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Maine Clambake Mystery #6
Stowed Away
It’s June in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and Julia Snowden and her family are working hard to get their authentic Maine clambake business ready for summer. Preparations must be put on hold, however, when a mysterious yacht drops anchor in the harbor—and delivers an unexpected dose of murder . . .
When Julia’s old prep school rival Wyatt Jayne invites her to dinner on board her billionaire fiancé’s decked-out yacht, Julia arrives to find a sumptuous table set for two—and the yachtsman dead in his chair. Suspicion quickly falls on Wyatt, and Julia’s quest to dredge up the truth leads her into the murky private world of a mega-rich recluse who may not have been all that he seemed . . .
When Julia’s old prep school rival Wyatt Jayne invites her to dinner on board her billionaire fiancé’s decked-out yacht, Julia arrives to find a sumptuous table set for two—and the yachtsman dead in his chair. Suspicion quickly falls on Wyatt, and Julia’s quest to dredge up the truth leads her into the murky private world of a mega-rich recluse who may not have been all that he seemed . . .
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 26, 2017
376 people are currently reading
1627 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ross
39 books1,140 followersBarbara Ross is the author of twelve Maine Clambake Mystery novellas and six novellas. Her books have been nominated for multiple Agatha Awards for Best Contemporary Novel and have won the Maine Literary Award for Crime Fiction. Barbara and her husband live in Portland, Maine. Readers can visit her website at Maine Clambake Mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
November 4, 2021
Stowed Away is the 6th book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries by Barbara Ross. I'm truly a big fan of this series not only because the books take place in Maine, where I'd like to live, but they have a fascinating set of characters who feel real to me. I'm continuing my quest to catch up on the series by the end of the summer, and since there are 3 more full-length novels and 3 shorter novellas still at large, it's anyone's guess if I'll make my own deadline. Either way, it's a win because I enjoy the series tremendously.
In this installment, Julia's high school associate (not a friend) shows up in Maine on a huge yacht thanks to a former boyfriend, Quinton. Quinton and Julia are friends, but she thought he was gay, so things are a little confusing to her. Add to that, the woman's going by a different name and she's secretly dating the yacht's owner, a recluse who basically took a lot of money away from people who needed it to live on. A recipe for disaster. When someone dies, Julia's forced to intervene, and she's not happy about it. All the while, she's got days left to set up the family's clambake for the summer and figure out what's going on with her boyfriend, Chris.
For most of the book, I was completely drawn in. It changed styles slightly, in terms of revealing info but not revealing info, and specifically in revisiting history we thought we understood but were wrong about. It kept my focus, yet at times, I thought we were veering off into strange territory, and in the end, we learned the criminal's identity, but we also opened up a whole new can of worms. So... I waffled back and forth between a 3 and a 4, ultimately going with a 4 because it really does make me smile when this series shows up in my reading queue. Now I just have to figure out what to do when they're all done; ah, don't worry, I've lined up another Maine-based series with 25 books -- I'm glutton for punishment, I see!
In this installment, Julia's high school associate (not a friend) shows up in Maine on a huge yacht thanks to a former boyfriend, Quinton. Quinton and Julia are friends, but she thought he was gay, so things are a little confusing to her. Add to that, the woman's going by a different name and she's secretly dating the yacht's owner, a recluse who basically took a lot of money away from people who needed it to live on. A recipe for disaster. When someone dies, Julia's forced to intervene, and she's not happy about it. All the while, she's got days left to set up the family's clambake for the summer and figure out what's going on with her boyfriend, Chris.
For most of the book, I was completely drawn in. It changed styles slightly, in terms of revealing info but not revealing info, and specifically in revisiting history we thought we understood but were wrong about. It kept my focus, yet at times, I thought we were veering off into strange territory, and in the end, we learned the criminal's identity, but we also opened up a whole new can of worms. So... I waffled back and forth between a 3 and a 4, ultimately going with a 4 because it really does make me smile when this series shows up in my reading queue. Now I just have to figure out what to do when they're all done; ah, don't worry, I've lined up another Maine-based series with 25 books -- I'm glutton for punishment, I see!
March 24, 2022
It’s summer again, and the Snowden family clambake business is gearing up to open once again for tourist season. Julia and her family are busier than ever. The 30-pound family cat Le Roi is being turned loose on the island, they’re trying to decide whether or not to restore the family mansion that burned down the previous summer with the money they got from selling a family heirloom, and when the architect on the project shows up with her billionaire boyfriend and his yacht in tow and he turns up dead a day later, it’s chaos Julia doesn’t need. I really like how each of these books feels very small, with familiar characters that recur from book to book, a cozy Maine setting, lots of food descriptions, and a focus on something Maine-based in each book, whether it’s the tourist trade, or lobster boating, or something. The mystery in this one went in directions I definitely wasn’t expecting!
