Kelly soon becomes familiar with the staff and regular guests, including Grendel, a full time lodger; Nick McClure, a carpenter and handyman who performs maintenance on the property; Paula, a frequent guest who often brings her two young sons, and Eli Larson, an entrepreneur and business mogul who has been a frequent visitor to the Magic Mermaid since childhood. Although she feels an initial connection with Nick, it is the charismatic Eli who pursues Kelly, at the peril of his engagement to a beautiful socialite.

As Kelly explores a relationship with Eli, while conflicted over her feelings for Nick, she begins to look into the disappearance of a young woman who was staying at the hotel three years ago - a disappearance no one seems to want to talk about. When a series of strange and unsettling events occur at the inn - a rock thrown through a window, an intruder in her cottage, a delivery of dead roses - Kelly begins to believe she is the target. But who is behind the attacks... and why?

The Inn at Half Moon Bay is more atmospheric than action-packed, giving readers a feeling of "being there." With an interesting array of supporting characters, the story flows well with an ending that is satisfying while tying up all loose ends. I look forward to more from author Diane Tyrrel.