Sealed Off (A Maine Clambake Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Publisher: Kensington (December 31, 2019)
Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1496717953
ISBN-13: 978-1496717955
Kindle ASIN: B07Q7X57MG
Early October is “winding down” time in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, but there’s nothing relaxing about it for Julia Snowden. Between busloads of weekend leaf peepers at the Snowden Family Clambake and a gut renovation of the old mansion on Morrow Island, she’s keeping it all together with a potentially volatile skeleton crew—until one of them turns up dead under the firewood.
When the Russian demo team clearing out the mansion discovers a room that’s been sealed off for decades, Julia’s baffled as to its purpose and what secrets it might have held. Tensions are already simmering with the crew, but when one of the workers is found murdered, things come to a boil. With the discovery of another body—and a mysterious diary with Cyrillic text in the hidden room—the pressure’s on Julia to dig up a real killer fast. But she’ll have to sort through a pile of suspects, including ex-spouses, a spurned lover, and a recently released prisoner, to fish out one clammed-up killer.
Dollycas Thoughts
We are back in Busman’s Harbor, Maine in the final days of the clambake season. Julia is so excited because when the clambakes end the demolition of the inside of the island mansion, Windsholme, can really get going. Hopes are to get as much done as possible before the weather shuts work down. The really cool thing is a Morrow relative that spent summers in the mansion has come to take a final look. Marguerite remembers her time there as a child and wanted to see the place one more time before the renovations. While not necessary for Marguerite to approve their plans Julia and her mother feel that it would nice to have her blessing. A surprising discovery is made right before Marguerite’s visit that sends the family on a quest to get answers. Another find may answer some of their questions.
With Snowden Family Clambake working with a skeleton crew to finish out the year there is clear there is some tension between two members of the team. The tension escalates to a fistfight that is broken up only to find one of them dead the next day under the woodpile of the island. Later Julia finds another body. Why is all this happening on her family’s island? Could the deaths be related to the discovery in the mansion or is there something else going on?
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I really loved this story. The historic part was fascinating and it comes with its own mystery. The family mansion has been vacant since 1929, so it was wonderful to hear an account of a family member from her little girl’s perspective. A discovery that has been Sealed Off
The current murders are a second mystery to solve. Julia has a vested interest because they took place on her family’s island and the prime suspect is not only her employee but the brother of her boyfriend Chris who has checkered past. It is a mystery full of red herrings. Julia found other suspects and works her way through the plethora of twists and turns. But by the end of the book, while the known mysteries are wrapped up, the author throws another one at readers leading to the next book.
Ms. Ross is a stellar storyteller. She has created characters that are easy to get invested in. The recurring characters continue to grow and the new characters get fleshed out quickly and have a true purpose to the story. Every time I open a book by Barbara Ross I know I am in for a real treat and that is just what Sealed Off
About The Author
Barbara Ross is the author of the Maine Clambake Mysteries, including the Agatha-nominated Best Contemporary Novel Clammed Up
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. 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.”
Thank you for your review on “Sealed Off” by Barbara Ross and for the chance to win a copy!
Great cover, wonderful author, and a story I can’t wait for the opportunity to read.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Thanks for letting us know that there is a new addition to this series – can’t wait to read this one.
Can’t wait to read it sounds interesting and fun to read.. Awesome series! Thank you for the chance the cover is amazing.
Sounds like a fun book!
Thanks! Excited!