December 1, 2017
Faithful readers of the Maine Clambake Mysteries are going to LOVE this sixth addition to the series! It’s June in Busman’s Harbor, Maine where the Snowden Family Clambake on Morrow Island is readying to open for summer season. Julia Snowden’s mother is deliberating on restoring the old family mansion, Windsholme. Architect Wyatt Jayne is arriving to look it over and estimate the costs to renovate. A yacht belonging to billionaire recluse, Geoffrey Bower has anchored in the marina. What happens next serves up as many suspects to a murder as there are lobsters in a tank!
Ms. Ross delivers a page-turning cozy that kept me on pins and pincers until the jaw-dropping reveal. Be ready to feast your eyes on every page of this crafty plot without interruption so you don’t miss any clues! Phenomenal ending! I would give this story more than 5 stars if I could.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
Ms. Ross delivers a page-turning cozy that kept me on pins and pincers until the jaw-dropping reveal. Be ready to feast your eyes on every page of this crafty plot without interruption so you don’t miss any clues! Phenomenal ending! I would give this story more than 5 stars if I could.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author.
December 23, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Summer in Busman’s Harbor means a lot of work for the Snowden Family. Preparations for the summer clambakes are underway and a decision needs to be made about Windsholme, the home on Morrow Island that been empty since the 1920’s and that suffered additional damage in last summer’s fire. Do they update and renovate, restore the historic home to its glory or do they tear it down? Everyone has their own opinions but the decision is up to Julia’s mom. After her financial windfall last year she can afford to take on this huge project but a family friend, Quentin Tupper has brought in an expert to look over the home. Julia is shocked when she see’s the expert is her old roommate from prep school, Susan Wyatt Jayne, she just goes by Wyatt Jayne now. She is even more shocked to learn that the huge yacht docked in the harbor belongs to the woman’s “boyfriend”. When invited to meet the wealthy yacht owner Julia reluctantly accepts and finds she knows his chef too.
The next day Julia receives a frantic call from Wyatt begging her to come to the yacht. When she arrives, she finds a table set for a romantic dinner and the billionaire dead at the head of the table. Everyone living aboard the yacht has become a suspect. Quentin asks Julia to investigate to help Wyatt but what she discovers is the most shocking thing of all.
I eagerly picked up this book excited to return to Busman’s Harbor and I enjoyed every single minute of this trip.
Chris and Julia are transitioning away from their winter restaurant and to their summer jobs. Julia managing her family’s clambake business and Chris back to his landscaping and bartending, meaning they are not going to see each other much. The whole Snowden family returns including baby Jack. Sonny, Livvie, and their kids will be moving to the island for the summer. Julia and Livvie’s mom will be taking a leave from her current job to return to work at the island gift shop, We meet several new characters including the crew aboard the Garbo and a mother and daughter that have moved to the area.
This story takes place before the Snowden family clambakes begin giving Julia plenty of time to investigate. She has a bit of a vested interest to part of the mystery that adds a really cool element to the story. There is also a mind-bending twist that turn that turns the whole mystery on its ear.
I really enjoyed when Julia paired up with someone unexpectedly as she started to form a theory about the murder. I also enjoyed that when she had more details Lieutenant Binder was willing to listen and then included her as they got closer to solving the case.
The subplots fit nicely into the main mystery. Some secrets are revealed and decisions are made that may change some relationships. I am excited to see how they are addressed in upcoming installments of this fantastic series.
A cozy escape to Maine always proves to be a good time. Great characters and the drama they create and that is created around them will grab you and hold on tight. The story is so well written and the dialogue realistic. Barbara Ross knows how to set the scene too. I was ready to dish up my plate at the friends and family clambake and relax on Morrow Island.
The author does a wonderful job so that all her books can be read on their own, but I encourage you to read the series from the beginning. Be sure to check out the recipes too!
Summer in Busman’s Harbor means a lot of work for the Snowden Family. Preparations for the summer clambakes are underway and a decision needs to be made about Windsholme, the home on Morrow Island that been empty since the 1920’s and that suffered additional damage in last summer’s fire. Do they update and renovate, restore the historic home to its glory or do they tear it down? Everyone has their own opinions but the decision is up to Julia’s mom. After her financial windfall last year she can afford to take on this huge project but a family friend, Quentin Tupper has brought in an expert to look over the home. Julia is shocked when she see’s the expert is her old roommate from prep school, Susan Wyatt Jayne, she just goes by Wyatt Jayne now. She is even more shocked to learn that the huge yacht docked in the harbor belongs to the woman’s “boyfriend”. When invited to meet the wealthy yacht owner Julia reluctantly accepts and finds she knows his chef too.
