Steamed Open

Maine Clambake Mystery #7

by Barbara Ross

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?

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.

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

265 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 24, 2018

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]

Steamed Open is the 7th book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries written by Barbara Ross. The series takes place on the coast of Maine in current times, and the protagonist is Julia Snowdown, a ~30ish young woman who spent time in NYC before returning home to help her mother and sister run the family business. She stumbles upon several murders and helps keep the town out of far worse trouble with the help of her boyfriend, Chris, and several friends and neighbors.

A 101-year-old woman passes away (natural causes) and leaves her home to her late husband's grand-nephew. The man shows up with a chip on his shoulder and blocks the pathway to the beach that everyone on the town has uses for decades. His great-aunt always supported Busman's Harbor, but this man is not very kind. No wonder he ends up dead, and the list of suspects is aplenty. Especially when we learn both the dead woman and the housekeeper who was initially suspected of the murder both have secret daughters. Did one of them kill so they could inherit next?

The best thing about these books is the supporting characters; everyone fits into the beautiful Maine culture. I love the history of the town and the founding families, and watching Julia's relationship with Chris blossom is entertaining and heartwarming, even if he can be a bit difficult at times. The mystery was really strong, but I was disappointed by the reveal of the killer. I won't go into details as I don't want to spoil the plot; however, it felt disconnected and offbeat. That said, discovering the genealogy of the two daughters and mapping the various guests was great fun.

Two more books left to catch up to the current release, plus 3 shorter novellas that the author issued in between as part of an anthology. I should have this series wrapped up by October, and then I can pick a new one based in Maine (my future home) to start... while I keep reading all the future books here too. I highly recommend it!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Steamed Open, summer tourist season is in full swing which means Julia Snowden is busy operating her family’s clambake business and her boyfriend Chris is busy working three jobs. And of course, she’s also investigating a murder on the side. A wealthy property owner has passed away and their heir attempts to restrict local residents from using their beachfront… and soon ends up dead.

I love this series so much because it’s chock full of Maine details and each book feels like you’re taking a little trip to the coast of Maine. I love spending time at Gus’s restaurant, where I want to taste those blueberry pancakes. In this one… clams! I know next to nothing about clams, fishing, lobsters, or the details and complications of being a fisherman, and getting to learn new things (like how one digs up clams) is always fun. Some interesting developments as we learn more about Chris’s family history and how it may affect another character. This mystery is largely about estates and inheritances… with some interesting pieces to solve!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Busman’s Harbor, Maine is in an uproar as Bartholomew Frick shuts down Sea Glass Beach access on a property he is set to inherit from the much-beloved resident Heloise “Lou” Herrickson. Julia is worried about having enough crabs for their Snowden Family Clambake’s and about the clammers that are losing their income. The tourists aren’t happy either especially a couple that was booked to spend a few nights in the nearby lighthouse. Soon after Julia tries to meet with the man to try to come up a plan to reopen the beach he is found dead. There are plenty of suspects as he had angered plenty of people. Just who was mad enough to commit murder? Julia plans to find out.

It was so nice to escape to Maine in the summertime as the cold weather here tries to chill us to the bone.

This time in addition to the beach being closed off preliminary plans have been drawn for repairing and renovating Windsholme, the mansion on Morrow Island that been empty since the 1920s. The mansion on the beach that Bartholomew Frick was inheriting was built by the same builder so the architect and designer are anxious to get a peek as they continue to finalize the plan. Julia and her boyfriend Chris are having some issues but she opens her will finally open up and tell her more about the secret she knows he is keeping.

This was a really fast read for me. The death of “Lou” Herrickson sets off a chain of events that had my pages absolutely flying. Her family tree and her will designations were very surprising to the people of Busman’s Harbor.

All my favorite characters were back and some new characters that definitely fit the “quirky” definition were introduced. One couple traveling by RV is trying to see or sleep in all the lighthouses in the U.S. What a fun idea!

I liked that we delve into Chris’ past in this story and start to understand him better. He has had a complicated life and the author is finally allowing Julia and us readers in on his past.

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.

I love the way Barbara Ross tells a story. She drew me in, set a brisk pace, and took me on a wonderful little trip complete with delicious food descriptions (with recipes) and a top-shelf mystery.

