Boiled Over

Maine Clambake Mystery #2

by Barbara Ross

For Julia Snowden, the Founder's Day summer celebration in Busman's Harbor, Maine, means helping her family's clambake company to prepare an authentic taste of New England seafood. Any Mainer will tell you that a real clambake needs wood for the fire . . . so why is there a foot sticking out of the oven?

The townspeople want to pin the murder of the RV park owner on Cabe Stone, a new employee of the Snowden Family Clambake Company--who bolted from the crime scene and disappeared. Julia knows having another murder associated with her family's business is a recipe for disaster . . . but who is the killer? Cooking up a proper investigation doesn't leave much time for the rest of Julia's life, and this is one killer who'll do anything to stop her from digging up clues . . .

Includes Traditional Maine Clambake Recipes!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

Barbara 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.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boiled Over is the second book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross. I've read the first book and many other mysteries in this sub-genre. In this caper, Julia finds a dead body burning in her improvised clambake for the Founder's Day Weekend celebration in their small Maine coastal town. A new hire looks guilty, but he has a disappeared. As she investigates what happened, the police try to keep her from interfering. In the end, the criminal realizes Julia's on to him/her and almost claims another victim.

Ross creates a lovely atmosphere with a good cast. I like Julia, and her relationship with her sister feels genuine. They argue, make up, and turn to one another in times of need. I'm still waiting for a stronger connection with her mother, but I'm sure it'll come in the future. After what happened in the first book, this one picks up a few months later and shows us that things have gotten better since she almost lost the family business. But her time is coming to an end in Maine. Will she stay or return to NYC? I like the tension, but we know she will stay. I am excited to see what is the final weight added to the scale to tip over in New England's direction. Everything about the books is enjoyable. It's a fast read, and you can easily picture the setting.

I would like to see a bit more depth to the characters, as some seem a little indifferent at times. There is a relatively small cast, so it might just be that we need to warm up to others soon. I enjoy learning about clambakes. The mystery plots are interesting. In this one, we have some genealogy to solve as well as surprise connections to the victim. It never fails to astound me how you get swept up in a book and forget to pick up on clues. That, to me, means the writer has done a great job in capturing your attention. You might know the scene had a hint of the past in it, but you kinda just want to keep reading rather than analyze it. A strong second in series which has kept my interest. I've ordered the third one and look forward to reading more.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s clambake time again when the local town has a big summer festival and Julia Snowden’s family and their catering company are set up on the pier to cook for hundreds. But when things go wrong and a body is discovered, she’ll have to work to clear one of her employees—a new hire who immediately flees after the body is found underneath the cooking equipment. My favorite thing about this series is it’s so deeply rooted in Maine culture. Each book is like taking a mini vacation to Maine with descriptions of clambakes (so much food!), town festivals with races out in the harbor running over lobster traps, and much more. This had an interesting mystery to piece out.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. To participate in Founder's Day Weekend Julia and her family temporarily move the clambake to the pier using the Claminator. It looks like things are going great until the fire under neath starts to pop and hiss just before a leg shows up in the middle of it causing a scene in the middle of the celebration. The newest employee takes off running to hide out which makes them all suspicious. They all trust Julia though so of course she finds herself in the middle of the investigation while still trying to keep up with the family business. There seems to be less family stress this time around which lets the characters open up a little more even letting Julia battle some of her inner demons when it comes to her weird relationship. The back and forth provided some nice back ground to the story and the surprises along the way were something to behold as well. I really enjoyed this next installment in this series and highly recommend it to cozy mystery fans giving it 4/5 stars.

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another solid book in the Maine Clambake mystery series! It takes place during the towns Founder's Day summer celebration but instead of it being a joyous occasion, things quickly turn dark when there’s a FOOT sticking out of the “oven”. Who does this foot belong to and WHY is Julia’s newest employee running from the scene? Readers will find out in this exciting and fast paced cozy mystery! All in all, I loved it! I can practically taste the salt air and smell the lobsters cooking. The author really knows her stuff when it comes to Maine and reading this one reminds me of all the amazing summers I’ve spent there. I definitely recommend this book/series for those who enjoy cozy mysteries.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last year, I was on the fence about whether to start this series. I love the setting as we vacation in Maine frequently (albeit in the lakes region, not the coast) and I love food. The 1st set of reviews weren't what I would call, warm and fuzzy. A solid series start but definitely not as warm as some of the other cozy series out there.