The next day Julia receives a frantic call from Wyatt begging her to come to the yacht. When she arrives, she finds a table set for a romantic dinner and the billionaire dead at the head of the table. Everyone living aboard the yacht has become a suspect. Quentin asks Julia to investigate to help Wyatt but what she discovers is the most shocking thing of all.
I eagerly picked up this book excited to return to Busman’s Harbor and I enjoyed every single minute of this trip.
Chris and Julia are transitioning away from their winter restaurant and to their summer jobs. Julia managing her family’s clambake business and Chris back to his landscaping and bartending, meaning they are not going to see each other much. The whole Snowden family returns including baby Jack. Sonny, Livvie, and their kids will be moving to the island for the summer. Julia and Livvie’s mom will be taking a leave from her current job to return to work at the island gift shop, We meet several new characters including the crew aboard the Garbo and a mother and daughter that have moved to the area.
This story takes place before the Snowden family clambakes begin giving Julia plenty of time to investigate. She has a bit of a vested interest to part of the mystery that adds a really cool element to the story. There is also a mind-bending twist that turn that turns the whole mystery on its ear.
I really enjoyed when Julia paired up with someone unexpectedly as she started to form a theory about the murder. I also enjoyed that when she had more details Lieutenant Binder was willing to listen and then included her as they got closer to solving the case.
The subplots fit nicely into the main mystery. Some secrets are revealed and decisions are made that may change some relationships. I am excited to see how they are addressed in upcoming installments of this fantastic series.
A cozy escape to Maine always proves to be a good time. Great characters and the drama they create and that is created around them will grab you and hold on tight. The story is so well written and the dialogue realistic. Barbara Ross knows how to set the scene too. I was ready to dish up my plate at the friends and family clambake and relax on Morrow Island.
The author does a wonderful job so that all her books can be read on their own, but I encourage you to read the series from the beginning. Be sure to check out the recipes too!
December 5, 2017
This series keeps getting better with each book. In the sixth book, we find Julia Showden and her family back in Busman Harbor getting ready to open the family business on the island. A high school classmate indicates Julia and friends aboard the yacht of a recluse billionaire for dinner. The next night the friend needs help she has found the billionaire dead on the yacht. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to read it in sitting. The twists and turns will keep reading until the end. There is one turn I didn't see coming. I highly recommend this book and series. Recipes are included.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2019
Summer clambakes are about to start in
Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Julie Snowden plus
her family are busy with their preparations for
their summer season.
But before the season gets underway, a lot of
other distractions are occurring.
There is a mega yacht anchored while being
renovated.
The family’s good friend and investor in their
clambake business has brought Wyatt Jayne,
an architecture and landscape designer to
Morrow Island regarding renovation of the
burned and empty since 1920’s Windsholme.
Then Julia receives a call from Wyatt Jayne
to come to the mega yacht, the Garbo, quick.
Boarding the Garbo, Julia finds a delicious
dinner for two with a diamond ring inside a
lobster claw set up but a very dead billionaire
yachtsman in his chair with a very distorted
face.
Since Wyatt Jayne is the logical suspect, Julia
is asked to help in the investigation to uncover
the real culprit.
This is an original, unusual murder mystery with
twist and turns plus secrets revealed to keep
the reader glued from the first page until the last.
Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Julie Snowden plus
her family are busy with their preparations for
their summer season.
But before the season gets underway, a lot of
other distractions are occurring.
There is a mega yacht anchored while being
renovated.
The family’s good friend and investor in their
clambake business has brought Wyatt Jayne,
an architecture and landscape designer to
Morrow Island regarding renovation of the
burned and empty since 1920’s Windsholme.
Then Julia receives a call from Wyatt Jayne
to come to the mega yacht, the Garbo, quick.
Boarding the Garbo, Julia finds a delicious
dinner for two with a diamond ring inside a
lobster claw set up but a very dead billionaire
yachtsman in his chair with a very distorted
face.
Since Wyatt Jayne is the logical suspect, Julia
is asked to help in the investigation to uncover
the real culprit.
This is an original, unusual murder mystery with
twist and turns plus secrets revealed to keep
the reader glued from the first page until the last.
June 19, 2018
Another very good addition to this mystery series.
