Humpback whales, handsome tour guides, scrumptious recipes….And murder. When a tour company books the Gray Whale Inn for a full week, innkeeper Natalie Barnes can’t wait to get cooking — and to hitch a ride on the antique schooner Summer Breeze, getting up close and personal with the local whales. But when the schooner’s handsome captain winds up attached to the vessel’s anchor, sixty feet … the vessel’s anchor, sixty feet underwater, the tour takes a dark turn.
Before long, the tour naturalist (and Natalie’s friend Charlene’s beau) is behind bars, charged with a murder Charlene swears he didn’t commit. Stir in a surprise visit from Natalie’s quarrelsome sister, midnight kitchen sabotage, a sick orphan kitten, and a mysterious investor with nefarious plans, and Natalie’s got a recipe for disaster.
“I’m ready to book a room at the Gray Whale Inn.” — Susan Wittig Albert, NYT bestselling author
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Whale of a Crime is Karen MacInerney’s 7th installment in the Gray Whale Inn mystery series. I have enjoyed this light and fun mystery series that takes place on the little Maine community of Cranberry Island. Natalie Barnes, owner of the Gray Whale Inn Bed and Breakfast, is having a wonderful summer until the inn plays host to a nature tour. Captain Bainbridge of Northern Spirit Tours shows up dead off the anchor of his ship the Summer Breeze and Natalie launches her own investigation to help clear her friend who is fingered as the killer. As if that is not enough, Natalie’s headstrong sister shows up on the island and someone seems to be sabotaging the inn.
I generally don’t read many mysteries but I thoroughly enjoy Karen MacInerney’s cozy mystery series. There are bonus recipes at the end of the book of all the food mentioned in the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I have always enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. While I think Natalie should have caught on quicker about the inn sabotage, she does have a lot of her plate with this story. Full house, a kitten, 2 murders, potential competition to put her out of business, a visit from her nightmare sister and more.
Unlike other reviewers, I only saw one error, where I was used instead of the sister’s name. Possibly, I was so involved with the story I noticed nothing else.
A good who done it
You will like this easy to read book. The characters are loveable. You will want to take a book vacation to the Grey Whale Inn.
An enjoyable read.
Natalie is hosting a tour group at the Gray Whale Inn led by Captain Bainbridge. But there is tension in the leadership of this group, and one morning Bainbridge can’t be found. When his ship is made ready to sail, his body is found tied to the anchor. The police are quick to zero in on Alex, the naturalist. Only Natalie things Alex’s protestations of innocence are true. If they are, can Natalie find the killer?
It was absolutely wonderful to be back visiting Natalie and the rest of the regulars at the Gray Whale Inn. I absolutely love this cast of characters. The new characters were strong and helped keep me guessing on the mystery. There was a strong sub-plot involving Natalie’s niece Gwen that was prominent near the beginning, but as the book went along, the mystery became stronger, leading up to a perfect climax. Unfortunately, this book has quite a few editing errors that are annoying, but not enough to keep fans from the series from enjoying this return visit.
“Whale of a Crime” earns 5/5 Whale-watching Ventures…Delightful and Exciting!
Karen MacInerney has created a marvelous series with the Gray Whale Mysteries, and this seventh book will entertain long-time fans and capture the attention of newbies. She writes an engaging mystery with more than a few suspicious characters letting the reader ponder their own take on motive, opportunity, and means. The dialogue is realistic, not overdramatic, allowing readers to feel like they’re eavesdropping, and the exploration of the family dynamic between Natalie, her sister, and niece seems right out of anyone’s family playbook. Descriptions bring Cranberry Island to life creating the perfect destination. Then there are the recipes like John’s Beef Stroganoff and all of Natalie’s mouthwatering pastries…Blueberry Cobbler Muffins, Oatmeal Raspberry Crumble Bars, and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars are my favorites. Natalie may have been searching most of the story for her recipe binder, but Karen made sure we all had the best recipes for ourselves.