main character.
June 6, 2022
When Max Sayers, owner of Seaside Cottage Books, agrees to host a new mystery writers' group, she envisions literary conversations, fresh-baked cookies, and a community to support her assistant Bethany's mystery writing dream. But during the group’s inaugural meeting local author Reginald Blakely accuses young Bethany of plagiarizing his novel. The next morning, Reginald turns up dead in the bookstore. When the police start investigating Bethany, Max investigates to find the truth.
This was a fantastic cozy mystery filled with books, murder and cookies, and there are recipes in the back of the book. The plot was very intriguing and full of suspense. I was trying to figure out the identity of the culprit, but I couldn’t. The solution at the end of the book was a surprise. I can’t wait until the next installment.
This was a fantastic cozy mystery filled with books, murder and cookies, and there are recipes in the back of the book. The plot was very intriguing and full of suspense. I was trying to figure out the identity of the culprit, but I couldn’t. The solution at the end of the book was a surprise. I can’t wait until the next installment.
March 9, 2021
Max Sayers quickly becomes engrossed in a murder investigation when her assistant Bethany is a suspect in the death of a member of the mystery writers group that has started meeting at Seaside Cottage Books. Bethany and the deceased had an argument when he threatened to sue her and accused her of plagiarizing his novel.
I really enjoyed the plot in this book and the addition of a writers group. It creates a caring community that I want to know more about. Karen MacInerney has a knack for creating unique believable characters that pull you into the story and make it hard to put down until you know who the true killer is and that all of those people you have come to know throughout the story are safe.
I really enjoyed the plot in this book and the addition of a writers group. It creates a caring community that I want to know more about. Karen MacInerney has a knack for creating unique believable characters that pull you into the story and make it hard to put down until you know who the true killer is and that all of those people you have come to know throughout the story are safe.
March 15, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. It is the second entry in the Snug Harbor Mysteries, and yet another body has turned up in Max Sayers new bookshop. This time it is the rude and annoying Reginald Blakley, a man from one of the town's oldest (but no longer richest) families, who acts as if everyone should bow down to him. Unfortunately, several people heard him arguing the night before with Max's assistant, Bethany. This places her at the top of the police's short list. Max takes it upon herself to help clear Bethany's name. Along the way, there is family drama, a hidden treasure and some dark secrets involving an old (1930's) murder. I will say that besides enjoying this book, I didn't really see the murder coming, nor the reason for it. The only downside I have is that now I have to wait while Ms. MacInerney writes the next book in this great series!!
April 4, 2021
The sea town I wish I could visit.
It's always a pleasure to be back in one of Karen MacInerney's books, and this second instalment of the Snug Harbor series gives more depth to many of the characters, defining for me, which are the "friends" that I cannot wait to meet again in the next book. I personally long for Snug Harbor, with the descriptions overlapping distant memories of sea towns on the coast of Italy that I used to visit with my family, quite a while ago. It's a pleasure to dive into the story and the setting and I can't wait to discover what's next for Max and her bookstore.
It's always a pleasure to be back in one of Karen MacInerney's books, and this second instalment of the Snug Harbor series gives more depth to many of the characters, defining for me, which are the "friends" that I cannot wait to meet again in the next book. I personally long for Snug Harbor, with the descriptions overlapping distant memories of sea towns on the coast of Italy that I used to visit with my family, quite a while ago. It's a pleasure to dive into the story and the setting and I can't wait to discover what's next for Max and her bookstore.
January 27, 2023
Inked out is the second book in the ( snug harbor mystery series!) Max Sayers is finding her feet
And settling in, running her bookstore looking after her gorgeous dog, when a murder was committed in her store. Her assistant ( who had a run in with the victim) is a suspect, so Max looks into it. Max also has
Her wayward daughter who shows up unexpectedly( and is not happy about her Mother dating her
Teenage crush!) to contend with. I did guess the culprit. I enjoyed the book - but not as much as the first. But I will
Read the third book though. It’s an enjoyable series.