January 7, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a great addition to this series! Since this is book six I am highly invested in the Snowden family by this point enjoying all of their ups, downs, and inner moments. This time Julia is asked to look into the murder of a billionaire at the request of Quentin though none of the family are suspects. I think she just can't help herself by this point so she agrees. What follows is a fascinating mystery that is just full of little clues with enough twists to keep you guessing until you finally learn who the real culprit is. I especially liked the tie in to the events of the last book as well as all of the character growth as it made me feel like part of the family. A must read for cozy mystery fans. I really enjoyed reading it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What a great addition to this series! Since this is book six I am highly invested in the Snowden family by this point enjoying all of their ups, downs, and inner moments. This time Julia is asked to look into the murder of a billionaire at the request of Quentin though none of the family are suspects. I think she just can't help herself by this point so she agrees. What follows is a fascinating mystery that is just full of little clues with enough twists to keep you guessing until you finally learn who the real culprit is. I especially liked the tie in to the events of the last book as well as all of the character growth as it made me feel like part of the family. A must read for cozy mystery fans. I really enjoyed reading it so I give it 4/5 stars.
November 8, 2019
In questo libro, più del mistero vero e proprio mi sono piaciuti alcuni fatti collaterali alla storia, un paio dei quali restano in parte in sospeso. Sono più curiosa di scoprire come vanno a finire quelli che soddisfatta di come è stato risolto il giallo...
February 8, 2018
I have really enjoyed all the books in this series, and Barbara Ross has penned another winner. I loved that this book went back to Busman's Harbor, Maine. It’s June and the Snowden Family Clambake on Morrow Island is getting ready to open for summer season. When Julia's mother got her share of the sale of an antique piece of jewllery, she is considering either renovation or restoring Windsholme, the family home that is on the island. Quentin Tupper brings in Architect Wyatt Jayne to look it over and estimate the costs to renovate. A yacht belonging to billionaire recluse, Geoffrey Bower has anchored in the marina and it seems that Wyatt is in a relationship with the owner. Once again, there is a murder and Julia is asked to help investigate to clear certain people.
The usual characters are once again around including the rest of the family, Chris (Julia's boyfriend), the police investigators that we have grown to know and love and some of the local townfolk. It makes me feel like I have gone home again. This story had Julia, Chris and Quentin opening up and sharing some secrets that give us more information about their backgrounds and how that has affected who they have become. This was a good story that had a lot of surprises that I never would have predicted. I did figure out who the murderer was before the end of the book, but not much before. This was a well plotted story with great pacing and characters. I recommend this story to any and all cozy mystery lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
The usual characters are once again around including the rest of the family, Chris (Julia's boyfriend), the police investigators that we have grown to know and love and some of the local townfolk. It makes me feel like I have gone home again. This story had Julia, Chris and Quentin opening up and sharing some secrets that give us more information about their backgrounds and how that has affected who they have become. This was a good story that had a lot of surprises that I never would have predicted. I did figure out who the murderer was before the end of the book, but not much before. This was a well plotted story with great pacing and characters. I recommend this story to any and all cozy mystery lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
January 31, 2018
Solid well-written mystery with interesting characters.
Julia Snowden and her family are getting ready to open the family's Maine clambake business for the summer. The fire last summer in the mansion on the island left them with the decision whether to rebuild or the tear it down. As they consider their options, the suspicious death aboard a mega yacht in the harbor embroils Julia in the investigation.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Julia Snowden and her family are getting ready to open the family's Maine clambake business for the summer. The fire last summer in the mansion on the island left them with the decision whether to rebuild or the tear it down. As they consider their options, the suspicious death aboard a mega yacht in the harbor embroils Julia in the investigation.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2017
Stowed Away is the sixth book in the A Maine Clambake Mystery series.
Julia and her family are busy getting ready to open Morrow Island for another season of authentic Maine Clam Bakes. A day of two before, everyone in Busman’s Harbor was in awe of the large private yacht of recluse billionaire Geoffrey Bower tied up at the pier. When a family friend, Quentin Tupper, stops by Julia’s mother’s house with the young lady that designed the refitting of the yacht, Julia’s heart sinks. The young lady, Wyatt Jayne, was a roommate from high school who had treated Julia very badly. Jayne is being introduced to Julia’s mother for possibly doing the design work to rebuild the family home, Windsholme. Julia decides to put the past behind her and accept that Jayne might be around for a while.
A couple of days later, Julia gets a call from Jayne pleading with her to come right away to the yacht giving no other information. When she arrives Jayne takes her to the dining salon where the body of Bower is seated at the table with a terribly gruesome look on his face. Bower was to have had a quiet, intimate dinner with Jayne and the table was set as if that was still the plan. As Julia is waiting for the police to arrive, she does a quick scan of the room looking for anything unusual that might point to what had happened earlier. One thing she does notice is a beautiful diamond ring being held by a lobster claw. By the time she is interviewed and relays this information to Lt. Binder, the lead investigator, the diamond is now nowhere to be found. As it was rare for anybody to be aboard the yacht, the crew immediately become suspects. Especially Jayne and Julia’s friend, Genevieve the chef, as it will be determined that Bower was poisoned. Even with the past history with Jayne, Julia feels compelled to search out the murder and clear Jayne’s name.
