Cute but frustrating.

The story was a great murder mystery. Well researched for area it was based in. The outcome was very unexpected and the main characters short comings were taxing. ( )

Julia Snowden works in her family’s clambake business on an island in Maine. Since tourist season only lasts for a few months each year, it’s crucial that the struggling business makes the most of every single catering event. Unfortunately, just before one event, the best man is found murdered and the family is ordered to put their business on hold while the police investigate—which might put them out of business permanently. This was a cute cozy mystery with lots of good food (my favorite thing!), Maine charm and interesting characters. ( )

A quick, fun read. A good palate cleansing murder when you need a break from more serious subjects! ( )

Good read. What could be better than a clambake, day on a island and a boat ride except when there is a murder. This is a good mystery full of twists and turns as well as great characters and an interesting setting in Maine. Just when I thought I had it figured out another wrench was thrown into the works, which is always good when you have to wait to the end of the book to find out the who, what and why. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. ( )

This is the first book in the Maine Clambake Series. It starts off with a wedding party heading off to Morrow Island for a wedding and when they arrive, they find a hanging body in the mansion. Not a good way to begin a wedding celebration. Julia Snowden, the main character, has left her high powered job in New York finance to try and keep her family's floundering business, The Snowden Family Clambake, from going under. Everything has been invested to keep it going, including her Mom's house, their boat, and the island where they have their clambakes. Julia was called home by her sister to come up with a financial plan to renegotiate their loan and save the family business and properties. What she did not count on was the island being closed for business for several days while the police investigate the death/murder as well as an arson investigation.

I really enjoyed this book as the mystery has several twists, as well as several suspects. The conclusion came as a total surprise, but it definitely fit the story. The family was easy to like, Julia, her sister Livie, her husband Sonny and daughter Paige as well as her mother. They stuck by one another, has their quirks, were hard-working and loved each other despite their disagreements. Their was also Gabrielle and Etienne, her father's best friend, who worked with the family running the clambake. They has some problems of their own, which made for a story within the story. The small town atmosphere of Busman's Harbour added to the story as well. Everyone knew one another, and outsiders were tolerated "in season". The hints at a future romantic relationship between Julia and Chris simmered throughout the story with ups and downs. We will have to see where that goes in the next book. As with a good cozy, there are recipes included, which based on the descriptions in the book make me want to try them. This was a great start to this series and I am ready to start on the next one. ( )