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Barbara Ross: Maine Clambake Mystery Series

Clammed Up (A Maine Clambake Mystery Book 1) This month, as part of my continuing effort to cover at least one classic or highly recommended Cozy mystery every month, I’ve read the first entry in Barbara Ross‘s Maine Clambake Mystery Series, Clammed Up.

Julia Snowden has gone back to her family home in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, for the summer. A national economic recession and a poorly timed bank loan to try to expand before the economy broke have left the Snowden Family Clambake Company in dire straits, and Julia’s expertise in finance make her the perfect person to attempt a last-ditch financial solution before the bank calls the loan in.

The Snowden family has run their clambake company for about half a century, running guests out to their privately owned Morrow Island to partake in some of the finest delicacies the local waters can offer, a remote island several hours away by boat.

One of the parts of the financial solution includes opening up the clambake to new and different clienteles other than the regular twice-daily tourist crowd, such as offering early season special outings like wedding receptions. Unfortunately, the first such wedding reception is ruined by the discovery of a body on the island, that of the best man – and in the best classic mystery fashion, it seems like everyone has some sort of motive for doing him in.

One thing I really appreciated about Clammed Up is that the mystery is revealed almost immediately at the outset of the book. While there is a lot to be said for establishing a strong setting and cast, many novels tend to “meander” through the lives of the protagonist for far too long before getting to the mystery, especially in the first entry of the series. That isn’t the case here.

That isn’t to say that this establishment doesn’t occur – there is a great deal of time taken up in the first half of the novel with establishing the community, the family’s routine, what an average clambake is like, and other similar details. But all of it takes place with the murder already firmly established and in mind, which really helps a novel for someone like myself who appreciates the mystery as much as its backdrop.

Another thing I really love about Clammed Up is the cast. In some cases, the urge to make Cozy characters feel “unique” and “quirky” can backfire, making them feel more like caricatures than genuine characters. Clammed Up doesn’t fall into that trap – less sympathetic figures in the town still feel like people trying to do the best job they can under trying circumstances, rather than stubborn obstructionists that are outright trying to either ruin the Snowden family or cover up the crime (well, aside from the criminal, of course).

If you’re looking for a great Cozy set in a scenic, picturesque setting with interesting but believable characters and an engaging mystery that will present itself almost immediately, I can strongly recommend Clammed Up. I feel that this might be an especially good Cozy for those of us who are missing our own summers just a little bit more this year, as it can let you escape to the scenic seaside, if only for a bit.

P.S. As always, if you are interested in reading some of the other entries about highly recommended Cozy Mystery series, you can find them at the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on the site.

Comments

  1. I have just finished Clammed Up and am reading book 2 in the series BOILED OVER. These books are well written and enjoyable.

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  2. So glad you chose to highlight the clambake series. As you say, the writing is tight and the story moves along at a good pace, but not too quickly for us to get to know and care about the Snowden family and those they care about. The characters change and grow through the series (8 books so far and I can’t wait for #9!), which makes each book new and fresh. Many of us will not be able to go to the beach this summer, but the clambake series can bring the ocean to us. You can almost smell that salty air!

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  4. This is one of my favorite cozies because Barb shows the real Maine and Mainers in a respectful way. People working multiple jobs during the summer to help make it thru the off season. We are a resourceful bunch and Barb demonstrates that in this series.

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  6. I have read this entire series and absolutely love it. I have shared with friends and they love it also. We are looking forward to more of this series.

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  7. Having moved to Maine a couple of years ago, I began to collect mysteries that are set in this amazing state. The Clambake Series has been great fun! I even had an extra copy of Clammed Up and passed to to a friend who “doesn’t read.” It took her months, but she read it and loved it. She has even sought out the next couple of volumes. I’m glad I could share this!

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  9. Absolutely a great series! I’ve read it from the very beginning to the latest. Each just keeps getting better. She has just started a new series of which I am awaiting for in the mail.

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  10. I just got this on Kindle thanks to your recommendation and am enjoying it very much – it is a great escape. Many thanks!

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  12. I have read the whole series and they are so enjoyable. I think reading is very relaxing and have enjoyed it all my many years.

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  13. I also enjoy this series and usually recommend each book. I wanted to comment, though, that oftentimes (but not always) when I like one series by an author, I’ll probably like another series she has written.

    A new series, “Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody”, by Ms. Ross will be released 6/30/20. I’m REALLY looking forward to reading this. The synopsis looks great!

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  14. Thanks! This sounds like a well-written series and I’m glad you’ve introduced it to me! As a person living outside the US and dependent upon audiobooks available through my (Virginia-based) library membership, I like to hear about already-established authors and series–they are more likely to be available from the library than brand new things.

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  15. Though I had a book in the series in my TBR list, I had not read any yet. Since you are recommending this series, I read it, even though it was not the first (It’s Number 3). I really enjoyed it and have added the rest of the series to my wishlist, which are the ONLY books I am allowed to buy.

    Thanks for the recommendation!

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  16. This is one of my favorite series, so I’m glad you’re showcasing it to attract more fans! I think it’s time for a re-read of the Clambake series, in fact. I hope there are more in this series, but I’m also looking forward to her new ‘busybody’ series as well.

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