I’ve read all six of the books in this series and have loved them all. Ms. Ross does a wonderful job of storytelling, providing a few twists here and there and also provide an exciting and believable cast of characters.
I will be definitely looking forward to the next exciting story on Morrow Island and around Busman’s Harbor.
Julia and her family are busy getting ready to open Morrow Island for another season of authentic Maine Clam Bakes. A day of two before, everyone in Busman’s Harbor was in awe of the large private yacht of recluse billionaire Geoffrey Bower tied up at the pier. When a family friend, Quentin Tupper, stops by Julia’s mother’s house with the young lady that designed the refitting of the yacht, Julia’s heart sinks. The young lady, Wyatt Jayne, was a roommate from high school who had treated Julia very badly. Jayne is being introduced to Julia’s mother for possibly doing the design work to rebuild the family home, Windsholme. Julia decides to put the past behind her and accept that Jayne might be around for a while.
A couple of days later, Julia gets a call from Jayne pleading with her to come right away to the yacht giving no other information. When she arrives Jayne takes her to the dining salon where the body of Bower is seated at the table with a terribly gruesome look on his face. Bower was to have had a quiet, intimate dinner with Jayne and the table was set as if that was still the plan. As Julia is waiting for the police to arrive, she does a quick scan of the room looking for anything unusual that might point to what had happened earlier. One thing she does notice is a beautiful diamond ring being held by a lobster claw. By the time she is interviewed and relays this information to Lt. Binder, the lead investigator, the diamond is now nowhere to be found. As it was rare for anybody to be aboard the yacht, the crew immediately become suspects. Especially Jayne and Julia’s friend, Genevieve the chef, as it will be determined that Bower was poisoned. Even with the past history with Jayne, Julia feels compelled to search out the murder and clear Jayne’s name.
I’ve read all six of the books in this series and have loved them all. Ms. Ross does a wonderful job of storytelling, providing a few twists here and there and also provide an exciting and believable cast of characters.
I will be definitely looking forward to the next exciting story on Morrow Island and around Busman’s Harbor.
December 26, 2017
It’s a week away from opening day for the Snowden Family Clambake, and Julia and the rest of her family are hard at work making sure everything is ready. But they are also discussing what to do with the ruins of Windsholme, the family mansion on the island where they host the clambake. One expert they are bring in turns out to be Julia’s prep school roommate, Wyatt Jayne. Wyatt is in town to oversee a yacht renovation, but when the owner of the yacht is found murdered, she finds herself the prime suspect. Julia has her own reason for investigating the murder, a very personal one. Can she figure out what truly happened?
While this is book six in the series, it’s only been a year to Julia and the rest of these characters, which allows us time to really see their relationships grow and change. I like watching this growth as the series progresses. There are several sub-plots that facilitate this, but I felt they slowed things down early in the book. Once the mystery kicks into high gear, it completely captured me again, with several wonderful twists and a climax that tied everything together perfectly.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
While this is book six in the series, it’s only been a year to Julia and the rest of these characters, which allows us time to really see their relationships grow and change. I like watching this growth as the series progresses. There are several sub-plots that facilitate this, but I felt they slowed things down early in the book. Once the mystery kicks into high gear, it completely captured me again, with several wonderful twists and a climax that tied everything together perfectly.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 1, 2018
Another season starts in Busman's Harbor Maine for the Snowden Family Clambake business and that means all hands on deck. Julia's mother is reflecting on her childhood spent on Morrow Island and decides to consult an architect to give her an estimate for reconstruction of the home which had been destroyed by fire. Julia runs into an old high school "friend" while on the docks and Susan invites them to dinner on her boyfriend's mysterious yacht. They enjoy a sumptuous meal and all seem fine that evening.. But the next morning, tragedy strikes the small community.
As with prior books in the series, it is very well-plotted, with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings, which kept me guessing the killer's identity until the very end. Secrets abound and Julia has to pick through the clues carefully. I intentionally read the author's books slowly, because I don't want the season to end, ever! Just like summer up North-it doesn't last long.
I can't wait for the next book; Like all the others, I've already pre-ordered it.
As with prior books in the series, it is very well-plotted, with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings, which kept me guessing the killer's identity until the very end. Secrets abound and Julia has to pick through the clues carefully. I intentionally read the author's books slowly, because I don't want the season to end, ever! Just like summer up North-it doesn't last long.
