The Lies that Bind

Snug Harbor Mysteries #3

by Karen MacInerney

A Seaside Cottage Books Cozy Mystery
Books, beach roses... and bodies.

Bookstore owner Max Sayers of Seaside Cottage Books is starting to settle into Snug Harbor, Maine when a local playboy plunges to his death... and Max's best friend Denise is on the hotseat for murder. Denise is an obvious prime suspect—the dead man just nabbed the coffee house she'd been planning to buy for years right out from under her—and Max seems to be the only one in Snug Harbor who believes her friend isn't Maine's answer to Lizzie Borden.

To top things off, business at Seaside Cottage Books is not exactly putting the store at the top of the Snug Harbor bestseller list. Add in a challenging ex-husband, a mother who's fangirl crushing on her ex's new girlfriend, and a daughter who's boycotting the bookseller's own budding romance, and Max finds herself wishing she were buried in a book instead of a real-life murder mystery. Then Max stumbles across a second body... and realizes if she doesn't think fast, this new chapter of her life may come to a very sudden end.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2022

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Max’s best friend Denise finds herself a prime suspect in a murder, she has to help find out who the real killer is. This is an entertaining cozy mystery. I can relate to Max in a lot of ways. I’m divorced, my daughter has taken time off from college and lives with me, and I have a soft spot for my dog. Also I’d love to own a book store. Because off the similarities to my life, I feel a kinship to Max and feel like there are others like me. The mystery is well plotted. It moves at a great pace and keeps you guessing. I did suspect the killer at one time but there were a few surprises a long the way that I didn’t see coming.

I recommend this book and the rest of the series to cozy mystery fans.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is really growing on me. As soon as Karen announces a new book I put an alert on Amazon to send me a notice when it is available for preorder. I no sooner finish one of her books and am itching for another. If you are looking for an easy, fun read, this is one for you. No need to read the other books in the series first but I promise you will want to after. These characters are interesting, likeable and well rounded, even if I can’t stand Ted. Max is a newly divorced small town book store proprietor. Some how she finds herself in the middle of yet another murder mystery. If only she could figure out how to motivate her daughter as well as she solves murders. Exciting finish!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend “The Lies that Bind”. Karen tells great stories about interesting people in cozy settings. The author’s descriptive style make it feel as though I have spent a few days in Snug Harbor, Maine. I love libraries and bookstores so I enjoyed visiting Sea Cottage books and getting to know Max. The suggestion of authors and their books was intriguing. The mystery kept me guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series but in the mean time I can read the first two books in this series.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!! I loved being back in Snug Harbor, and visiting with Max and company again!
This time, Max's good friend Denise is accused of murdering the guy who wanted to buy the same coffee shop Denise was planning to buy. Max knows Denise wouldn't do that, and anyway, there's something funny about both the guy and his son, who wants to run the coffee shop. There are clues and red herrings galore, and by the time Max figures it out, it may just be too late!

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Lies That Bind" is the 3rd book in the Snug Harbor series by Karen MacInerney.

"Bookstore owner Max Sayers of Seaside Cottage Books is starting to settle into Snug Harbor, Maine when a local playboy plunges to his death... and Max's best friend Denise is on the hotseat for murder. Denise is an obvious prime suspect—the dead man just nabbed the coffee house she'd been planning to buy for years right out from under her—and Max seems to be the only one in Snug Harbor who believes her friend isn't Maine's answer to Lizzie Borden.
To top things off, business at Seaside Cottage Books is not exactly putting the store at the top of the Snug Harbor bestseller list. Add in a challenging ex-husband, a mother who's fangirl crushing on her ex's new girlfriend, and a daughter who's boycotting the bookseller's own budding romance, and Max finds herself wishing she were buried in a book instead of a real-life murder mystery. Then Max stumbles across a second body... and realizes if she doesn't think fast, this new chapter of her life may come to a very sudden end."

