DEATH RUNS ADRIFT is Book six in Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale Inn series. Even though it is part of a series, I feel that DEATH RUNS ADRIFT can still be enjoyed without having read previous books in the series. The author brings the reader up to speed on relationships and recurring characters. The main character, innkeeper Natalie Barnes, is likable and makes for a sympathetic amateur sleuth. There are two main mysteries in DEATH RUNS ADRIFT -- the murder that takes place in present day Cranberry Island, Maine and a suspicious death of a local priest that took place decades ago during the prohibition era. Both mysteries are enjoyable and kept my interest. I also liked the way the author addressed the issue of drug legalization in a relevant way.

Natalie involves herself in the murder investigation of Derek Morton because the main suspects are part of her close inner circle and are like family. She takes a lot of risks throughout the course of her investigation and there a number of scenes fraught with suspense. The murder mystery takes place in what seems on the surface like a quiet, friendly little island community, but is also home to the sinister Smuggler's Cove and some criminal activity. I think Karen MacInerney did a good job of making things exciting without losing everything that makes this series work as a cozy mystery series.

In addition to the interesting dual mysteries, DEATH RUNS ADRIFT is full of great characters that seem very real and genuine. Natalie's fiancé John is very caring and doesn't constantly lambast her, even when her actions sometimes put him in a difficult position as a town deputy. Even the characters that have done wrong in the story are written as being very complex and difficult to not find at least some sympathy for. There are no stock characters in this story.

DEATH RUNS ADRIFT is a cozy mystery with some exciting thrills thrown in. I look forward to reading more books in this charming mystery series.