I can't wait for the next book; Like all the others, I've already pre-ordered it.
September 21, 2017
It's like visiting old friends every time I pick up a book in the Maine Clambake series. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this, the 6th book in the series. I'm so addicted to Julia and the rest of the clambake clan! An eccentric yacht owner, a childhood acquaintance, a "there one moment, gone the next" diamond ring all converge to complicate Julia's life a week before the clambake opens for the seasons. This book is due out in January, 2018-make it a priority for the new year!
January 2, 2018
Not everything (or every person) is as it seems in this suspenseful 6th book in Barbara Ross' Maine Clambake Mystery series. A "mean girl" from Julia's past appears in town, her billionaire boyfriend is murdered, a diamond is missing .... and that's just the beginning. Those who love learning about the lives of the rich and famous will relish the details about the yacht ... and everyone will love this view of the different faces of Mainers. Recommended!
January 12, 2018
Another fun Clambake mystery with several twists! I seriously start to get depressed when I'm getting close to the end of these books. I just want to stay in Maine with the Snowden family for months!
July 30, 2021
I read this a long time ago, but it must've been during my book slump in 2018/2019 when I read books but didn't review them/mark as read. I don't remember specifics but I do remember than I didn't like this one as much as I did earlier books in the series.
February 27, 2018
Stowed Away
A Maine Clambake Mystery, Book #6
Barbara Ross
5 Stars
Synopsis:
It’s June in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and Julia Snowden and her family are working hard to get their authentic Maine clambake business ready for summer. Preparations must be put on hold, however, when a mysterious yacht drops anchor in the harbor—and delivers an unexpected dose of murder . . .
When Julia’s old prep school rival Wyatt Jayne invites her to dinner on board her billionaire fiancé’s decked-out yacht, Julia arrives to find a sumptuous table set for two—and the yachtsman dead in his chair. Suspicion quickly falls on Wyatt, and Julia’s quest to dredge up the truth leads her into the murky private world of a mega-rich recluse who may not have been all that he seemed . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I enjoyed spending time with Julia and Chris, it was like visiting old friends. Julia does not hesitate to snoop around and try to gather clues to help solve the murder and I think she is pretty good at being a detective. I felt like the secondary characters added a lot to the story. One of the things that I liked most about this book is the family ties and closeness that came through while reading.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing. Busman’s Harbor, Maine, is a place that I would like to visit. I like the small town feel of it and I enjoy that everyone looks out for each other and everyone is so nosy.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the book and it was not an easy one to solve. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through that I was left to keep guessing until the reveal at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted cozy mystery. This is a great addition to a great series and it is well worth your reading time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Maine Clambake Mystery, Book #6
Barbara Ross
5 Stars
Synopsis:
It’s June in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and Julia Snowden and her family are working hard to get their authentic Maine clambake business ready for summer. Preparations must be put on hold, however, when a mysterious yacht drops anchor in the harbor—and delivers an unexpected dose of murder . . .
When Julia’s old prep school rival Wyatt Jayne invites her to dinner on board her billionaire fiancé’s decked-out yacht, Julia arrives to find a sumptuous table set for two—and the yachtsman dead in his chair. Suspicion quickly falls on Wyatt, and Julia’s quest to dredge up the truth leads her into the murky private world of a mega-rich recluse who may not have been all that he seemed . . . (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I enjoyed spending time with Julia and Chris, it was like visiting old friends. Julia does not hesitate to snoop around and try to gather clues to help solve the murder and I think she is pretty good at being a detective. I felt like the secondary characters added a lot to the story. One of the things that I liked most about this book is the family ties and closeness that came through while reading.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing. Busman’s Harbor, Maine, is a place that I would like to visit. I like the small town feel of it and I enjoy that everyone looks out for each other and everyone is so nosy.
The mystery was carried on well throughout the book and it was not an easy one to solve. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through that I was left to keep guessing until the reveal at the end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted cozy mystery. This is a great addition to a great series and it is well worth your reading time.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
February 24, 2018
A ship owned by a reclusive billionaire comes into port and it turns out Julia's old school rival is the owner's girlfriend as well as in charge of the retrofit as well as up for the job of restoring Windsholme (on Quentin's recommendation). Julia is not dealing well with old teenage angst.
When Wyatt is under suspicion for the death, Quentin asks Julia to help her out. Julia agrees because another old friend is also under suspicion. Chris and the family didn't seem to really be in this book much, and I missed that dynamic. Although we did finally get to find out more about Quentin.