My thoughts:
Max really has her hands full in this one! Her bestie Denise is the prime suspect and many in town are quick to agree. Max's daughter isn't dealing well with her parents divorce and their new romantic relationships. The girl needs a serious reality check and attitude adjustment. Her ex and his girlfriend are tone deaf in seeing issues. Granted, the girlfriend can be a bit useful in interviewing a potential suspect but is otherwise a royal pain. Max's mother isn't much help either and creates more issues. Frankly, I'm amazed Max didn't disown the lot of them! Thankfully her boyfriend Nicholas is a keeper! He adores her, listens to her concerns and does all he can to help.

The murder was predictable but as to "who done it"? There were a few suspects. Even more potentials after Max learned more about the past he had tried to bury. I did however have a strong inkling as to who had done it - though things took some interesting twists as the big reveal and eventual take down happened. Didn't quite expect ALL that drama!!

The ongoing subplot from the first two books of the potential hidden treasure was continued as Max and Nicholas searched a few more locations they had found in the old journal and now using GPS to find the spots. An intriguing development comes up that will be sure to have readers wanting to know more when the next book is eventually written and released!

As always, a few yummy recipes are included that will have you heading to the kitchen to try! The setting of coastal Maine is beautifully described. Dialogue and relationships among the core characters felt realistic - even the frustrating ones with family!

Thanks for a good read Ms MacInerney! Already looking forward to the next book in this fun series!

[Rebecca (booksandbreggs) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters were annoying in this book. I enjoyed the first two but won't continue this series. Max was never at her financially fledgling bookstore. Denise was questionable with anger issues that weren't resolved. The parenting is not great, and the ending had a ridiculous amount of, "gee, I never thought of that!" with Max helping the bad guy figure out how to do bad guy stuff. 2/5 stars.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lies that Bind by Karen MacInerney is the third book in The Snug Harbor Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Max Sayers owns Seaside Cottage Books in Snug Harbor, Maine. Max’s shop is a little off the beaten path and she wonders how she can attract tourists to her shop (a free cookie with purchase does not seem to be working). Max’s friend, Denise is upset because the owner of the local coffee shop reneged on her promise to sell her shop to her. A visiting millionaire and his son offered the owner significantly more than Denise. When Mr. Moneybags ends up dead, Denise is the prime suspect. Max knows her friend would not harm a fly and sets out to prove it. Max likes to bake, spend time with her dog, read (of course), spend time with Denise, and treasure hunt with her beau. Max is dealing with her daughter who is currently not attending college. She is staying at her grandmothers since Max has a small one-bedroom abode. Max is hoping her daughter will figure out what she wants to do (very, very soon). Max must also deal with her visiting ex-husband and his new girlfriend (who are also staying with Max’s mother—awkward). Max is surprised that locals believe that Denise committed murder (Denise does have a problem with her temper). Max asks questions and searches for clues. I wish the whodunit had been at the forefront of the story. I feel it took a backseat to everything else especially treasure hunting. The mystery was straightforward with an obvious solution. The reveal was entertaining. I was puzzled at Max’s reluctance to deal with her daughter. If you are paying the person to work, they should be working (not sleeping and eating all your food). Max is worried about the bookstore’s finances, but she spends little time there. She is paying two employees, has no website for the store, and no social media presence. I can see why her shop is struggling. I wonder if Max wrote up a business plan before opening the bookstore. The Lies that Bind is an upbeat cozy mystery with a scrummy cookies, a disturbing daughter, a quest for treasure, a distraught Denise, Cape Cod cocktails, and an adorable dog.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid series, but it's got some things that are just...questionable:

- Max's shop -- she worries about how well it's doing but...she's never there. She's got zero social media presence, it's "off the beaten path", she doesn't advertise, she gives away cookies. But more than that, she pays for 2 employees.
- Her daughter. One of the 2 employees. Who is a young adult that dropped out of college because she's upset her parents divorced, but more than that, her parents are dating other people. I get it, but the character is petulant and annoying and does nothing but forbid Max to have the one super popular author that could come speak at the shop (the dad's girlfriend) and well, eat Max out of house and home (all while being just super rude to...everyone.) And that's all fine - I get it - we've all had that phase. But this is the second book where Max literally does NOTHING to address the situation. (Because worrying about it isn't addressing it)
- Denise, the best friend, has all kinds of shady things in her past that are mentioned but never come up again.

