Shucked Apart–Maine Clambake Mystery #9

The Snowden Family Clambake Company has a beloved reputation in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Almost as famous is the sleuthing ability of proprietor Julia Snowden, which is why an oyster farmer seeks her out when she’s in trouble.

Available in mass market paperback, ebook and audiobook editions. Large print coming February 16, 2022.

When Andie Greatorex is robbed of two buckets of oyster seed worth $35,000, she wonders if somebody’s trying to mussel her out of business. Could it be a rival oyster farmer, a steamed former employee, or a snooty summer resident who objects to her unsightly oyster cages floating on the beautiful Damariscotta River? There’s also a lobsterman who’s worried the farm’s expanding lease will encroach on his territory and Andie’s ex-partner, who’s now struggling to keep his restaurant afloat. Before Julia can make much headway in the investigation, Andie turns up dead, stabbed by a shucking knife. Now it’s up to Julia to set a trap for a cold and clammy killer . . .

. . . an intelligent, well-plotted page-turner with likeable characters and a doozy of an ending. . . Highly recommended.

Suspense Magazine, Winter 2021

. . . one of the best books in this endearing series, and I look forward to more exploits with Julia and her gang.

Dru’s Book Musings, February 11. 2021

I honestly don’t know how Barbara Ross does it, writing such a terrific cozy culinary mystery series filled with consistently intriguing puzzles and fresh social dynamics for our heroine, Julia Snowden, to navigate as she solves crimes while trying to run her businesses.

Criminal Element, Cooking the Books, March 18, 2021

This ninth in the series excels at allowing the characters to evolve and grow, making them truly come alive and real for readers.

Kings River Life, March 27, 2021

The author describes the area so beautifully, the fishermen so completely, the sights, sounds, and fragrant air plunks you into the middle of her scene. The well-developed characters make you wish you could sit at their table…

Rosepoint Publishing.com , January 19, 2021

This series keeps evolving and adding new characters which keeps it fresh and all of us on edge!

Pirate Patty Reviews, February 23, 2021

I’m always reluctant to leave Julia behind when I reach the end of a book, and Shucked Apart is no exception.

Carstairs Considers, February 24, 2021

…while I didn’t guess correctly, I was thoroughly gratified with the way the threads of the plot came together in a cohesive reveal.

Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, February 24, 2021

…entertaining, fun, and well-paced.

Mystery & Suspense, March 4, 2021

I love the way Barbara Ross tells a story. She draws you in with the fantastic characters you have become invested in over the series and she tangles them up in a complicated mystery that holds you tight until the final page.

Escape with Dollycas Into a Good Book, March 29, 2021