When Wyatt is under suspicion for the death, Quentin asks Julia to help her out. Julia agrees because another old friend is also under suspicion. Chris and the family didn't seem to really be in this book much, and I missed that dynamic. Although we did finally get to find out more about Quentin.
June 26, 2022
I always forget how much I love this series until I visit again. This series is so good. Julia & her family are getting all set up for the next season. Julia's mom is deciding if she will fix up the mansion on the island. I love that this one brought up some history from the past & introduced some new characters. I was surprised at the twist and I am looking forward to seeing how things play out for those involved.
January 15, 2018
Julia’s old rival Wyatt Jayne invites her to dinner on board her billionaire fiance’s Yacht and Julia finds the billionaire dead at the table. Julia sets out to prove that Wyatt didn’t do it and find out more about the billionaire recluse. Lots of twists and turns to the plot. the side plot of opening the family’s clambake business makes this book really interesting.
December 6, 2017
Wow! Stowed Away, the 6th Maine Clambake Mystery by cozy author Barbara Ross, had me turning pages so quickly towards the end I thought I might break the button on my Kindle! I have thoroughly enjoyed every single book in this series, but this one is just so well-written that I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. We join Julia Snowden and her family and friends as they prepare to welcome summer and the tourist season to Busman's Harbor, Maine. Wyatt, an old high school friend of Julia's, and her billionaire boyfriend, Geoffrey, are parked in his mega yacht in the harbor awaiting a retrofit, but soon after their arrival Geoffrey is found dead at his dinner table, and Julia discovers that he had a heretofore unknown connection to her family. Incredibly fast-paced, Stowed Away keeps the reader intrigued from start to finish, and Ms. Ross does a fine job of continuing the relationships between the main and recurring characters in the series. A+++
September 7, 2019
A former high school classmate of Julia's, Wyatt, is in town to help assess whether the Snowden family's island home can be restored. When Wyatt's boyfriend is murdered on his yacht, another friend asks for Julia's help in making sure that Wyatt is arrested for his murder. This was a solid mystery with lots of clues and character development. Julia is never my favorite person because our reactions to events are always different. However, that actually adds to why I enjoy the series. It's fun to see Julia grow and adapt.
November 23, 2017
A well-written, quick, enjoyable read! Busman's Harbor is the perfect setting for a cozy mystery: a small, quiet, seaside town in Maine where all the locals know each other and the Snowden family clambake draws visitors from all over. Julia Snowden helps run the clambake and has a history - and a knack - for sleuthing. When a newcomer is found murdered and two of her friends are potential suspects, Julia has to investigate. The plot is believable and kept me guessing until the end. Although Stowed Away is part of an awesome series, I think it easily stands alone for anyone who hasn't read the previous books. I love this series and hope it continues for a long time! I received an ARC of this book and happily provide my honest opinion of it.
January 26, 2018
“Stowed Away” earns 5/5 Lobster Salads…Murderously Fun!
“June [and murder] is bustin’ out all over!” This exciting sixth book in Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake Mystery series has made me a big fan. “Stowed Away” starts out with the delightful Julia Snowden and “friend” Chris Durand setting up Morrow Island for the summer business on which the Snowden Clambake Company relies. Several family members are returning to pitch in adding to an entertaining bunch. Quentin Tupper, a family friend, made a large investment last summer and is now a partner in the family business. He is also, along with Julia’s mother Jacqueline, eager to renovate the family’s ancestral home, Windsholme, perched on the island’s bluff despite Julia’s thoughts that it is impractical to spend that much money on what should be extensive renovations. The estate has been uninhabited and not maintained since the 20s, and last summer’s fire has made matters worse. Enter Julia’s prep school nemesis! ‘Susan’ Wyatt Jayne, a well-known architect, is brought in to evaluate the viability and projected cost of the project. That evening Julia, Chris, and Quentin join Wyatt and her reclusive boyfriend and billionaire Geoffrey Bower for dinner on his yacht, a yacht the size of a football field, but instead the quiet evening ends with an annoying local protest…then a murder.
I was engaged throughout the entire book with Julia’s subsequent investigation (amateur, but realistic, and she does not circumvent, but works cooperatively with law enforcement) and character interactions (delightful friends and family dynamics, evolving love interest, and resolving the past). Protests against the one-percenters? Alleged financial shenanigans? Greed? Secrets? Lies? Barbara Ross has penned a clever mystery with several suspects and motives that challenged my inner “Sherlock,” and the final reveal was definitely a “Wow!” moment. Her compelling descriptions and dialog brought the environment, the mansion and yacht, emotions, and various personalities to life along with the interesting ins and outs of the Snowden Clambake business and life of the rich and reclusive. As a newbie, now a fan, I never felt out of the loop. Barbara provided enough background information and references to the past, although no spoilers, to make my experience rewarding…I highly recommend this book, and the series is quickly becoming a favorite.