That being said, I got the 1st one out of the library and liked it well enough. When I had the chance to get the 2nd one via NetGalley, I was all over it. I have to say, Barbara Ross is a good writer. She writes better than a lot of the other published cozy authors out there.

I do agree with some of the reviewers that the timeframe back and forth was a bit choppy and it wasn't necessary. I have been reading a few books (non-cozies too) that do the lookback to another month or year or whatnot and I have to say, many of them don't do it well. Here is no exception. I don't think the story gains anything with this. If anything, the segue way between the time periods wasn't done well and was too abrupt for my taste.

Julia is a likeable enough charater, a little on the arrogant side given that she knows she's headed back to NYC. There is no way she could 'possibly' want to stay in Busman's Harbor. Even for love. If I were Chris, I probably would've dumped her. You could tell, from the way she acted, she wasn't 100% committed to him. She seems to always be thinking of her life being somewhere else and not where she currently is. And she spent way too much time in this book mooning over what to do. Or speculating on why her family doesn't like Chris instead of either 1, ignoring them or 2, asking them why. She just hems and haws and it dragged on lot longer in this book than it should have. The book could've been about 50 pages shorter without all of this back and forth drivel.

I also wasn't a fan of incorporating the history of Busman's Harbor in the book. Maybe I'm beyond the point where I want to know more about the area's origins. To me, it felt a lot like school and it went on for pages and pages (I'm not dumb or unintelligent. I have a fairly serious job so in my off hours, I like to read fun stuff, not history).

The mystery was well thought out and put together and there was a surprise twist at the end exactly when you thought things were settled. I did enjoy that because I was feeling a little letdown with the way it was going to end, a little too predictable.

I don't love the supporting characters. Julia's mother is a wet noodle with no real place in the story, her brother in law Sonny is a total ass, no really, he's a total ass, and her sister is content to sit around and follow Sonny adoringly. Gus is ok and he runs his diner the way he wants but he seems to forget, as do most people who live in vacation areas (even the one where I go) that our money helps keep your town alive. Our money enables you to have a decent school system and road repairs and all those other things that non-vacation towns in Maine don't have. Remember that. I'm curious whether the author feels the same way as her character or if she feels that she needs at least one stereotypical character in the book that doesn't like people from 'away.'

Overall, it was a good mystery but there might not be enough, as I'm writing this, to make me want to keep reading and trying to like these characters.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second book in what is becoming a solid, but not over-the-top series, Boiled Over was a delightful read with a few weak points.

I really like Julia, though I wish she'd admit the inevitable; she's staying in Busman's Harbor. Chris is great, but I wish he'd open up a bit about himself. Sonny was absolutely horrible at the beginning, but he warmed up towards the end. I seriously don't know why he isn't nicer to his sister in law!

The setting is absolutely idyllic. The last three books I've read in a row were all set in Maine and I must say, it's looking pretty good right now! The mystery was positively wonderful, too. It was complex, and I was taken aback by the killer's identity.

Besides an annoying brother-in-law, and too many flashbacks (which I don't like), this was overall a very solid book. I will be reading the next one soon.

[Gloria Mccracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

If only the protagonist weren't such a self-involved dip, this would be a pretty good series.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boiled over by Barbara Ross is the 2nd book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. The Founder's Day weekend in Busman's Harbor is marred when a body is found in the claminator and when one of her employees is accused of the crime, Julia Snowden investigates. An enjoyable book although the back and forth in time was a little distracting. The mystery was intriguing and well written. I love the characters and the setting and am looking forward to the next installment.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Barbara Ross has cooked us up another fine mystery in Boiled Over. In this follow-up to Clammed Up Julia is still trying to make sure the Snowden Family Clambakes are back on the right track. She thinks serving their food sat the Founder’s Day celebration will be the perfect way to advertise and put a little more money in the business account. Of course she didn’t plan for the dead body.