Each book in this series can be read on its own but for maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading them in order.

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou Herrickson, a beloved member of the Busman's Harbor community, has recently died. Lou has left everything to her late husband's grandnephew, Bart Frick. That includes the mansion where she lived and the lighthouse and beach connected to it. Lou had always left the beach open to the public, but the first thing Bart does is fence off the beach. The locals who make a living by clamming are the first to discover this when they arrive to start their morning of work, and that's when Julia Snowden becomes concerned. Her family uses clams harvested from this beach in the Snowden Family clambake. Hoping to resolve things faster than a court challenge will allow, Julia goes to talk to Bart the next morning only to find him closed to reopening the beach. A few hours later, Bart is dead. The suspects range from those impacted to by closing of the beach to any potential heirs to a couple obsessed with lighthouses. Can Julia help find the killer?

I absolutely love this series, and this is another excellent entry. The mystery is strong with several competing suspects and motives to keep us from seeing the truth until Julia figures it out. A couple of sub-plots carry over from the previous book, and I liked how they were woven into the main mystery. No, you don't have to have read the previous book to understand what happens here, but it certainly helps. The characters are strong, with layers to them that unfold as the book progresses. This makes the characters introduced here more complex than in many of the series I read, and I love them more for it. We also learned a bit more about a series regular here, and I loved that added insight. There are four recipes for you to enjoy once you've finished the book, two featuring clams and two baked goods.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Paula Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery at Busman's Harbor, ME and the Clambake crew. It starts with a funeral at sea of a woman that everyone loved but her heir was not likeable at all and puts a gate up to the beach access which has angered a lot of people especially clammers that depend on the area to make their living. Lots of issues and investigating. A fun read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Streamed Open by Barbara Ross is the 7th book in A Maine Clambake Mystery, and a wonderful book. Julia Snowden and her family are busy running the Snowden Family Clambakes Company. After a beloved neighbor passes away and her nephew inherits the family mansion, the trouble begins. Bartholomew Frick puts a large fence on the border of his property, and denies people access to the beach. Clammers, beach combers and lighthouse buffs are very angry. Next Frick is found dead, shortly after Julia talked to him. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, which Julia is determined to solve. Ms. Ross's books just seem to get better and better. I enjoyed reading about summer, as it snows outside my house. I strongly recommend this book and the whole series, you won't be disappointed. 

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series! The pages consistently turn themselves for me. Just one more chapter...and then suddenly I'm finishing the book.

What I liked about Steamed Open:
All the same things I always like - The characters, the setting, the writing style. It remains consistent from book to book. I love that I can rely on these core pieces every time I visit this series.
The mystery - I was guessing the entire time. Even though I thought I had nailed down both a suspect *and* a motive (I never get the motive). I was not even close.
The way all the pieces fit together - Oftentimes, I will find that certain aspects of the story don't line up in a way that "fits comfortably" for me. Other times, I feel like the author makes certain assumptions about the mental leaps the reader has taken. Ms Ross weaves a beautiful story. The puzzle pieces all fall into place by the point of the reveal. Even on the occasion that I think I've caught her in an "a-HA!!" slip-up, because I'm reading and I'm confused that I missed something key, I realize she's set me up because her explanation is immediately forthcoming. Even the ongoing story arcs are addressed consistently and the brief recaps of what's already happened to this point never feel trite or overly repetitive; this is truly such a rare gift in a series.
The character development - Each installment brings me more deeply into the characters themselves, as well as their relationships with one another. They are never static or stale, but they also don't hurry the timelines for this sort of development. Even the progression of time between one case and the next advances at a pace that feels "real."

What I didn't care for:
Just one thing, and it's minor at that. The edition I read needed some proofreading. Words were left out or added in where they didn't make sense in the sentence. It doesn't detract from the story in any way that makes it unreadable. I just notice these things, and unfortunately, they happened several times throughout the book.

Wrapped up this one and keeping right with the series as I jump into a holiday novella! This doesn't make me sad one bit. I wasn't ready to depart Busman's Harbor yet!

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows when I get a cozy mystery in my hands, leave me alone until I come up for air. The day I read STEAMED OPEN, the book didn’t leave my hands. It went everywhere in the house with me (Yes. Everywhere. TMI I know). Seriously, I couldn’t stop reading until I had finished.