A favorite part in many culinary-themed cozies is the inclusion of easy-to-follow recipes. I especially enjoy recipes that are actually mentioned in the story. Inspired by Julia’s favorite chef Genevieve your dinner party can enjoy Tarragon Ricotta Gnocchi with Lobster Veloute or test out at home Herbed Halibut Sous-Vide. Julia’s sister Livvie fixes for the family her Oven-Roasted Beer-Can Chicken with Potatoes, and with the recipe you can, too!
“Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. This voluntary review is my honest opinion and insights.
“June [and murder] is bustin’ out all over!” This exciting sixth book in Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake Mystery series has made me a big fan. “Stowed Away” starts out with the delightful Julia Snowden and “friend” Chris Durand setting up Morrow Island for the summer business on which the Snowden Clambake Company relies. Several family members are returning to pitch in adding to an entertaining bunch. Quentin Tupper, a family friend, made a large investment last summer and is now a partner in the family business. He is also, along with Julia’s mother Jacqueline, eager to renovate the family’s ancestral home, Windsholme, perched on the island’s bluff despite Julia’s thoughts that it is impractical to spend that much money on what should be extensive renovations. The estate has been uninhabited and not maintained since the 20s, and last summer’s fire has made matters worse. Enter Julia’s prep school nemesis! ‘Susan’ Wyatt Jayne, a well-known architect, is brought in to evaluate the viability and projected cost of the project. That evening Julia, Chris, and Quentin join Wyatt and her reclusive boyfriend and billionaire Geoffrey Bower for dinner on his yacht, a yacht the size of a football field, but instead the quiet evening ends with an annoying local protest…then a murder.
I was engaged throughout the entire book with Julia’s subsequent investigation (amateur, but realistic, and she does not circumvent, but works cooperatively with law enforcement) and character interactions (delightful friends and family dynamics, evolving love interest, and resolving the past). Protests against the one-percenters? Alleged financial shenanigans? Greed? Secrets? Lies? Barbara Ross has penned a clever mystery with several suspects and motives that challenged my inner “Sherlock,” and the final reveal was definitely a “Wow!” moment. Her compelling descriptions and dialog brought the environment, the mansion and yacht, emotions, and various personalities to life along with the interesting ins and outs of the Snowden Clambake business and life of the rich and reclusive. As a newbie, now a fan, I never felt out of the loop. Barbara provided enough background information and references to the past, although no spoilers, to make my experience rewarding…I highly recommend this book, and the series is quickly becoming a favorite.
A favorite part in many culinary-themed cozies is the inclusion of easy-to-follow recipes. I especially enjoy recipes that are actually mentioned in the story. Inspired by Julia’s favorite chef Genevieve your dinner party can enjoy Tarragon Ricotta Gnocchi with Lobster Veloute or test out at home Herbed Halibut Sous-Vide. Julia’s sister Livvie fixes for the family her Oven-Roasted Beer-Can Chicken with Potatoes, and with the recipe you can, too!
“Disclosure: I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. This voluntary review is my honest opinion and insights.
December 31, 2017
Stowed Away is the sixth book in the Maine Clambake Mystery Series. The summer tourist season has once again begun in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, where Julia Snowden operates the family business. In this edition of a Maine Clambake series we are introduced to an eccentric billionaire and an old high school nemesis, who take center stage in this engrossing mystery. The suspects include several people Julia knows, so she feels compelled to get to the bottom of this whodunit. As a cozy mystery, Stowed Away does not disappoint! The plot takes several surprising twists to keep the reader guessing. The town of Busman’s Harbor is idyllic, the main characters are well developed and the plot is well conceived. Although this is part of a series, this book can certainly stand alone. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley, but this did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
December 13, 2017
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
Another enjoyable addition to the series. There were some surprising twists in the mystery, although some twists spoiled upcoming twists (I'm not sure if that makes sense, butt it's the only way I can think of to describe it). I'm curious if some of the revelations will be addressed in later books.
Another enjoyable addition to the series. There were some surprising twists in the mystery, although some twists spoiled upcoming twists (I'm not sure if that makes sense, butt it's the only way I can think of to describe it). I'm curious if some of the revelations will be addressed in later books.
March 2, 2018
I love this series. It makes me want to visit Maine. Julia gets mixed up in another murder investigation right before the clambake season begins. It involves a girl she knew from high school and a huge yacht. I'm looking forward to the next one already!
May 28, 2022
This series does not disappoint! I couldn’t put it down! I think I’m going to have to read book #7 sooner rather than later!
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