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 … 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.
Praise for Steamed Open
“Sure to appeal to readers who treasure the Maine coast, Ross’s latest continues the lives and minor dramas of her fictionalized version of Boothbay Harbor with amiable characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews
more
Sealed Off is the 8th book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries written by Barbara Ross. I’ve read all the previous books in this series except for some of the shorter novellas, which are up next on my list. Once those are complete, I’ll read the most recent full-length novel, and then I am fully caught up! It’s been an exciting journey, and I’ll be glad to finish all that have been written to date, but I will welcome the newest next year, too.
When Chris’s brother is released from prison, Julia gives him a job. He begins fighting with another man who’s interested in Emmy, possibly Terry’s ex and mother of his child. Unfortunately, the other man ends up dead, and it looks like Terry is guilty. As Julia digs deep into the past, to understand why he went to prison in the first place, she discovers new leads, and a lot of drama between the couples working at her clambake. Meanwhile, her distant cousin comes back to Busman’s Harbor to visit the house on Morrow Island she one stayed at when she was a child. During the renovations, a journal is found in a hidden room, and it ironically provides clues to the current murder.
I enjoyed this one a lot… probably 4.5 stars, and it made me miss Maine. I haven’t been there in over 3 months, and I need to go back soon! Getting to know Julia’s family more is always a treat, and understanding the past by reading diary entries is a fun way to explore history. The mystery was good, possibly a little too light and then a bit out of left field… still kept my interest and stands out from a lot of other series that get a bit tiresome. I always find myself eager to jump back into this one, and I’ll be sad when I’m fully caught up. As is typical, the setting is brilliantly described, and I learned a lot about a different kind of life. Immersive. Reachable. Clever.
“Sealed Off“ is the 8th instalment in the lA Maine Clambake Mysteries” by Barbara Ross. It can be read as a stand alone but I do recommend reading from the beginning.
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.
I really enjoyed this story, being the first one I have read in the series I didn’t know what to expect. I really liked the main characters of Julia, Chris and the rest of the Snowden family. The setting of Busman Harbor, Maine was enchanting and made me want to visit the coast of Maine even more than I did. The island with the big summer mansion intrigued me and the history, I like how there was 2 mysteries going on in the story the murder but also one from the past.
There were plenty of twists and turns throughout and I was kept guessing right till the end. I highly recommend this series and can’t wait to find out some answers in the next instalment. With that said I do own a few of the early books but I now plan on completing the set so I can binge read the first seven books.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sealed Off by Barbara Ross is the eighth A Maine Clambake Mystery. It can be read on its own for those who have just discovered this series. Julia Snowden has her hands full in Sealed Off between running the family business, getting ready for the opening of the winter restaurant she runs with Chris, the renovations at Windsholme, the murder of an employee, visiting relatives and the hidden room. Marguerite is an elderly relative who lived at Windsholme when she was a child and is visiting Busman’s Harbor with her granddaughter, Tallulah. She is arriving to take a last look at the house before the renovations begin. I like that she can describe what the once stately summer home looked like when it was at its prime. I enjoyed Marguerite’s readings of the diary. I admit that I found the story of the nanny more compelling than the modern day whodunit. I just loved the descriptions of the room’s furnishing and the beautiful clothing the governess left behind. I was a little disappointed with the outcome (but that is just me). Jason Caraway and Terry Durand bickering about Emmy Bailey was unprofessional and I was surprised that Julia let it go on as long as she did (I know it is fiction—but I thought it odd). No one has bothered to tell Emmy that her daughter could be Terry’s child and that Huntington’s runs in the family. I was happy that this particular storyline is put to bed by the end of the novel. The death of Jason Caraway along with what happened to the missing demo crew worker was not a head scratcher. There was a lack of suspects plus obvious clues that made this puzzle a snap to solve. There were some exciting suspenseful moments that I relished. I would like to see Julia and Chris’s relationship progress. They are happy, but I wonder what the future holds for them especially regarding children. Sealed Off is a good story, but it is not my favorite in the series. I am, though, looking forward to the next A Maine Clambake Mystery. This is a series that I enjoy reading with its charming town and engaging characters. Sealed Off has demolition drama, squabbling suitors, a recondite room, a discovered diary, and fine food.
The clambake that Julia Snowden and her family run on their family’s island is just running on weekends through Columbus Day. Unfortunately, tension among the staff seems to be reaching the boiling point. Romances among the staff have been causing issues all season, but Julia was hoping they could make it until the end of the season, and those issues would resolve themselves before the clambake starts up again in the spring. A fist fight as the guests and crew were leaving one days brings things to a head, and leaves Julia in the unfortunate position of firing her boyfriend’s brother. However, a dead body on the island the next morning only makes the situation worse.