I wouldn’t say book seven in the Maine Clambake Mysteries was lucky number 7 for author Barbara Ross. Luck had nothing to do with it. Brilliant writing and knowing what readers will love had everything to do with it!

Besides having wonderful characters that feel like family, food that will make your stomach growl (Thanks for the recipes at the end of the book, Ms. Ross!), and a setting that makes you wish you were there, STEAMED OPEN is a fabulous mystery that will have you guessing, like it did me, until the end. It also gets my vote for most creative murder weapon.

If you’re looking to do something nice for someone, or yourself, get a copy of STEAMED OPEN!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong entry in one of my favorite series. Ross makes me want to emulate a pair her characters and hop in an RV to visit as many lighthouses as I can, and of course, eat clams. The mystery is solid, with credible suspects and a strong motive for Julia to investigate. The revelations about one of the characters (no spoilers!) made my heart break a little, and the story might have been even stronger with a little more exploration into this character's seemingly-contradictory behavior towards two other characters. As always, the evolving relationship between Julia and Chris is very well portrayed, and the revelations there left me feeling quite tender toward them both. Looking forward to the next book!

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamed Open is the seventh book in the A Maine Clambake Mystery series.

I’ve loved this series since the first book. I can always count on an interesting and well-written story with interesting and believable characters. I’ve never been to a clambake, but I never tire of reading what is included and what goes into the preparation of the clambake.

Beloved resident, Heloise “Lou” Herrickson, has left her property, including her house, lighthouse, and lighthouse keepers cottage to her grand-nephew, Bartholomew Frick. The first change that Frick makes is to install a fence and locked gate preventing clammers and residents access to the beach that they have enjoyed for years. The clammers, wielding their clam rakes and residents begin a boisterous protest but are informed that the matter will have to go through a court process to resolve. Julia thinks that if she can talk with Frick, that maybe some kind of agreement can be worked out. As she approaches the front door she meets Ida Fischer, the Herrickson’s housekeeper. Ida lets Julia know that she has just resigned and tells her where Frick was when she last saw him. It turns out to be a short meeting and Julia’s pleas of understanding fall upon deaf ears. Then as Julia is leaving, she is approached by a neighbor, Vera French, who wants to express her sympathies to Frick and get a look inside the house. Later that day as Julia is returning from Morrow Island after the evening clambake, she is met by the police who inform her of Frick’s death.

Julia is more concerned with who will inherit from Frick, than who the killer was, hoping that it isn’t anyone involved in the protest. But, at the same time, she feels that knowing who the other heirs that are mentioned in Lou’s will may point to the possible killer. This turns out to be a dilemma for her as the late husband’s godchild, Elizabeth Anderson, cannot be found. Also, there is mentioned in the will a daughter that no one seemed to know anything about and was written out of the will.

Also coming out in this book is more about Julia’s boyfriend, Chris. Chris has been mostly secretive about his past and family. Finally, Julia is able to get him to open up and explain why he limits his contact with them. Also, plans for the restoration Windsholme, the old family home on Morrow Island, are being reviewed so that construction may start soon.

It always wonderful to spend time with the enjoyable residents of Busman’s Harbor and I will definitely be watching for the next book in this great series.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so hard to put down, I read it in one sitting! I love the small, seaside town of Busman's Harbor and the family clambake featured in this series. They're practically characters in the story. The characters are great, from protagonist Julia and her boyfriend Chris to policemen Dawes, Binder, and Flynn, and all the family and friends in between. Some of the usual side characters are little more than a mention in this book, but we meet several interesting, new characters. This is a well-written mystery, centered around recently-deceased Lou and her family's extremely valuable oceanside estate, her heirs - one of whom winds up dead - and a disinherited relative. There are a few solid suspects and a couple characters with mysterious histories. There's also a side storyline revealing more of Chris' background. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series, and this one hasn't been released yet! For readers who haven't discovered the joy of the Maine Clambake Mysteries yet, this book works as a stand-alone, but I highly encourage you to start from the beginning and enjoy the whole series chronologically!

