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Maine Clambake Mystery #3
Musseled Out
The busy summer tourist season is winding down in Busman's Harbor, Maine, but Julia Snowden senses trouble simmering for the Snowden Family Clambake Company. Shifty David Thwing - the "Mussel King" of upscale seafood restaurants - is sniffing around town for a new location. But serving iffy clams turns out to be the least of his troubles....
When Thwing is found sleeping with the fishes beneath a local lobsterman's boat, the police quickly finger Julia's brother-in-law, Sonny, as the one who cooked up the crime. Sure, everyone knows Sonny despised the Mussel King...but Julia believes he's innocent. Proving it won't be easy, though. It seems there's a lot more than murder on the menu, and Julia needs to act fast....
Includes traditional Maine clambake recipes!
When Thwing is found sleeping with the fishes beneath a local lobsterman's boat, the police quickly finger Julia's brother-in-law, Sonny, as the one who cooked up the crime. Sure, everyone knows Sonny despised the Mussel King...but Julia believes he's innocent. Proving it won't be easy, though. It seems there's a lot more than murder on the menu, and Julia needs to act fast....
Includes traditional Maine clambake recipes!
313 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 2015
381 people are currently reading
1513 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 288 reviews
May 12, 2021
Musseled Out is the 3rd book the Maine Clambake cozy mystery series written by Barbara Ross. After reading a similar series, I decided to continue this one throughout 2021. Since there are 9 to catch up on, and more likely coming, I want to be ready when the tenth is published later this year. Of the three so far, this is my favorite. Everything has settled into place, which means the writing is strong, the characters are well developed, and the side stories are pulling me further into the setting. Kudos to the author for making this so fun.
Julia has a few days left to decide whether she will return to NY after her leave of absence is up, or if she'll permanently return to Busman's Harbor on the coast of Maine. When her brother-in-law is accused of murdering another fisherman / entrepreneur, she's keen to solve the case. But once her boyfriend's potential guilt is highlighted, she's even more eager to find the real killer. Toss in a drug storyline, a business partner who might be good or bad, and a family with some secrets, Julia's bound to pull her hair out solving this case.
As if that's not enough, her mother might have a new boyfriend, and her sister's pregnancy is further along and potentially still in danger. What's going on around town? Thankfully, the pages turned quickly... as I couldn't get enough of this story. I waited a month since reading the last one, and it really helped me miss the characters and pay more attention. Everything about this one was strong. From the multiple red herrings to the diverse cast of possible killers, I knew someone was lying, but I didn't realize how far it had gone. What a shocker! I can't wait to read the next one, but it will wait until the end of May... maybe it will be even better as a result. I recommend this series wholeheartedly.
Julia has a few days left to decide whether she will return to NY after her leave of absence is up, or if she'll permanently return to Busman's Harbor on the coast of Maine. When her brother-in-law is accused of murdering another fisherman / entrepreneur, she's keen to solve the case. But once her boyfriend's potential guilt is highlighted, she's even more eager to find the real killer. Toss in a drug storyline, a business partner who might be good or bad, and a family with some secrets, Julia's bound to pull her hair out solving this case.
As if that's not enough, her mother might have a new boyfriend, and her sister's pregnancy is further along and potentially still in danger. What's going on around town? Thankfully, the pages turned quickly... as I couldn't get enough of this story. I waited a month since reading the last one, and it really helped me miss the characters and pay more attention. Everything about this one was strong. From the multiple red herrings to the diverse cast of possible killers, I knew someone was lying, but I didn't realize how far it had gone. What a shocker! I can't wait to read the next one, but it will wait until the end of May... maybe it will be even better as a result. I recommend this series wholeheartedly.
February 7, 2022
I love this series so much. It’s absolutely like taking a trip to a little town in coastal Maine. So much delicious traditional Maine food described in every chapter (lots of lobster and seafood dishes, and desserts with blueberries). This book had an interesting plotline with lobstermen because the murder in the book took place on a lobster boat. Also, the main character Julia Snowden has to decide whether she wants to stay in her little coastal town where the economy is depressed and everyone has to work three part time jobs to make it, or return to New York City, where she had a big job in finance. In Maine, she’ll be with her family and new boyfriend, Chris. In NYC, things in some ways will be easier. (Of course, then we don’t get any more books, so I like Maine’s chances!) As we get deeper into the book, the plot just gets twistier, involving the depressed economy, competing restaurants and what means struggling lobstermen may have to turn to in order to make ends meet. This was well plotted and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 18, 2017
Dang, I love this series!