And settling in, running her bookstore looking after her gorgeous dog, when a murder was committed in her store. Her assistant ( who had a run in with the victim) is a suspect, so Max looks into it. Max also has
Her wayward daughter who shows up unexpectedly( and is not happy about her Mother dating her
Teenage crush!) to contend with. I did guess the culprit. I enjoyed the book - but not as much as the first. But I will
Read the third book though. It’s an enjoyable series.
September 10, 2021
This is tough to rate because the story was great - I love this series, and this author - but the editing was BAD! Just weird mistakes that shouldn’t have been there, that a good editing would’ve sussed out and fixed. Hopefully this was an anomaly and the next one will be back up to par. Like I said, love this series and the author, so I’ll definitely keep going. But would’ve been 4 stars otherwise.
December 31, 2021
Max Sayers agreed to host Snug Harbor, Maine's new mystery writers' group. She is imagining filling her book store with literary conversations, fresh baked cookies, a support for Bethany's dream of writing mysteries. The first meeting had just begun when Reginald Blakely accuses Bethany of plagiarizing his novel.
Of course the next morning he was found dead in the bookstore with a letter opener in his chest.
Max's beloved assistant rockets to the top of the suspect list.
Of course the next morning he was found dead in the bookstore with a letter opener in his chest.
Max's beloved assistant rockets to the top of the suspect list.
September 14, 2022
The editing on this author's books is atrocious. I have read the entire Grey Whale Inn series, the entire Dewberry Farm series and now am starting Snug Harbor. I enjoy the characters and the stories, which is why I keep coming back. The editing is poor across all the series and seems to be getting worse. This book was too much, and I almost stopped part of the way through. An entire chapter seemed to be out of place. Get a different editor because this one clearly isn't doing their job!
June 29, 2025
I have to say I was surprised how high this book was rated. I did like the plot of the book but I just am having a issue with the characters, especially the main character. All I could think during this book was..Max definitely runs her mouth! She loved to tell everybody and anybody about what happened. I am glad they are short reads as now that I have started the series I want to finish it. Cuz the plots are saving the characters being so superficial.
April 26, 2021
I enjoyed the story and personally like Maine very much, so love the setting. The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is the number of typos (at least in my Kindle version). Several times my reading flow got interrupted when I had to clarify exactly what was meant when things didn’t quite line up because of a typo.
May 26, 2021
Good story but too many word errors
I liked the story and for a cozy mystery, it filled the bill, so to speak. But it is distracting for a book to have so many missing words or misused pronouns (such as referring to a she as he). I normally notice a few grammatical errors in a book but this one had missing words. Please get a better proof reader.
I liked the story and for a cozy mystery, it filled the bill, so to speak. But it is distracting for a book to have so many missing words or misused pronouns (such as referring to a she as he). I normally notice a few grammatical errors in a book but this one had missing words. Please get a better proof reader.
June 18, 2021
Good story but some editing issues
I liked the plot very much enjoying this second addition to the Snug Harbor mysteries. But the book needed better editing. Grammar issues abound as well as repetitive sections. Please have someone do a good read through before publishing so as not to distract from an otherwise good read.
I liked the plot very much enjoying this second addition to the Snug Harbor mysteries. But the book needed better editing. Grammar issues abound as well as repetitive sections. Please have someone do a good read through before publishing so as not to distract from an otherwise good read.
June 29, 2021
I just couldn't put this book down.....the daughter was nuts and spoiled and I felt sorry for Max in dealing with her daughter but glad to know that something might happen with her and Nicholas.
The husband has moved on and so she should too.....but I couldn't put this down because I had
to know who the killer was since we had no clues This is a fast read and enjoyable.
The husband has moved on and so she should too.....but I couldn't put this down because I had
to know who the killer was since we had no clues This is a fast read and enjoyable.
May 11, 2022
I really enjoy Karen MacInerney’s books, but this book needs some tightening up. Things like in one chapter she agrees to meet her date at the restaurant, but in the next chapter he’s picking her up and she has no idea which restaurant they’re going to. There are a few such instances in this book, plus a few words missing in the Kindle version.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews