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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Torn Asunder is the twelfth book in the Maine Clambake series. I've read several of the books and short stories in this series and have come to care about the main characters. Julia Snowden helps run her family business, the Snowden Family Clambake, on Morrow Island in Maine. The Snowden family has begun hosting weddings, and Julia's best friends Zoey and Jamie will be the first one. This adds an extra layer of stress for Julia because she wants everything to be perfect for her friends. Things are hectic, but the rehearsal dinner is going well until an uninvited guest dies from an apparent allergic reaction. A storm comes in stranding a few guests who weren't able to get off the island in time. Luckily, Julia's boyfriend Tom, a Maine State Police Detective, is there because soon it becomes clear the mystery man's death was no accident.
This is a series that gets better and better as it goes along. I like the writing style and the unique island setting. Julia has her hands full in this book, managing wedding preparations, reassuring her best friend, Zoey, helping Tom investigate the suspicious death, and contemplating her own future. The more Julia and Tom find out about the victim, the more potential suspects, and I really like the way they work together carefully questioning guests and staff to get to the truth. I missed the clues, so I was surprised when the identity of the killer was revealed. The book has a wonderful ending that fans of the series will love.
There are of course recipes included in this culinary cozy mystery! The author's note at the end of this book says this will be the final book in this series, so while the case being investigated is a standalone, readers who have finished at least a couple of the prior books will appreciate it more.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
TORN ASUNDER is the twelfth book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries by Barbara Ross. Every time an advance copy of this series lands in my inbox, I immediately put it at the very top to read next. Except this time… I’d heard rumors, which proved to be true, that this is the last book in the series. I desperately wanted to read Torn Asunder, but I also wanted to prolong the anticipation, knowing how sad I’d be once I’d read the last page without having a next book to look forward to. That said, this new release lived up to and exceeded my expectations, especially with the heartwarming conclusion. Kudos to Barbara Ross for giving readers so much joy throughout this series and I wish her great happiness spending time with her family and grandchildren!
While Torn Asunder can easily be read as a standalone, this is one of those series you’ll want to start at the beginning (or pick up where you left off) so you can enjoy the full-of-life stories of all the characters! The author’s strong descriptive voice brings the characters and the breathtaking setting of Morrow Island to life on the pages, and with each book, I desperately want to visit the area and meet these people. One of the most endearing aspects of these books is the sense of family and belonging. I adore the closeness the protagonist, Julia, has with her mother and sister, niece and nephew, and friends. No matter what else happens, they are there to support each other and provide love and comfort. This time around, Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is getting married to Julia’s childhood friend, police officer Jamie. As bridesmaid, wedding planner, and event manager—the wedding taking place at Windsholme Manor on the island—Julia has more than enough to keep her busy, without an uninvited guest crashing the rehearsal dinner and then falling over dead in the middle of service.
Ms. Ross knows how to write close-knit families and friends, along with emotional overtones, but she also excels at crafting creative mysteries to stump the most seasoned of armchair detectives. Filled with twists and turns, this “closed-island” murder has limited suspects due to the nature of the crime. Especially since no one claims to have known the victim or to have invited him to the private island rehearsal dinner. Someone Julia knows is lying, but what else could they be hiding? Could it be the weepy bride? Or one of the groom’s cousins? As the clues unfolded, I was kept engaged and intrigued, wanting to know what happened next. Generally, I am a quick reader, but this time around I had to slow down and savor the story, the characters, and the mystery until all was revealed in a highly satisfactory manner. A fond farewell to the Maine Clambake Mysteries!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While Torn Asunder can easily be read as a standalone, this is one of those series you’ll want to start at the beginning (or pick up where you left off) so you can enjoy the full-of-life stories of all the characters! The author’s strong descriptive voice brings the characters and the breathtaking setting of Morrow Island to life on the pages, and with each book, I desperately want to visit the area and meet these people. One of the most endearing aspects of these books is the sense of family and belonging. I adore the closeness the protagonist, Julia, has with her mother and sister, niece and nephew, and friends. No matter what else happens, they are there to support each other and provide love and comfort. This time around, Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is getting married to Julia’s childhood friend, police officer Jamie. As bridesmaid, wedding planner, and event manager—the wedding taking place at Windsholme Manor on the island—Julia has more than enough to keep her busy, without an uninvited guest crashing the rehearsal dinner and then falling over dead in the middle of service.
Ms. Ross knows how to write close-knit families and friends, along with emotional overtones, but she also excels at crafting creative mysteries to stump the most seasoned of armchair detectives. Filled with twists and turns, this “closed-island” murder has limited suspects due to the nature of the crime. Especially since no one claims to have known the victim or to have invited him to the private island rehearsal dinner. Someone Julia knows is lying, but what else could they be hiding? Could it be the weepy bride? Or one of the groom’s cousins? As the clues unfolded, I was kept engaged and intrigued, wanting to know what happened next. Generally, I am a quick reader, but this time around I had to slow down and savor the story, the characters, and the mystery until all was revealed in a highly satisfactory manner. A fond farewell to the Maine Clambake Mysteries!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Another fantastic book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries. I have really enjoyed the entire series and this book did not disappoint. Julia is getting ready to host the first wedding at the renovated Windsholme. She is excited to see friends, Jamie and Zoey get married, even if it means pulling triple duty as a maid of honor, wedding planner and the venue manager. Everything is going smoothly until a guest suddenly succumbs to what is thought to be an allergic reaction, or is it? No one invited the guest, but many know them and not in a good way. What follows is an investigation with twists and turns as Julia and her state police detective boyfriend, Tom, race to find the culprit so that the wedding can continue.
I really enjoyed this story. I have always loved how the author isn't afraid of time and allowing the characters to grow and to change. I felt like the ending to this book was super satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the advanced copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this story. I have always loved how the author isn't afraid of time and allowing the characters to grow and to change. I felt like the ending to this book was super satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the advanced copy of this book.