I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Diane ~Firefly~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

a prominent townsperson dies and her heir is jerk

What I enjoyed:
* We finally learn more about Chris
* the web of deceit on some of these relationships was interesting

What could be better:
* Julia confronted multiple people who could have been the murderer by herself
* Chris really should have shared some of his past sooner since it affects the possibility of having children
* the ending was awkward first Julia almost dies because she was TSTL and then Chris is talking about his family (some recovery time might be nice) which then transitions into looking at blueprints for the house upgrade?

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another summer begins in Busman's Harbor, Maine and so does Julia Snowden's family's business of providing boat tours and authentic clambakes on their private island. But their quiet lives are disturbed with the death of a beloved elderly resident and the unwelcome arrival of her grandnephew by marriage, the executor of her estate. He promptly erects a fence on the property's beach, restricting public access to clamming and the lighthouse, which has been allowed for decades prior. When he is found dead just days after coming to town, few people mourn his death. But what will become of the estate and who had motive to murder him?

This is one of my favorite cozy series and I have read all prior six books. It was an excellent read. The mystery had multiple plot layers containing family secrets, leaving no shortage of suspects. Additionally, Julia and her boyfriend Chris face a crisis in their relationship. I am looking forward to book eight and hoping they can work through this challenge together.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steamed Open is a light cozy mystery. We get to go through the day to day running of the family clambake business with Julia Snowden. When Lou's heir is murdered, Julia sets out to get answers (just because she is nosy). The guilty party might as well have a neon sign over their head. It is easy to pick out the killer early in the book. We do get to learn more about Chris in this book. I will share my full review soon.Steamed Open by Barbara Ross has readers journeying to Busman’s Harbor, Maine in the height of tourist season in the month of August. Julia Snowden is on the Jacquie II with the rest of the town for Heloise (Lou) Herrickson’s memorial service and to scatter her ashes. Lou’s heir, Bartholomew Frick arrives at the last minute is a fancy new red Porsche. Bart inherited Herrickson Point along with a privately owned lighthouse. The next day, everyone is shocked when they arrive at the beach access road to find a newly installed gate. The clammers and lighthouse enthusiasts are particularly upset by this afront. Since Snowden Family Clambake relies on the clams that the clammers find on that beach, Julia decides to visit Bart Frick and see if she can get him to change his mind (maybe he is not aware of the problem he has caused). Unfortunately, there is no reasoning with the rude man and Julia soon departs. When Julia returns to the pier that evening, she is greeted by the local police. Bart was found stabbed in his home with a clam rake and Julia was one of the last people to see him alive (besides the killer, of course). When Lou’s former housekeeper, Ida Fischer ends up at the top of the suspect list, the Snugg sisters ask Julia to don her investigator’s cap once again (not that Julia needs an excuse). Bart may not have been in town long, but he quickly managed to anger a significant number of people. Julia wades through the suspect pool to identify Bart’s killer while manages the clambake business and discovering what is bothering her boyfriend, Chris.

Steamed Open is the seventh A Maine Clambake Mystery. It can be read alone if you have not read any of the previous books in the series. I enjoyed Barbara Ross’ conversational writing style. It makes for a light, airy cozy mystery that is easy to read. We get to experience the day-to-day running of the Snowden Family Clambake with Julia and her family. It is interesting to learn more about Maine and the clamming industry. I enjoy the descriptions of the area especially the beautiful home the Snowden’s own on their island. The mystery is uncomplicated, and the killer is easily identified (might as well have been a giant neon sign over the persons head flashing “killer”). There are several viable suspects including a couple determined to visit as many lighthouses as they can (they are not going to let a gate stop them). I am glad that we learned more about Julia’s boyfriend, Chris in Steamed Open. His story is heartbreaking. I did find his obsession with Vanessa a little odd despite the explanation. I hope that Chris will be more open to talking about the future with Julia now (he really needs to get counseling). There is repetition of information that I could have done without and lack of details about characters (i.e.—Chris’ last name, Livvie’s last name). Steamed Open is an upbeat cozy mystery that will have you yearning for warm days and sandy beaches with a cool drink nearby.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stranger puts up a gate blocking off the beach to clam diggers and beachcombers. Julia tries to get him to change his mind and leaves. Minutes later the stranger is found dead and Julia goes through a long list of people that could’ve done it. Everyone has secrets and Julia has to figure it out fast before the season is over. Julia and her mother are also making plans to redo their mansion that was in fire.. Lots of twists make it an interesting story