November 30, 2017
Great addition to series
August 5, 2021
Sooo good! This one kept me guessing, I wasn't sure who did it. I am in love with this series. This is one I would recommend reading in order if you can.
May 20, 2019
A quick and easy to read addition to this series. Ms. Ross has a descriptive writing style with a fast paced plot that pulled me in and I didn't quit reading until I finished the book.
May 29, 2015
I was pretty down on this series after book 2. I love the setting and the clambake descriptions but something was off for me. Book 1 was ok, book 2 for me, was awful. Still, on NetGalley, I saw that I could request book 3 for free and said, why not.
Finally this series clicked for me. I get it. Some long buried secrets are finally out in the open. The main character, Julia, has finally grown on me and is moving forward with her boyfriend Chris. Though her brother in law Sonny is one of the more annoying characters, there's a lot we learn about him in this book. The conclusion was fast-paced and the mystery was well written.
I wouldn't say I'd rush out and buy future books, but as long as I can get them for free or from the library, I'll continue to add them to my TBR pile.
Finally this series clicked for me. I get it. Some long buried secrets are finally out in the open. The main character, Julia, has finally grown on me and is moving forward with her boyfriend Chris. Though her brother in law Sonny is one of the more annoying characters, there's a lot we learn about him in this book. The conclusion was fast-paced and the mystery was well written.
I wouldn't say I'd rush out and buy future books, but as long as I can get them for free or from the library, I'll continue to add them to my TBR pile.
December 18, 2018
This is a series I absolutely adore. I just love following the characters and story through each book. Julia's a fabulous sleuth, and readers will love getting to know her. If the setting and the food don't hook you in, then the mystery will.
February 11, 2020
Musseled out by Barbara Ross is the 3rd book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. "Mussel King" David Thwing is opening a seafood restaurant in Busman's Harbor in competition with the Snowden family Clambake Company when he is found dead under a lobster boat and Julia Snowden's brother-in-law Sonny is suspected. An interesting series which just keeps getting better. We find out a little more about the characters with Julia finally deciding to stay in Busman's Harbor with her boyfriend, Chris. An enthralling mystery with engaging characters and vivid descriptions, especially of the food.
May 6, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Another tasty installment from Barbara Ross. In Clammed Up Julia came home to help save the family business. In Boiled Over she got the business steered in the right direction. Now in Musseled Out the season is drawing to a close and she needs to make a huge decision, return to her job back in New York or stay in Maine with her friends and family. Of course a dead body being found and her brother-in-law being a prime suspect will weigh heavily into her decision. First she needs to find out who killed the “Mussel King” and why, then she should hopefully, probably, maybe, make a decision regarding her own future.
I quickly became caught up in this mystery because after reading the first 2 books I was very invested in these characters. Growing up in a family food business I understand how the whole family gets involved to making it a success so I really want the Snowden Family Clambake Company to succeed. A new competing business wouldn’t be a good thing but I can’t see Sonny killing someone over it so I knew there was much more to the story, but Ross truly surprised me with the way she mixed all the elements together.
Barbara Ross slowly develops these characters. We learn more and more about them with every turn of the page. Livie, Julia’s sister, and Sonny have a new baby on the way. Add that to the business worries and things get a little stressful. Julia’s mom is unsure of her place since her husband passed away and she is branching out causing some concern from her daughters. Chris and Julia’s relationship is still so new and they are working things through as they get a little more serious.
The author has given us a wonderful whodunit with just the right amounts of humor and romance. I loved the ending. I hope this isn’t the last we see of these characters. I have really enjoyed my Maine excursions.
June 19, 2016
Wow, Barbara Ross just moved up a step on my good authors list. The first two books of this series were good, solid four-star reads, but this book absolutely blew them out of the water.
Julia, Chris, Jacqueline, Sonny, Livvie, Fee, Vee, Gus, and the other assorted characters reappeared in this book, which was, of course, wonderful. Also, we got to meet Sonny's dad, and Gus's wife, both of who I really hope reappear in the next few books. Jacqueline, Julia's mother, and Sonny went through some things in this book that actually made me like them more. I really hope that Sonny stays this way in the next book and I hope we see more of Jacqueline.
The setting was absolutely to die for. I think I could move to Maine now and be fine for years to come. The mystery, however, was what brought this book to a new level. There were so many different things happening in the mystery that it left me thoroughly confused about who the killer could be and when the reveal happened I was shocked.
Overall an excellent book. I can't wait to read Fogged Inn!