Ross introduces us to some new characters who are not all who they seem to be. This leads the reader on quite an adventure. We even learn about the true founder of Busman’s Harbor and how the town got its name. We also traveled with Julia through a good bit of Maine tracking down clues.

Julia is not only trying to save the family business, she is at a crossroads of her life. Does she want to go back to New York City? Or stay in Maine with her family and a very important man in her life? Did she wait too long to share her true feelings?

Ross has served us a great mystery with a perfect amount of humor and romance. She has given us rich characters that continue to evolve and a nice little cliffhanger to bring us back for more when Musseled Out hits shelves in 2015.

[Lucy Burdette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent cozy mystery series with a main character who has depth, a charming setting, and good food!

[J.H. Moncrieff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Maine Clambake series has been so enjoyable thus far, and this book continues the trend. Set in the picturesque setting of the Maine coast, the series gives you a taste (no pun intended) of what it's really like to live in this idyllic region, warts and all.

Better yet, Ross has somehow managed to create a cozy mystery protagonist who isn't an annoying busybody. Her Julia always has a legitimate reason for investigating, and it never comes across like she's doing police-level work with no training. I didn't roll my eyes once, and that's a high compliment--I'm pretty picky about these things. You may wonder why I'm reading cozy mysteries and expecting realism, but there you have it. I do, at least to a certain extent.

I thought I'd solved the murder early, but it turned out I was wrong. Ross delivered a great twist in this one, without it seeming as contrived as an actual twist. This book is a great bit of writing, and the recipes sound delicious.

Recommended for lovers of New England, or the idea of New England, and cozy mysteries that aren't the slightest bit annoying.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from the book’s title not quite matching the story—my first with this author—it was a pleasant Summer getaway to Maine’s coast!! Learned quite a bit about the area—which was nice! Some Native American people traditions, some of the appeal and activities of coastal living, and a nice batch of recipes added at the end of the book. (This is not a spoiler!)

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, there were multiple suspects for the murder, and I did not focus on the correct one! I am enjoying the character development in this series very much and will make it a point not to read any of the books in this series out of order. It's a mistake to jump ahead and then later regret that you know where relationships are going! Again, I am enjoying the oceanside setting off the coast of Maine. All beaches are special, but there is something about New England that is very attractive to me!

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I surprisingly enjoyed this quite a bit which made me feel good.

It follows Julia as she investigates a murder at her small island, Busman's harbor and tries to clear one of her employee's name.

The twists and turns had me sitting at the edge of my seat for the entire duration. I made many guesses as to the murderer's identity as the book progessed but sadly none of them were right which of course made this journey all the more fun.

Julia's character fit perfectly into the mold for a cozy mystery mc and I was glad to see none of the elements took over the flavors of others and it was a perfectly balanced book.

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Snowden left her high powered New York job to help her family keep the Snowden Family Clambake making a profit, but she still plans to return to her "real" job. She's already helped in one murder investigation, getting her boyfriend out of trouble. Now on the Founder's Day committee, she comes to the docks to check on the Snowden families giant Clam baking oven, just to find a human leg hanging out of the fire and her newest young employee, Cabe, running away from the scene. Drawn into the investigation once again, Julia sets out to prove that this nice young kid, Cabe, is definitely innocent.

I really have been enjoying this series. I like the atmosphere and food descriptions of the Maine coast and all of it's seafood. The cast of returning characters have really grown on me, and the situations and clues to this new mystery are done with suspense that kept me guessing, but definitely led me to the solution. I listened to this on audio and enjoyed the narration.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This series isn't blowing me away, but I'm definitely enjoying it enough to keep on reading, especially because I'm in a headspace where I just crave cozies. In this, the second installment, Julia has saved the family clambake business, but is still planning to go back to her venture capital job at the end of the summer. She's on the committee to plan Founder's Day, but the celebration ends up ruined when a body is found inside the clambake oven. Julia sets out to prove the innocence of her young employee, Cabe, and naturally puts herself in danger in the process. The ending was a bit outlandish (one of those classic cozy mystery endings where the amateur sleuth does not actually manage to solve anything, just blunders into almost getting themself killed by the murderer), but I liked the mystery and Julia's investigation.