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Welcome back to Busman's Harbor and the Snowden Family Clambake which is going full throttle as this book is right in the middle of the season for them. Julia finds herself involved in a murder investigation yet again after a longtime member of their community passes away and her heir ends up being found murdered. It was just Julia's luck that it happened directly after she went to try to talk some sense into the man after he put up a fence that blocked access to the beach. What follows is some great sleuthing that reveals some intriguing details that I would have never thought of. This is an extremely well written cozy mystery that will draw you in so well that you will wish you could go on the clambake too since it sounds so yummy as well as fun. Absolutely perfect for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in the Main Clambake series. Julia Snowden runs her families clambake business. A new neighbor, who inherited his home from a recently deceased resident, blocks access to the beach that many locals depend on for income. And tourists that booked a stay in the lighthouse were also denied access. Julia attempts to meet with the neighbor so try to make a compromise. Shortly after the neighbor is found dead. With the whole town having a issue with him, there are no shortage of suspects..

There were many twists in this book that I enjoyed. We also learn more about Julia's boyfriend Chris in this book. I will definitely be reading the next book.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to entertain and challenge readers to figure out who the culprit is in the newest murder in Busman's Harbor, Maine. When Heloise “Lou” Herrickson, dies, Bartholomew Frick inherits her property. The first thing he does is block access to Sea Glass Beach. The clam diggers can't reach the clams, and local businesses are in trouble, including the Snowden Family Clambake. When Frick ends up dead, there is no shortage of suspects in the murder.

I really enjoy the setting in these books. I have never been to Maine, but definitely enjoy visiting via this series. There is plenty going on in this story with the ongoing renovations of Windsholme picking up, Chris hiding something from Julia and the Clambake open, Julia is kept hopping. The story was well-paced with a lot of information about Lou's family being released in bits along the way, finally enabling Julia to solve the crime. I enjoy the characters in the story. They are very well-developed and over the previous books in the series, I feel like we are old friends. There is a couple introduced in this book that are trying to sleep in lighthouses all over the U.S., that sounds like an interesting goal. I like that we learn more about Chris and his past as he becomes more important to Julia and the story. The mystery was well-done. It had a lot of suspects with plausible motive that kept me guessing right to the end. I was surprised at the ending, and enjoyed the final reveal. I definitely recommend this book and series to any cozy mystery lovers. Take a trip to the Maine Coast and enjoy Busman's Harbor. I listened to this audiobook and enjoyed the narration very much. I will look for more books narrated by Dara Rosenberg.

[Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic episode in the life of Julia Snowden and Busman's Harbour, Barbara Ross has a talent for making fictional people seem very real.  This book opens with a fairly sombre boat trip, one of Busman's Harbour's residents died a few weeks back and this trip is to honour her final wishes to scatter her ashes in the water, with the Snowden's boat being the only one large enough to take everyone they are doing the honours, but it starts badly when the heir to the Herrickson House turns up late, parks illegally and doesn't seem bothered about anything at all.  It gets worse the next day though when he has a fence and gate put up to stop people getting down to the beach! This means the clammers cannot get any clams (which can impact on the Snowden Clambake!), so Julia tries to talk to him to change his mind.  Unfortunately she doesn't succeed but someone is even unhappier as half an hour after she left the house he is found dead!

Now with the livelihood of various people hanging in the balance, Julia's boyfriend Chris finally opening up and skeletons coming out of closets, Julia has more than Clam Chowder on her mind!

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the height of the season in Coastal Maine, as the whole town is clogged with tourists. One of the town's Elders dies, and leaves her house to a grand nephew, who promptly fences off the beach. He gets the usual death sentence jerks get in these cozies.

Our tour guide sleuth investigates, and finds the Elder was not the paragon she seemed, and that many people had a motive to kill the nephew.