Julia, Chris, Jacqueline, Sonny, Livvie, Fee, Vee, Gus, and the other assorted characters reappeared in this book, which was, of course, wonderful. Also, we got to meet Sonny's dad, and Gus's wife, both of who I really hope reappear in the next few books. Jacqueline, Julia's mother, and Sonny went through some things in this book that actually made me like them more. I really hope that Sonny stays this way in the next book and I hope we see more of Jacqueline.
The setting was absolutely to die for. I think I could move to Maine now and be fine for years to come. The mystery, however, was what brought this book to a new level. There were so many different things happening in the mystery that it left me thoroughly confused about who the killer could be and when the reveal happened I was shocked.
Overall an excellent book. I can't wait to read Fogged Inn!
May 14, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series, and it was the best one so far for me. I loved this book. The story was complete in every way. The characters and the town came more alive in this 3rd installment. I got to know the characters and the town more intimately. The murder mystery was wonderful. It was well thought out and the story included other little mysteries solved along the way. I love how the island cat Lei Roi became a treasured part of the family. I had been waiting and hoping for that! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
April 28, 2015
Events in Busman Harbor Maine are winding down as the town gets ready for winter. Julia Snowdon meets a new competitor on the dock who tells that Family Clambake won't last a year. Julia heads to the island to think through her decisions. She must decided where she wants to live, rather to return to her former job and if she wants to continue with her relationship with Chris. Looking for her cat Le Roi she spots a lobstor boat that appears empty. When the book is pulled from the water the competitor is founddead tangled inthe ropes. Her bother- in - law is the main suspect. Julia works to help clear him. What are her answer to all her questions? I recommend this this series.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to think them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to think them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
July 2, 2016
I'm a fan of this series and this one was very, very good. It's a traditional mystery with depth and complexity. The author doesn't shy away from the social and economic challenges for folks living in Maine. Instead she weaves them into the story - seasonal employment, small coastal town, proximity to Canada, et al. The relationships and character development are consistent and realistic. The mystery is layered and the climactic scene on and in the water in stormy weather is exciting. Great job. I highly recommend this one.
January 19, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded up
This continues to be one of my favorite series. Though there is murder and mayhem, the gore and unsavory bits are kept off screen. True cozy mystery here, but it’s not stupid fluff. Julia is a smart woman and does her best to figure out what’s going on before her brother-in-law gets locked up for good.
Content: a few minor swears
This continues to be one of my favorite series. Though there is murder and mayhem, the gore and unsavory bits are kept off screen. True cozy mystery here, but it’s not stupid fluff. Julia is a smart woman and does her best to figure out what’s going on before her brother-in-law gets locked up for good.
Content: a few minor swears
September 3, 2015
I love this series, and Ross does a great job tugging and pulling her characters in many ways - this was an emotional roller-coaster, with Julia having to make the decision to stay or go, which will affect her family, her relationships, and - oh, solve the latest murder mystery!
September 11, 2022
I am reading all of the books in this series in order, and I am enjoying them very much! It's a cozy mystery series with interesting characters and character development. (I especially enjoy Le Roi, the island cat!) In this particular book, there was a focus on the business of lobstering and what the lobstermen do on their boats. It's hard labor! Some of the expressions and descriptions were somewhat difficult for me to grasp, but that did not affect my enjoyment of the story. I enjoyed the setting just off of the coast of Maine. Yes, I will definitely continue reading this series!
July 21, 2016
The Snowden family is preparing for their last clambake of the season. Business has been good since Julia came back to town. However, she needs to decide if she will continue to stay in Busman's Harbor to help out with the family business or return to her previous lifestyle in New York. To make matters worse a couple family members and her love interest seem to be withholding big secrets from one another. Julia has little time to focus on those problems before a potential competitor is found brutally murdered and her entire time is spent investigating suspicious lobster trades, a missing person, and even some illegal activity.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I love that the author took advantage of the bay setting and the local lobstermen to create a new setting rather than just the island clambake or nearby town. It was nice to learn a little bit more about a few of the reaccuring characters. I had the mystery figured out, but the story still continued to hold my interest. I'm happy that Julia finally made some desicions about her career and love life throughout this book. The new venture that occurred at the end will be interesting too! As always the food descriptions had my mouth watering for some seriously good seafood! I'm curious to see if Geinieve sticks around. The only thing that disturbed me was Sonny. His bad attitude and temper is really annoying. I didn't care for his dishonesty or the fact that his involvement in a serious situations seems to be overlooked.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I love that the author took advantage of the bay setting and the local lobstermen to create a new setting rather than just the island clambake or nearby town. It was nice to learn a little bit more about a few of the reaccuring characters. I had the mystery figured out, but the story still continued to hold my interest. I'm happy that Julia finally made some desicions about her career and love life throughout this book. The new venture that occurred at the end will be interesting too! As always the food descriptions had my mouth watering for some seriously good seafood! I'm curious to see if Geinieve sticks around. The only thing that disturbed me was Sonny. His bad attitude and temper is really annoying. I didn't care for his dishonesty or the fact that his involvement in a serious situations seems to be overlooked.