[Edwin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like these cozies set in a Maine town that resembles Boothbay Harbor. This one picks up where the first book in the series left off, with Julia Snowden managing her families clam bake business while wrestling over whether to stay in Maine or return to her Manhattan life. The murder of a local man during Founder's Weekend provides a distraction, and when a young employee comes under suspicion, Julia jumps in to action to clear his name.

The conclusion left me underwhelmed, unfortunately, but it was a fun ride till then. The setting is interesting, and Julia is a great protagonist, so I'll come back for more.

[Ashton Reads]

DNF @ 22%. I enjoyed the first book for the most part, but the MC and most side characters were really irritating me in this one. Julia can’t keep her mouth shut about anything (even when asked to by the police) and what I thought was going to be a swoony romance is instead feeling very immature (they’re in their 30s but sneaking around because her mother doesn’t like him?!). No thanks.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boiled Over marks my first time reading Barbara Ross. I found the story and mystery to be enjoyable and a nice little escape. Though I did have a craving for seafood a time or two.

**Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed.**

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of this series and as delightful as the first! Great fun to read!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the Maine Clambake series. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was and loved the atmosphere Julia's family lives in. It's the sort of small town I'd like to go visit sometime and Julia is a pleasant sleuth to spend time around.

Reading more of this series, for sure!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving these characters! It’s a loving bunch of neighbors with a few quirky, but loyal characters. Interesting mysteries, with lots of Maine details. I’m off to book 3!!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this little cozy mystery! I enjoyed getting to know Julia a little more. I find her a very likable character. There is so much about the setting that speaks to me, having been born and raised in New England. What I found especially enjoyable, though, was the actual mystery. It didn't feel forced or overly contrived or cloying, the way some cozies do. I loved all the little strands, the way the characters were woven together, how the pieces fit together. I didn't figure out whodunnit until right as it was being revealed, although I did see a couple of the twists coming. Regardless, it was still fun to see it all come to light. Suffice to say, I'm hooked on this series and really looking forward to reading more of it.

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Founder's Day Weekend gets off to a rough start when a body is found in the fire the Snowden Family Clambake was using to prepare a meal. With the police looking at one of their employees, Julia must dig in and find the real killer.

The story started out strongly and never faltered as it led me through several twists and turns. The characters were just as strong as in the debut, and I enjoyed spending time with all of them again.

Note: I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Linda Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boiled Over by Barbara Ross is the second book in her Maine Clambake Mystery Series. The Snowden Family Clambake Company was ready to serve cooked clams at the Founder's Day celebration, until a human body part rolled off the fire pile onto the pier. Horrified, Julia vowed to solve the murder and prove her new employee Cabe Stone innocent. The Snowden Clambake company already experienced one dead body this summer and Julia simply refused to make it two. Boiled over is a great cozy with a fresh storyline and reads especially well during the summer. Fast paced, with surprise twists and turns. If you love camping, Maine coastline, lobster and murder, you'll love Boiled Over.

[Maya Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second entry in Barbara Ross's Maine Clambake series made me want to visit Busman's Harbor in August. The mystery is as engaging as the eccentric characters who inhabit the town. They're all gathered for Founder's Weekend, and Julia Snowden, trying to keep her family's clambake company above water, finds herself once more at the center of a murder. I learned a lot about Maine history, breathed in the salt air, and felt the sea breeze ruffling my hair as I read this book. One day I hope to enjoy a real Maine clambake, but one that doesn't involve close encounters with the Claminator.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a strong series for me. I have never been to Maine, but I think I will have to try to make it there some day. The characters draw me back and I really enjoy the history of the region that Barbara Ross has woven into the story. As I watch the snow pile up outside in Pennsylvania, a clam bake on a summer island sounds like the right ticket for me. Now I have to wait for the 3rd book.

[Edith Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing plot, well-drawn characters, and a book I lost sleep over because I couldn't put it down. If you want to feel and taste coastal Maine, with a mystery or two thrown in, read this book.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - decent installment in the series and I will definitely continue with the next book - my only issue is that Julia (the protagonist) sometimes gets on my nerves but so far these instances are fleeting and not enough to hinder my enjoyment of the book.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This 2nd installment in the series didn't disappoint! I was definitely kept guessing and suspected just about everyone at some point. Good climactic ending and am looking forward to the next book.