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.
With her own wedding fast approaching and her mother-in-law dating an unexpected beau, the last thing Natalie Barnes needs is to find a young man shot dead in a dinghy. A note she finds with the body suggests the dearly departed had a secret rendezvous planned with somebody on the island. But when suspicion is cast on a fisherman Natalie believes to be innocent, she begins to wonder if the murder was the result of a lover’s quarrel . . . or a lobsterman’s disagreement gone horribly wrong. Includes recipes!