January 27, 2019
This is such a fun series and makes me want to drive up the coast to check the state of Maine out, and eat a bunch of lobster while I'm there. Some of the scenes truly make my mouth water.
January 8, 2019
Book three in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. Yet another excellent installment to this wonderful cozy mystery series. The clambake has made it to the end of the season with things looking reasonably good but then a competitor arrives which may make things difficult. Julia is trying to make friends with the guy but her brother-in-law just constantly argues with him. This ends up being a bad thing when the man is found dead tied to the bottom of a boat with Sonny being the main suspect. Of course Julia has to investigate to figure out what actually happened to save the business and her family. The story has quite a few twists and turns to keep the reader hooked which worked well on me. I am addicted to all of the characters by this point and am always ready to see what will happen next. If you enjoy well written cozy mysteries you have got to try this wonderful series. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
January 6, 2017
The mystery was good and you learn a lot more about the people of this small town. Julia is at a crossroads. Does she go back to her New York marketing career or stay in her small hometown and if she stays, what will she do for work in the winter? Then there is a murder and her brother-in-law is lying about something so she investigates.
I finally started to like Chris, he was a strange romantic character previous to this. He still stays in the background, but some secrets are revealed. The book doesn't shy away from some heavy topics.
I finally started to like Chris, he was a strange romantic character previous to this. He still stays in the background, but some secrets are revealed. The book doesn't shy away from some heavy topics.
July 15, 2015
Barbara Ross' series is popular, and I've read all three books published so far. They just keep getting betters and this one (I believe) is her best. She's got the lobstering community in Maine right, the emotions and confusion when someone unexpectedly dies, right, and the backstory of several characters adds to the depth of the book -- and the series ... and suggests issues and plots to come. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2020
I feel like the series is really starting to hit its stride with this one! This is a complex mystery that could involve Julia's brother-in-law and/or her boyfriend, so stakes are high. At the same time, Julia is trying to finally decide whether to stay in Maine--we know what she'll decide, of course, but things are still tense for her. All in all, a really solid and entertaining cozy mystery.
July 14, 2016
This series is addictive. Julia and her family own a clambake business in Maine. A man who was going to open a similar business turns up dead and some of her family comes under suspicion. I'm learning to like this family and look forward to the next book in the series.
June 10, 2018
Another great Maine clambake mystery. These books are easy to read, the mystery was good and the ending exciting. I like the characters and it’s fun to get to see the clambake through the different seasons.
November 22, 2019
These books are so enjoyable. As much as I love cozies, these are the only ones I've read where the protagonist isn't an annoying busybody, getting overly involved in everyone's business.
The setting of coastal Maine is perfect, the recipes sound amazing, and the way Julia and her relationships with everyone in town are evolving keeps things interesting. Somehow, the body count doesn't seem as contrived in this series as it does in the others I've read.
Kudos to Barbara Ross for including everything that's wonderful about cozy mysteries while sidestepping the pitfalls.
The setting of coastal Maine is perfect, the recipes sound amazing, and the way Julia and her relationships with everyone in town are evolving keeps things interesting. Somehow, the body count doesn't seem as contrived in this series as it does in the others I've read.
Kudos to Barbara Ross for including everything that's wonderful about cozy mysteries while sidestepping the pitfalls.
October 17, 2020
All the feels with this book. Oh my goodness, this series keeps getting better! Excited to continue with Fogged Inn.
February 5, 2016
I love going to Busman's Harbor and spending time with the Snowden family and all the residents there. Barbara Ross has such a way with her writing that you feel like you are there. You feel like the invisible sister of Julia and Livvie or you will want to be.
Julia returned home in the first book of the Maine Clambake Mystery books, Clammed Up, to help run the family clambake business before her mom loses everything. As with Clammed Up, the second book Boiled Over, both involved murders that Julia was involved in "helping" the police solve the crimes.
Now here we are with Musseled Out and Julia is still there. Julia is facing a huge life-changing decision. Her job in the city has been kept vacant but the bosses need to know if she will be returning and when or they will have to fill her position. As she struggles with thoughts of leaving Busman's Harbor, her family, friends and her boyfriend, Chris, David Thwing is found tangled in the lines of a lobster boat. And her brother-in-law Sonny seems to be on the top of the suspect list.
