Torn Asunder Released and a #Giveaway!

I’m thrilled to announce today’s release of Torn Asunder, the twelfth novel in my Maine Clambake Mystery series. I loved writing this book, which takes place entirely on Morrow Island, the island in Busman’s Harbor, Maine where my protagonist, Julia Snowden, runs the Snowden Family Clambake.

To celebrate, I’m giving away a signed copy of Torn Asunder to two lucky commenters below.

Here’s the Description

In Barbara Ross’ award-winning series featuring sleuth Julia Snowden and her family’s coastal Maine clambake business, Morrow Island is a perfect spot for a wedding—and a Snowden Family Clambake. Julia Snowden is busy organizing both—until a mysterious wedding crasher drops dead amid the festivities . . .

Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is about to marry her policeman boyfriend. Of course, a gorgeous white wedding dress shouldn’t be within fifty yards of a plate of buttery lobster—so that treat is reserved for the rehearsal dinner. Julia is a little worried about the timing, though, as she works around a predicted storm.

When a guest falls to the floor dead, it turns out that no one seems to know who he is, despite the fact that he’s been actively mingling and handing out business cards. And when an injection mark is spotted on his neck, it’s clear this wasn’t caused by a shellfish allergy. Now, as the weather deteriorates and a small group is stranded on the island with the body—and the killer—Julia starts interrogating staff, family members, and Zoey’s artist friends to find out who turned the clambake into a crime scene . . .

Appearances

I’ll be doing some appearances this spring-summer and love to meet readers! Each listing below provides links to sites where you can get more information.

Friday through Sunday, April 26-28, 2024 in Bethesda, MD, I will be at Malice Domestic. Registration required. I will be moderating the panel, “Cozies: All in the Family,” with Donna Andrews, Olivia Blacke, Maya Corrigan, and Maddie Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. in Ballroom A.Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Groveland, MA. I will be at the Kensington Cozy Con, sponsored jointly with Jabberwocky Bookshop and the Langley-Adams Library. I will be on the Wicked Authors Panel with Maddie Day, and Cate Conte from 1:00 to 1:45 pm, and will be available to chat and sign books all day. Pre-registration is suggested.Thursday, June 13, 2024, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Scarborough, ME. I will appear with Maine authors Dick Cass and Kate Flora in an interactive Making a Mystery panel at the Scarborough, Public Library.Friday through Saturday, June 14-15, 2024 in Portland, ME, I will be at at the Maine Crime Wave. Friday evening is free and open to the public. Saturday requires pre-registration. I will be teaching the workshop, Examining the Bones (that Hold your Story Together): The Structures of Mysteries and Thrillers, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. I will also introduce the keynote speaker, Juliet Grames, SVP and Editorial Director at Soho Press, and participate in the last panel of the day.Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in Southport, ME. I will be speaking at the Southport Memorial Library.

Additional talks and panels are in the works so be sure to check the Appearances page on my website.

The Giveaway

In my head all the time I wrote the Maine Clambake Mystery series, Julia was worried about a diner having a massive allergic reaction to shellfish. When I got to book twelve (and six additional novellas) and hadn’t used it yet, I knew the omission had to be remedied.

Readers: Do you or does anyone close to you have any serious allergies? Or food allergies–serious or merely inconvenient? Answer the question in the comments below or just say “hi” to be entered to win one of two signed copies of Torn Asunder. Winners will be notified on April 30. Sorry, US only due to mailing costs.