There is a strong sub-plot, almost a second full mystery, in this book involving a room that has been sealed off since the 1890’s in the family mansion on the island. Between the two stories, this book moves forward at a constant pace, and the pages flew by. I never wanted to put the book down until I reached the satisfying end. Once again, I was left in awe of how the clues were woven into the story. Several series arcs were advanced here, and the chances for character development were put to full use. The new characters are just as strong as the series regulars, which is no surprise to anyone who has read the series. Those looking for recipes will be pleased with the five we get at the end of the story. There is not one wasted word in this story, and I set it down completely satisfied. Well, almost satisfied. As is always the case, I was left wanting to visit Julia and her family and friends again as soon as possible. Fans of the series will be delighted with this book. If you haven’t started this series yet, you need to fix that as soon as possible.
This was a great addition to the Maine Clambake series. I really like the characters and the relationships among family, friends, and the townspeople of Busman’s Harbor. There are a couple of mysteries running through the pages that keep you invested in the book. The description of the clambake had my mouth watering. And while this is the eighth book in the series, you could enjoy it as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Another terrific entry in one of my favorite series. I’m particularly impressed with the way the three plot lines — a murder on Morrow Island, where the Snowden family runs their clam bakes, the secrets of a closed-off room discovered in the historic mansion on the island, and the unanswered questions surrounding Chris’s brother — tie together. Julia is once again strong and capable, loyal and determined, but author Barbara Ross isn’t afraid to show Julia’s vulnerabilities as well. I’ve written about the tensions inherent in running a family business myself, and Ross plays them out nicely. One of my favorite reads of 2020.
I have been reading this series since the beginning and this was not my favorite one. This book takes place in the fall as the clambakes slow down on Morrow Island, Maine. Tensions are rising among the remaining employees. When Julia finds another body on the island she sets out to solve the crime. The mystery was weak and easy to solve. I did enjoy visiting Morrow Island and the characters. The Boston relatives come up for a visit and tour the mansion before renovations. While working on the demolition a sealed off room is discovered. This mystery was more interesting. The book was a quick fun read. Enjoy
I fell in love with this series during book one so when I see a new one of course I have get my hands on it. This one is a fabulous addition. Julia is gearing up for the end of the season for the family clambake as well as a family visit. Windsholme is finally being worked on as well which adds some workmen into the mix. Things get interesting when two employees have a fight and one of them turns up dead on the island the very next day. Since her boyfriends brother is the one still alive from the fight Julia finds herself having to investigate but I bet she never would have predicted all the things she managed to undercover when it was all said and done. A fantastically written cozy mystery that you will be unable to put down once you pick it up. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
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?
______
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 in the mansion opens the door to another piece of history dating back to the late 1800s. I was completely captivated by this part of the book. The descriptions of the mansion are always very detailed, With each book in the series, the images in my mind become more vivid. I really am looking forward to reading more about the incredible renovation.
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 was. Autumn in Busman’s Harbor was absolutely delightful. Leaf peepers and murder went together nicely but the history portions were my absolute favorite.
An excellent entry in one of my favorite cozy mystery series. It’s neither silly nor scary, and the characters feel like real people with real problems. Busman’s Harbor, Maine, is painted so clearly I feel as though I’ve visited many times.
Sealed Off, the 8th Maine Clambake Mystery by author Barbara Ross, neatly rolls two mysteries into one. During demolition of Windsholme a hidden room is discovered, perfectly preserved for over 120 years, and including the journal of a young governess who disappeared without a trace. When a longtime Snowden Family Clambake employee is found murdered on the island not long after, Julia has her hands full trying to prove the innocence of Terry, Chris’ brother who was recently released from prison, and also trying to solve the puzzle of the woman who went missing so very long ago. Ms. Ross does a wonderful job of tying both mysteries together, and Sealed Off was a fun cozy to read and solve along with Julia. 5 stars!
law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, mystery, cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, Maine, family-dynamics
The first mystery is a hidden room from 1898 sealed away with everything in it intact. The second is a murder. All of this happens on a small, family owned island with a severely damaged Victorian home and currently part of a tourist attraction. Lots of twists and red herrings complete with state cops, an old diary, odd behaviors by main characters, and other peculiarities. I loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Sealed Off earns 5/5 Clambake Mysteries…Entertaining Fun!
Another Maine Clambake Mystery delight from Barbara Ross! It’s been a couple of year’s since Julia Snowden returned home to Busman’s Harbor to help run the family’s authentic clambake business, and butting heads with her brother-in-law never seems to let up. Currently it’s due to an employee “quadrangle” that interferes with the business operations. Jason is flirting with Emmy, Jason’s ex Prudence is not happy, then Terry, Julia’s boyfriend’s brother, seems to have a stake in the situation. Sonny wants Terry gone immediately, but Julia refuses to fire Terry suggesting instead they ride out the next two weeks when season ends for winter. Waiting, however, ends up murderous when Jason is found dead, and Terry, recently released from prison, is the prime suspect. Then if one (two) high-crimes isn’t enough, during renovations of the old Windsholme mansion a previously unknown “sealed” room is uncovered along with an intriguing diary from 1898 providing more angst than delight.