As Julia works on proving Sonny's innocence, helping at the local's only restaurant, she uncovers some town secrets that involve those close to her. She can't walk away from her family and town now or can she ??
The Maine Clambake Mystery series books are a treat to read. The town is a town you could see yourself living in, the people are people you can see yourself helping out with whatever is needed. You will be so inolved in the story that the end will be upon you before you know it. But don't worry Fogged Inn will be here soon enough !!!
Julia returned home in the first book of the Maine Clambake Mystery books, Clammed Up, to help run the family clambake business before her mom loses everything. As with Clammed Up, the second book Boiled Over, both involved murders that Julia was involved in "helping" the police solve the crimes.
Now here we are with Musseled Out and Julia is still there. Julia is facing a huge life-changing decision. Her job in the city has been kept vacant but the bosses need to know if she will be returning and when or they will have to fill her position. As she struggles with thoughts of leaving Busman's Harbor, her family, friends and her boyfriend, Chris, David Thwing is found tangled in the lines of a lobster boat. And her brother-in-law Sonny seems to be on the top of the suspect list.
As Julia works on proving Sonny's innocence, helping at the local's only restaurant, she uncovers some town secrets that involve those close to her. She can't walk away from her family and town now or can she ??
The Maine Clambake Mystery series books are a treat to read. The town is a town you could see yourself living in, the people are people you can see yourself helping out with whatever is needed. You will be so inolved in the story that the end will be upon you before you know it. But don't worry Fogged Inn will be here soon enough !!!
March 29, 2015
I was given an ARC by the publisher in return for an honest review
Musseled Out, the third in the Maine Clambake mystery series, sees Julia and her family facing competition from Thwing, an smarmy entrepreneur. When Thwing turns up dead, Julia investigates to clear her brother-in-law Sonny from the list of suspects.
This was a complex plot; lots of suspects, lots of motives and lots of opportunity. It kept me guessing until the end, and I never had a good idea who was the culprit. I enjoyed that the secondary characters gained more dimension, they became more a part of the story than just scenery. Julia grew as a character as well, it was nice to see her moving forward with her relationship with Chris and with her plans for the future. I identify with Julia's independence and caution, and I thought her thought processes and actions were entirely in line with what the character demonstrated so far. In other words, I find Julia to be a believable and realistic character.
As always, I loved the scenery; I could just imagine Maine in the fall and the gorgeous colors of the leaves on the trees. Also, beware of the food porn, Chris's fantastic dishes will make your mouth water.
A great read, the best in the series so far and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Busman's Harbor.
Musseled Out, the third in the Maine Clambake mystery series, sees Julia and her family facing competition from Thwing, an smarmy entrepreneur. When Thwing turns up dead, Julia investigates to clear her brother-in-law Sonny from the list of suspects.
This was a complex plot; lots of suspects, lots of motives and lots of opportunity. It kept me guessing until the end, and I never had a good idea who was the culprit. I enjoyed that the secondary characters gained more dimension, they became more a part of the story than just scenery. Julia grew as a character as well, it was nice to see her moving forward with her relationship with Chris and with her plans for the future. I identify with Julia's independence and caution, and I thought her thought processes and actions were entirely in line with what the character demonstrated so far. In other words, I find Julia to be a believable and realistic character.
As always, I loved the scenery; I could just imagine Maine in the fall and the gorgeous colors of the leaves on the trees. Also, beware of the food porn, Chris's fantastic dishes will make your mouth water.
A great read, the best in the series so far and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Busman's Harbor.
December 17, 2017
As a testament to how much I enjoy this cozy mystery series, when my county library co-op system managed to lose the single copy they had of this book, I was forced to purchase my own copy, because there was no chance I was either giving up on this series or skipping a book and continuing past it. This paper-and-ink girl even tolerated reading the e-version on my iPad's Kindle app. And despite all the obstacles, it was worth it. I really love each of the characters and the development of their personal stories. There were multiple mysteries, well interwoven, that drew a sound conclusion. I didn't figure it all out until just as Julia was working it out for herself. My one and only complaint is that RED SOX GAMES DO NOT GO INTO OVERTIME. C'mon, editors. Baseball games go into extra innings. If you're going to get so much about living in New England right, it's a travesty to get something like that so very, very wrong! (I didn't allow my horror to affect my rating for this book, though.) I can't wait to see what's next for Julia, Chris, Quentin, and the Snowden Family Clambake gang.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews