Murder Most Maine

This is one of my favorite cozy murder mystery series'. As you may know, cozies, like other genre, are quite variable in quality. This one is well written, with well developed characters and a good mystery. And I love the setting of a bed & breakfast on a small island in Maine. That in addition to the mouth watering cooking the author weaves seamlessly into the story (recipes at the end) make me want to be there. I've read the first 2 in the series, and I will certainly read the rest.

First time i had read this author and found her book a nice change of pace. A good beach read.

I read the first two books in the series and was eagerly awaiting the third. After reading this book in about two days, I have to say I continue to be very pleased with the Gray Whale Inn books. I do admit that I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the others because one of my favorite aspects of the books have been the description of life on Cranberry Island. That part wasn't quite as strong in this book but it was still very enjoyable. The mystery aspect is good, the writing is good and I can't wait for the fourth book to be published. The book stood by itself and you wouldn't necessarily have to go back and read the first two in the series, but I think you would enjoy it more if you did. Anyone who likes cozy mysteries should definitely give this series a try. Happy reading ! Added on 6/17/09: I just saw on the author's website that there will be a fourth book in the series -- yea!

The Gray Whale Inn is hosting a weight loss retreat. Owner Natalie Barns is hoping that, if things go well, this might become an annual event. True, she has to cook three meals a day instead of just breakfast. Heck, with all the health food around, maybe she will loose a few pounds. But when the group arrives, things start to go south quickly. While all the women on Cranberry Island start lusting over trainer Dirk DeLeon, it's the female leader who has Natalie seeing green. Turns out that Vanessa visited the island for a couple summers and had some romantic flings with the men there, including Natalie's boyfriend John. While he insists they are just friends now, they sure do seem awfully chummy. The dieters have been on the island for less than a day when, out for a jog, they find a body. Rumors quickly start flying that John is a suspect. But he couldn't have done it, could he? And if not, who did? It's been too long since I got to visit Cranberry Island, but I quickly fell back into the setting and the series characters. They are as charming and friendly as ever. The new characters could have been a bit better developed, but with some diligent work, I was able to keep them all straight. The main plot and a sub-plot trade off the spot light and keep the pace moving pretty quickly. I did figure out the culprit in the second half of the story, but it was because of a lucky guess. Even so, I was entertained until the thrilling climax. As always, there are some recipes at the end. Most of them are lighter calorie in nature, although the one that sounds the best is not on the dieter's menu. Isn't that the way it always is? This book continues with the charm of the first two. I hope we get another visit to Cranberry Island soon.

I was delighted that my copy of Karen MacInerney's "Murder Most Maine" was delivered to my house the day before my annual excursion to coastal Maine for the long Columbus Day weekend! It was the perfect place to catch up on innkeeper Natalie Barnes and the folks on Cranberry Island. As with Ms. MacInerney's first two books in the Gray Whale Inn Mysteries, I was immediately drawn into the lives and surroundings of this wonderful series. Mysteries abound in the inn, and a much anticipated romance weathers the storm. The recipes included reflect the health-conscious story line, and I am anxious to sample them all! Congratulations to the author for another job well done! Can't wait to visit the Gray Whale Inn again!