Torn Asunder

A Maine Clambake Mystery, Book 12

By: Barbara Ross

Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

In Barbara Ross's award-winning series featuring sleuth Julia Snowden and her family's coastal Maine clambake business, Morrow Island is a perfect spot for a wedding—and a Snowden Family Clambake. Julia Snowden is busy organizing both—until a mysterious wedding crasher drops dead amid the festivities . . .

Julia's best friend and business partner, Zoey, is about to marry her policeman boyfriend. Of course, a gorgeous white wedding dress shouldn't be within fifty yards of a plate of buttery lobster—so that treat is reserved for the rehearsal dinner. Julia is a little worried about the timing, though, as she works around a predicted storm.

When a guest falls to the floor dead, it turns out that no one seems to know who he is, despite the fact that he's been actively mingling and handing out business cards. And when an injection mark is spotted on his neck, it's clear this wasn't caused by a shellfish allergy. Now, as the weather deteriorates and a small group is stranded on the island with the body—and the killer—Julia starts interrogating staff, family members, and Zoey's artist friends to find out who turned the clambake into a crime scene . . .

©2024 Barbara Ross (P)2024 Tantor

Bittersweet

In this final outing in Busman's Harbor and more particularly Morrow Island, Julia and Tom, along with Zoey and Jamie, are not only faced with pulling off the first wedding on the island, but with solving multiple mysteries involving family ties and murder. All the gang is on hand for the festivities and violence (cozy style), and fans of the series will not be disappointed.

But how do I review the series finale of an iconic cozy series that has entertained so many for so long? I can tell you it is well written and as compelling as ever, that the characters come to life on the pages, that it beckons me to Morrow Island for a Snowden Family Clambake and entices me to stay to enjoy the peace the island offers in the summer months. I can tell you that the dialogue flows, and the plot and sup-plots are complex enough to keep readers guessing to the respective conclusions, and all of that is true. It just doesn't seem to be enough.

So, let me just say that I am going to miss this series, the unique characters and setting, and the personal struggles and triumphs of the Snowden family and friends, but Barbara Ross managed to wrap up this series with a story that is both entertaining and satisfying.

If you have not read the series, I highly recommend that you do, but start at the beginning so that you can truly appreciate this book.

A little disappointed

This has been one of my favorite series. Each new book in the series has been thoroughly enjoyed and rated 5 stars. which is why I am a little shocked and slightly disappointed in what appears to be the last book in the series. This book brought more frustration than joy. The ending seems to be an after thought, but glad it was thrown in.