Steamed Open–Maine Clambake Mystery #7

It’s summertime in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and the clamming is easy—or it was until a mysterious new neighbor blocks access to the beach, cutting off the Snowden Family Clambake’s supply. Julia Snowden is just one of many townspeople angered by Bartholomew Frick’s decision. But which one of them was angry enough to kill?

Available in mass market paperback, ebook, audiobook and large print editions.

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Beachcombers, lighthouse buffs, and clammers are outraged after Frick puts up a gate in front of his newly inherited mansion. When Julia urges him to reconsider, she’s the last to see him alive—except the person who stabs him in the neck with a clam rake. As she pores through a long list of suspects, Julia meets disgruntled employees, rival heirs, and a pair of tourists determined to visit every lighthouse in America. They all have secrets, and Julia will have to work fast to expose the guilty party—or see this season’s clam harvest dry up for good.

“Each one is even better than the previous.”

Suspense Magazine, Holiday Issue 2018

“In the seventh book of the excellent Maine Clambake mystery series, the summer tourist season is in full swing… I very much enjoyed the continuing saga of Busman’s Harbor and its inhabitants. A lot of cozy mysteries tend to elide the struggles of working-class folks in small towns, but Barbara Ross does a terrific job of grounding her novels in the reality of their day-to-day life.”

Criminal Element, December 2018

“Fun and summery with a salty touch of murder, makes Steamed Open a perfect cozy summer read.”

Wonder Woman Sixty, July 2020

“…a wonderful and entertaining story that I could not put down until all was said and done.”

Dru’s Book Musings, December 2018

“The entire story is very well-written with subplots the blend perfectly into the main plot. Twists, turns, and some exciting moments take place as Julia does her best to solve this mystery. There is a clear “edge of your seat” moment near the end that had my heart racing.”

Escape with Dollycas, December 2018

“If you haven’t yet met Julia, you are in for a treat. And if you are already a fan, Steamed Open will satisfy your craving for another delectable mystery.”

Carstairs Considers, December 2018

“Sure to appeal to readers who treasure the Maine coast…”

Kirkus Reviews, October 2018

“…well-plotted investigation with its cords of friendship and deeper affection, in its salt-tangy Maine setting…”

Kingdom Books, December 2018

“While some cozy series start to become repetitive after a while, I think the Maine Clambake Mystery series actually gets better. Author Barbara Ross clearly dug deep for this one (clam pun not intended), with thematic depth and more serious family history at the center of the mystery–without losing the small town charm of the cozy.”

YA Sleuth, December 2018

“You will feel the warm Maine sun and smell the ocean breeze and the clambake while you are reading this.”

Map Your Mystery, December 2018