Books, beach roses… and bodies. Bookseller and recent divorcée Max Sayers has risked her life savings to start a fresh chapter with the purchase of Seaside Cottage Books in cozy Snug Harbor, Maine. But she’s barely opened the shop’s doors when her new storybook life takes a dark turn. The morning after the grand opening–featuring a famous author who shows up at the store on the arm of Max’s … on the arm of Max’s ex-husband–Max’s rescue dog Winston finds a dead man on the beach behind the shop. The murder weapon? One of Max’s antique bookends. Will Max solve the case before the murderer strikes again?
Or will her bright new beginning turn into a killer of an ending?
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Great cozy! I’m a big fan of the author’s other series (both Gray Whale Inn and Dewberry Farm), and this first book in the new Snug Harbor series did not disappoint!
A wonderful beginning to this series, with a great character starting over in a phase of her life. Unfortunately there are a few things that go wrong, including a murder and an ex-husband that pops up unexpectedly. I loved it all.
A very good new series from Karen MacInerney. This new series revolves around the life of recently divorced Maxine (Max) Sayers and the bookshop she purchased in Snug Harbor, Maine. Seaside Cottage Books was Max’s favorite place to hang out as a child when she stayed in Snug Harbor and she was thrilled to take over ownership but saddened that it was due to health issues of the longtime owner. Of course life isn’t all seaglass and sunshine for Max in her new home … murder is afoot and, of course, she’s a suspect! Read this wonderful book full of likeable, and not so likeable, characters and plot twists and turns to find out whodunit. I’ll definitely be looking forward to making my way up the coast to visit with Max after my visits with all those at the Gray Whale Inn on Cranberry Island.
This is the first book in a new series taking place in Maine. If you like Cozy Mysteries, you’ll love this one. It’s got books ( very important ), food, and dogs; oh, and at least two antagonists that really get on your nerves.
What a great cozy read! You will enjoy getting to know Max and her wonderful group of friends and neighbors in Snug Harbor. The story is definitely a who-dunnit and will keep you guessing!
Karen is a talented writer and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her next book.
I highly recommend this book and hope everyone enjoys Snug Harbor as much as I did. I really can’t wait to go back!
This is, without a doubt, going to be one of my favorite cozy mystery series and it’s written by one of my favorite mystery writers.
When Max and her husband divorce she decides to buy the bookstore in Snug Harbor, Maine, that she used to visit when she spent summers in Snug Harbor. The bookstore is a charmingly converted cottage with a small apartment upstairs and a young budding author as an employee.
The store opening is not without wrinkles. First the author who is doing a reading brings her boyfriend, who just happens to be Max’s ex-husband, second her arch nemesis tells her she doesn’t actually own the store, third a council member tries to blackmail her, and fourth the first boy she liked shows up. Then to cap off the evening she finds a dead body the next morning.
Twists and turns and lots of misunderstandings and Max is able to solve the murder and find her way in the community. It’s going to be a great series.
Max Sayers is starting a new life for herself. Recently divorced, Max decides to buy a bookstore and move to Snug Harbo,r Maine. She has put her life savings into the bookstore and hopes to make her dreams come true. But things don’t go that smoothly for Max. She’s barely opened her shop when things take a dark turn. At the grand opening, her ex-husband shows up on the arm of the featured author for the day’s event. Then Max’s dog finds a dead body on the beach behind the shop. The body of a man who was seen giving Max some bad news for her and her shop. Max has to get involved in the investigation to clear her name and to save her business.
This is a great beginning to a new cozy series. The characters are realistic and likable. Max’s character is relatable, I feel as though I have met a new friend. I love the description of the bookstore and town of Snug Harbor. The mystery is well-developed and moves at a steady pace. There is no shortage of suspects and plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged in the story and guessing whodunit. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to see where Max’s new life takes her.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.
What a fantastic book 1st in new series. So enjoyed reading it can wait for next one. Pick up a copy you won’t be sorry.