Cranberry Island, Maine, is the refreshing setting of a new innkeeper series by Karen MacInerney. Natalie Barnes has moved from Texas to Maine to recover from a broken heart, and to fall in love with the island beauty surrounding the Gray Whale Inn. Although she finds herself at the beck and call of her guests, Natalie is willing to work hard to make her inn a success.
But as you might expect in a light, cozy mystery, all does not go according to plan.
Right away, Natalie’s livelihood is threatened by Bernard Katz’ plan to develop a large resort next door to the Gray Whale Inn. The Shoreline Conservation Association also has reservations against the large amount of development that Katz plans to do. The resort plans are drawing even more criticism from the Save Our Terns bird protection group.
As might be expected, Bernard Katz is soon found on a cliff near the nesting terns. Found dead, that is. Found dead, by Natalie. Sergeant Grimes has quite an interest in Natalie, seeing as she found the body and had so much to lose if Katz developed his resort. In fact, Sergeant Grimes seems to be limiting his investigation and considering Natalie to be the number one suspect. While trying to remove herself from that position, Natalie interferes with the investigation a bit too much, snooping around in the dead man’s room and trying to figure out who else might be happier now that Katz is gone.
Although Natalie moved to Maine to recover from a broken heart, she has an obvious interest in neighbor John Quinton, sculptor and island deputy. This follows the usual pattern of “amateur sleuth hooks up romantically with a law enforcement professional”, but fortunately is not too contrived.
A colorful cast of characters rounds out the book. These include Gwen, Natalie’s college age niece, who helps Natalie at the Gray Whale Inn; Charlene, local store proprietor and Natalie’s friend; Claudette White, member of Save Our Terns and goat owner; and many others.
This book was simple and light, and while a bit predictable, still an enjoyable reading experience. I read this book in an eBook format, through the library’s Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. (Regional eBook & Audiobook Download System). These eBooks can be read on your computer or downloaded to a compatible device. If you need help downloading, pick up a how-to pamphlet at the reference desk. Audiobooks are also available. Check out this great resource at: http://reads.lib.overdrive.com .
(Or if you still prefer real books, we can borrow a copy from Elizabethton Public Library!)
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