Steamed Open by Barbara Ross is the seventh book in the “Maine Clambake” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington Books, coming December 18, 2018.

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.

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Like fine wine, this series gets better and better.

This well-written and tightly woven page-turner had everything I love in a whodunit – a great cast, an intriguing mystery, engaging dialogue and an all-around feel good atmosphere. The tone was very comfortable and the pacing was on par with how well this story was being told. The author has a way with the narrative that pulled me in completely as if I’m a part of all the action.

Ms. Ross did a great job in staging this drama, where the killer was hiding in plain sight. While diligently giving us a glimpse into the lives of the potential suspects, clues were scattered throughout with some strategically placed and surprising twists that truly enhanced the telling of this tale. From Julia to Chris to Binder to Emmy to the Snuggs and others, all had pivotal roles that shaped the direction the drama was taking place and I liked it, especially learning more about Chris’s background. This was a wonderful and entertaining story that I could not put down until all was said and done. I look forward to the next chapters in the lives of Julia and her friend in this delightfully charming series.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.