Not too bad.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new Maine Clambake Mystery. I am never disappointed. Julia gets involved in another murder during the height of the season. As she juggles work and investigating, Chris also opens up to her about his past. The plots in this story were engaging and entertaining. The mystery was difficult enough to keep me guessing ( incorrectly, as it ended up). Every time I read one of these books, I always want to go to Maine and go to a clambake like the Snowden Clambake. Maybe one day I'll get there. Until then, I will eagerly await the next Maine Clambake Mystery.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Snowden Clam Bake is having
problems getting their supplies.
It seems a man who inherited a
property has shut down Sea Glass
Beach. This has all of Busman’s
Harbor, Maine in a turmoil.
A complex mystery which centers
around the deceased Lou, the
oceanside estate, her heir whom
ends up dead plus a distant relative.
In addition a family traveling in a RV,
wants to stay in the off limits lighthouse.
Great characters with a subplot mixing
into a well written mystery.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of the Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross !! I am a HUGE fan of the state of Maine so it makes sense that I would love this series as it is set in Maine !! But there is so much to love about this series !

You cannot help but fall in love with the main character Julia, her family and the neighbors, her family business and the fact that when there is a murder Julia jumps right in with both feet to "help" the local police department solve the case. Even though Julia has her hands full running the family's clambake business and its summertime which is when they are at their busiest, when there is a murder Julia is off and running......even if the murdered person is basically a stranger.

Ross knows how to capture the readers attention as soon as you open the book and keeps your attention until you have read the last word and even after you close the book, Busman's Harbor will stay with you for a while. How can it not ? The way the story is written, you feel like you are a part of their community and not just someone passing by. You feel like you have a seat at the counter at Gus's and you feel like you are enjoying lunch with everyone employed at the Snowden Family Clambake....but the best is hanging out with Julia as she solves another murder in her close knit town.

Steamed Open is the seventh book in this wonderful series and I cannot help but hope that there are many, many more books in this series. I need to return to Busman's Harbor as many times as I can...... Thank you Barbara for allowing me and all your other faithful readers the chance to take a vacation while sitting in our own living rooms !!!

[Caitlin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summertime is just kicking off in Bussman's Harbor and that means Julia is working her butt off managing the clambake business. She is blown away when she hears from one of her clammers that one of the main beaches has been shut down. The owner of the property has recently died and left the estate, property and lighthouse to her great nephew, Bartholomew Frick. Frick decides that since it is his land now, he is shutting down the beach. This threatens the livelihood of many of Bussman Harbor's families as this is one of their primary jobs in the summer. Julia goes over to see Frick to try to talk some sense in to him and explain what a hardship this is causing, but he doesn't change his mind. Julia finds out that a few minutes after she leaves Frick someone kills him. Julia does some digging and some more digging and finally unearths some very interesting information regarding the property, its previous owners and the rightful heirs.
Another good one in this series. There wasn't much about the actual clambake, which I kind of miss from the previous ones. A little bit on them building up the mansion on the island, which I like.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia is happy that it is summertime and clamming season is upon her family. There's nothing greater than having clambakes and hoards of vacationers to enjoy them. When a newcomer to town denies access to the beach where the Snowden family holds their Clambakes there is an uproar of disapproval not only from the family but the town. People look forward to the Clambakes not only for themselves but for the people it brings to the town. When newcomer, Bartholomew Frick, ends up dead things don't look good for the Snowden family. Julia knows that no one in her family could have murdered the man but who does that leave? She soon learns that Frick had quite a few people who disliked him but who out of the bunch could have killed him and why. Follow along as Julia digs into Frick's life and hopes to find a killer among the clues. Will she find the answers she seeks or will this murder remain a mystery? This is a great series filled with a wonderful cast of characters. I love the relationship that Julia has with her family and it just adds to the story. The location is beautiful and one I would love to visit one day. I'm from the south so I enjoy learning about the cuisine that is mixed throughout the story and it has me trying new things all the time. I can't wait to see where the author takes Julia and her family next and I hope she brings some new and exciting recipes to the mix.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maine Clambake series is one of my favorites, and Steamed Open has become my favorite of the series! I love the descriptions of the town—I can imagine Busman’s Harbor so clearly as I read the books. Julia Snowden is such a great character, and the secondary characters are great as well. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an eccentric elderly lady dies and her estate passes to a rather unpleasant relative who cuts off access to the beach, his actions irritate a variety of people from local clammers to tourists. Julia gets involved since her clam source for the clambake is now having problems getting clams. When a murder occurs, Julia ends up learning a lot more about the secrets people keep, including some within her family.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Forse è partito un po' lento, ma dalla metà circa in poi ho letteralmente divorato questo libro.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has become one of my favorite series. I like the setting and characters and especially like the character growth from book to book.