And then there's the damn treasure hunt. It's gone on for three books and I'd hope they'd wrap it up with this but no...another treasure hunt cliff hanger. The side story is fine but it's gone on way too long. It's really time to wrap it up. Give me a series about Max w/o the treasure hunting or give me a series about the treasure hunting, not both.

(I sound really cranky about this, I realize. I'm okay with that.)

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max is settling in as owner of the bookstore where she is trying to figure out how to increase business. Her daughter, Caroline, is tasked with increasing foot traffic through social media and publicity, but when her father and his girlfriend show up she falls back into depression and can't get motivated. Bethany, her sales associate/right arm is holding her after hours writers' group and looking to expand.

When her friend, Denise gets the bad news that the owner of the coffee shop had decided to sell the shop to an out-of-towner who offered twice what the shop is worth, she is furious. When the buyer's car is found at the bottom of a cliff with the brake line cut, Max sets out to solve the murder before Denise is arrested for the murder.

Karen MacInerney is one of my favorite cozy mystery writers. She writes several series and they all have true-to-life characters, great crimes to solve, wonderful locations, and good, strong endings with no loose ends.

#KarenMacInerney #TheLiesThatBind #SeasideCottageBooks #Vellum #GrayWhalePress #cookierecipes

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When in Snug Harbor . . .

. . . be sure to stop at Seaside Cottage Books. Owner Maxine "Max" Sayers has a wide variety of books on hand for purchase and will, if needed, place the store in the capable hands of Bethany, who works part-time, while Max digs for clues and solves mysteries.

Like author Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale Inn and Dewberry Farm series, the Snug Harbor Mysteries are a pleasant way to spend a couple hours with characters readers can't wait to spend time with again and again. This time Max has to help best friend Denise when it's rumored that Denise killed a man who was trying to end her dream of buying the Sea Beans Coffee Shop.

My only complaint is that it will seem like far too long between books when readers get the chance to read the next book (and continue the overarching subplot of looking for the rumrunner's treasure). I can hardly wait!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another author who has multiple series that I enjoy. They’re all set near the water in Maine, and they all have lead characters that are independent women with good support systems around them.

I love that Max is trying to make a go of a bookshop that is in a tourist town but off the beaten path. I don’t love that her college-aged daughter is being such a brat about her parents’ divorce. At her age, being obnoxiously rude, selfish and irresponsible is simply not acceptable and Max needs to put her foot down and insist that Caroline grow up!

The murder happened relatively early in the book, and not much was known about the victim. There were quite a few suspects to consider at first, but the list was eventually narrowed down to just a few names. I had the wrong person at the top of my list, but the actual killer’s motive was selfish, but it made sense.

There is one more book left in this series, which I hope will resolve some of the unfinished storylines.

[Bunny B. Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only one fault

Oh know you say, the fault is it ended. I am ready for more right now at 3am, but l will have to wait for the next book to come out. It really is a great book makes you not want to put it down. It just keeps moving right along, it isn't just the main mystery itself but also the constant background story and building on of the characters. Makes me want to drive down to the coast and shop in a certain bookstore, and chat with the owner. The author may live in Texas but she knows Maine and tells it well. Thanks Karen for another good story.
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[Vicki May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend The Lies that Bind, Book 3 in the Snug Harbor Mystery Series strongly enough. i love the characters. They are likable, well, most of them, with such complex backstories that even if there was no mystery to solve they would keep your attention and the pages turning. The mystery was full of twists until the end and enough laugh out loud moments that I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Any Karen MacInerney book is a great read but Snug Harbor may be my new favorite series.

[Wanda Shuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series by Karen MacInerney! Well I have to admit I like her writing and other series as well :).