Brilliant! Barbara Ross’s eighth book is filled with mystery, mystery, and more mystery. Using a first-person narrative from Julia’s perspective gave me a vicarious role in the drama. Her vivid descriptions paint the beautiful northeast island setting along with characters’ looks and mannerisms; she also helps set tone and emotions, a bit of humor, and illustrate personalities with expressive dialogue. The mysteries and the family dramas are complicated keeping me engaged, guessing, and quickly turning the page for solutions. A pet peeve of mine is the expectation of realism, so I was pleased with character reactions, responses, and the role of law enforcement…I like that. There were dramas carried over from previous books, but it didn’t take long to catch up and enjoy the story. “Recipes Included” always gets me excited, and these easy-to-follow recipes are truly delicious, although chops and pot roast at a clambake? Enjoy Greek Style Lamb Chops Sous Vide, Halibut Pizzaiola, Slow Cooker Cioppino, Olga’s Brownies, and Ma’s Pot Roast. I love this series, and am eager to read more!
At the end of this book my first thought was in your face Pru! That is mean but she really had it coming. I had to stop and think and reread passages with this one because there was so much going on but, it was Great and sad too.
I read the first book on a whim because of an ebook offer. I love Maine and enjoy books based there. I feel like I’m there when I read them and I really like the characters and the family that is the main group. They all grow and change as the books move along, they have ups and downs and always a dead body. I have never not enjoyed one of these books and I have always been taken away to the Maine coast and enjoyed the people in the books. Sometimes I like who the killer is too but they have to pay for their actions. This book had suspects I really liked so I worried about them but in the end, you feel the person needed to face their actions. This was a very family based story, and many of the families had problems and quirks, making it fun to read. If you love Maine, love cozies, and like a good mystery, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this series.
Such a fun and interesting cozy mystery! I enjoyed Julia, Chris, and all the characters. This is the 8th book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series, but the first I’ve read. While I probably would have benefited from reading the other books in the series first, I think the author did a good job keeping a new reader from being lost. I plan on checking out the other books in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Sealed Off is the eighth book in the A Maine Clambake Mystery series.
It’s early October in Busman’s Harbor and the end of the clambake season is about over for the Snowden Family Clambake business. When Julia Snowden goes to Morrow Island for that day’s clambake and soon finds out that Jason Caraway is missing from his fire pit duties. A search is begun and Julia finds him buried in a woodpile. Suspicion soon falls on Terry Durand, her boyfriend Chris’s, brother, who has recently been released from prison. Terry becomes the prime suspect based on his record and that he and Jason had recently been fighting. Julia and Chris set off to see if they can clear Terry’s name and soon find there is no shortage of other suspects.
In a subplot, a Russian demolition crew has begun on Windsholme, the family home on Morrow Island, to ready it for renovation in the coming Spring. Much to the family’s surprise, a hidden room is found. When Julia’s 96-year-old distant cousin, Marguerite, arrives for a visit, they hope she will be able to shed some light about the room. As Julia is looking through the mystery room she comes across a hidden journal. With the help of Marguerite, they believe that the journal belonged to the nanny, Lillian. The family hopes they will be able to learn where Lillian might have gone and why the room was sealed off.
I love this series and this another exciting and wonderful addition to the series. The book is well-written and plotted with a wonderful cast of believable characters.
Delicious sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I will be looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.
This is the eighth book in the Maine Clambake series. It’s the second one I’ve read and while I had no trouble following along, starting at the beginning would have given me a richer sense of the characters and background. There was an intriguing separate story line that included a governess’ 1898 journal and sealed room that dovetailed nicely with the main story of a murder and both kept my interest up to the end.
I like the descriptions in the book, I really feel like I’m there with these hardworking folks. The Maine coastline sounds beautiful but a little bit unforgiving in the winter. I also like learning about clambakes and a peak at turn-of-the-century life on the island. I highly recommend this book and I will go back and start at the beginning.
I received an advance copy of the book from Kensington Books via NetGalley and am leaving an honest review.
Best of Series – So Far
This is a wonderful episode with murder, injustice, intrigue and some surprising history from the 1890s. Between remodeling the old house, closing down for the season and a freak storm, there are some amazing finds. There are several interwoven stories that make this a story the reader needs to pay attention to details. It is all very enjoyable and the final reveal was quite surprising. I found myself reading slowly to savor all of the great details. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
Julia has no time to relax, there are buses of people ready to enjoy her families Clambake and they have just begun a few renovations to the mansion located in their island. Things seem to be going well that is until the renovation crew finds a sealed off room. No one can figure out why the room would be closed off and attentions are turned elsewhere when one of the crew is found dead. A diary was found in the sealed off room, did it have something to do with the mans death or was it simply a case of hate. Julia knows that she must investigate and figure out who the killer is. She can’t have such a huge problem hanging over her family’s business and they need to finish up the renovations so as not to lose money. With so many people in the suspect pool Julia realizes she has to start knocking people off the list. Will she be able to pull out a killer among all these suspects or will she be left swimming alone in the deep end.