I’m always on the look out for a new mystery series to enjoy. A Gray Whale Inn cozy mystery series by Karen MacInerney perked my interest because of its setting. I’ve enjoyed other island or off-the-water mysteries, so I gave the first book in this series a try. Murder on the Rocks definitely met my expectations.

Natalie Barnes moves to a small island off the coast of Maine to begin a bed and breakfast. When one of her guests dies, she is suspected of the murder. Now she must find the real murderer before she loses everything. 

Karen MacInerney does an excellent job of making all of Natalie’s suspects look guilty. Between the variety of characters, each one has a unique reason for wanting the victim dead. The bumbling detective refuses to look past Natalie, however, no matter what information she tries to pass on to him.

The island is also filled with a fun collection of characters. From Natalie’s neighbor, the good-looking deputy, to her best friend who doubles as general store owner and queen of town gossip to her niece who is visiting from California and attempting to help at the Inn.

The Inn itself was built in a corner of the island away from the main dock. With a view of the ocean, Natalie hopes it will be a quiet place to start over. But between her guests’ activites and the islanders who see her as an outsider, she may not get the fresh start for which she’d been hoping.

Murder on the Rocks is a fun tale in a beautiful setting. It kept me guessing until the end. The first of many others in the series, I look forward to enjoying the next installment of the Gray Whale Inn cozy mystery series.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I borrowed this book from the library. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”