Snug Harbor is full of action! In this installment Max needs to help a friend being accused of murder in the public's opinion. Leave it to Max to investigate and put her life on the line to find the real murderer. All while trying to keep her bookstore open and treasure hunt with her new partner/old friend.

Ending book 3 with a little bit of a cliffhanger...can't wait for my next visit to Snug Harbor!

[Jane Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lies that Bind is the third book in the Snug harbour mystery series.
Max moved to the small town in Maine and opened a bookstore.
In this offering, her best friend is suspected of murder and could lose
Her job. Max, along with her boyfriend Nicholas - and her gorgeous
Little dog Winston help to find the real culprit. Max has to deal with
Her ex-husband, his new girlfriend and her wayward daughter at the
Same time. I didn’t guess the killer, the mystery kept me wanting more.
I have enjoyed this series, I hope there’s a fourth book coming.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to go back to Seaside Cottage Books and spend some time with Max Sayers. It was nice to spend time with some friends and family catching up. Unfortunately her friend Denise was having a tough time, her potential business was going to be sold out from under her and when the the businessman who was going to do that was found dead she becomes a murder suspect. It was an interesting mystery but I did think the wrap up was a little quick. Hope to find more answers in another book.

[Kandi A. Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Story

I enjoyed the story as it had a lot of twists and turns. I had figured out the culprit, but the author made me question my decision, which made the book fun to read. The story ends with a mystery and thus leaving the reader with a desire for the next installment. I gave the book 4 vs. 5 stars for some language that usually is not in this author's work. That was a bit disappointing to me. Otherwise, a solid addition to the series.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this third addition to the Seaside Cottage Mystery series by Karen McInerny. I love this series! I really relate to Max, the main character. She is someone I would LOVE to be friends with! All of the characters are relatable and the story flows so well. Definitely pick this one up! I can’t wait for the next one!

[Kathleen Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series since it started. So far, this is my favorite book in this series. Max can’t help but get involved in solving the murder because her friend Denise is a suspect. She does this while dealing with personal strife with her ex-husband and her daughter all while running her bookstore and trying to be present in the new life she has created.

[Janet Krause · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes me want to live in Snug Harbor! But be careful what you say in anger. Denise becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Charles Carsten, the rich business man determined to buy the local coffee shop that had been promised to Denise. Max is determined to prove Denise’s innocence and manages to get herself in deep water with a surprising ally.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great series! It takes me to Snug Harbor where I smell the salty air, savor the aroma of beach roses and visit Seaside Cottage Bookshop.Oh, and there is always a mystery to solve.
The mystery was solid and had me guessing all the way through.
Happy to have heard there is a 4th in the series scheduled for 2023

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A not so snug harbor

Good story and an easy read. I have to admit that I wasn’t to sure that I would have believed my best friend didn’t do it with her background and my daughter would have gotten a good talking to she’s not a child. Other than those two characters that bothered me the others were good and it was a story with good twists and turns.

[Rena S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really short book in the series. Made for a very quick read. I liked how each book picks up right where the last one ended and the characters are all growing and developing. The mystery aspect of the book was good but I wouldn't say the main focus of the book. The treasure hunt is a little confusing as it adds nothing so far to the plot.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dead body and a man trying to purchase a business. Of course, Max has to find out what is really going on and save her friend from going to jail. Living in a small town also puts pressure on a person who the police has as a suspect. So will Max save the day.....read and find out!

[VICTORIA STEWART · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! I am really enjoying this series. Max is great and quite a joy to follow as she navigates this new chapter of her life. I really enjoyed this adventure and all the twists and turns. Kept my attention until the very end! I’m excited for the next book.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment in this series. Love the characters as well as the storyline.

[Val Kolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy Karen's books

I have read every book Karen has written and always enjoy them and look forward to the next one! She keeps it interesting.

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. I enjoyed the characters and am curious where they go from here and what mystery Max gets herself involved in.

[Hazel Friday · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was pretty good but was way to short, more li!e a short story

[Stephanie Hobrock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

What a great addition to this series! The plot turns and twists kept me up most of the night because I couldn’t stop reading!