Yes, it does end up with the killer trying to kill our heroine, but she had worked out who it was before they tried to kill her. After the previous cozy being more of a hard-boiled (soft-boiled?) story, this is definitely in the style of the traditional mystery. This was nominated for an Agatha award – aimed at modern attempts at the “traditional” mystery.

As she tries to stay one step ahead of both the law and the killer, can she find the murderer and stay alive in the process?Īnd, more importantly, is it worth your time? Natalie is somewhat concerned, but more so when the local policeman decides that she must be the prime suspect. Directly after an island meeting, where Katz’s plans are approved, he is found dangling off the side of a cliff with his head bashed in.

Things seem to be going well until Bernard Katz, an unscrupulous developer with plans for the island – which don’t include the Inn – turns up. This is a Kindle freebie at the time of writing, and involves Natalie Barnes, who has purchased the Gray Whale Inn, a bed and breakfast on Cranberry Island in Maine. (The cat rule is optional, by the way, but it does seal the deal.)

Specialised hobby for the sleuth? Aspiring hotelier.

Lack of blood and gore? A couple of deaths, both being bashed over the head.

I plan on hunting down all the rest of the books so that I can continue following what’s happening to all these wonderfully developed characters.Īt the back of the book are the recipes discussed within the book’s pages.After Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, it’s on to the second cozy mystery in a row. There was family drama, a bit of romance and lots of suspense and mystery–a perfect cozy mystery read.

The plot twisted and turned and I didn’t figure out whodunit until right at the end when the final details were exposed to the reader. The setting was beautiful and I imagined myself right there with the MC smelling the sea breeze, hearing the gulls… Perfectly created to compliment the plot. So not only was she relatable, she was very realistic.

She was hard on herself, just like I am at times. Her driving nature reminded me of myself. I enjoyed her faults and how she handled herself. I enjoyed the MC and her quirky nature and bizarre ability to get herself in trouble. This is the first book of the Gray Whale Inn series and is also the debut novel for this author. I found this book at a local thrift shop and will now give it my honest review. Natalie Barnes buys the Gray Whale Inn, a bed and breakfast in Maine, and publicly opposes Bernard Katz’s proposed resort development, which threatens a colony of black-chinned terns, and when Katz is found dead, Natalie must find the true killer in order to clear her own name.

Murder on the rocks by karen macinerney