3.5/5 ⭐️
The latest Maine Clambake cozy mystery finds Julia helping her mom execute the will of an old schoolgirl friend. It’s been five years since Ginny disappeared on a swim and now that she’s been declared legally dead. Her things can be dealt with. Julia’s mom is confused though why she is the executor since she hasn’t seen Ginny in over thirty years. Julia, however, is convinced that there is more to Ginny’s death than it seems. Her fears are confirmed when one of Ginny’s close friends is murdered.

This one had highs and lows for me. The first third, I enjoyed. The second third, I felt was a bit slow and pointless. There was soo much buildup to Julia investigating, which is why I’m here! The last third thought was good again as it returned to investigation. I wish there had been more of that because the end felt rushed. I am excited to see Julia get a new love interest and interesting things are happening with the island.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hidden Beneath is the eleventh installment in the A Maine Clambake Mystery series set in Busman's Harbor, ME and featuring Julia Snowden, part owner of Snowden Family Clambake. Julia's mother Jacqueline learns that her high school best friend, Ginny Merrill has been declared dead after going missing 5 years earlier on a swim around the harbor.

The memorial service brings the ladies to neighboring Chipmunk Island where Ginny had spent her summers growing up with the ladies of the Wednesday Club. Jacqueline has only spoken to Ginny once in the past 45 years so she's surprised to learn that Ginny named her as the executor of her estate. Julia and her mother become suspicious that Ginny didn't have an accident, and as they go through her home to clean out Ginny's possessions, Julia discovers the woman's journals. Ginny's writings combined with a mysterious phone call that Ginny had made to Jacqueline a few weeks before her death seem to point at murder.

Julia finds herself teaming up with her ex Chris who has been living on the island as the Winter Superintendent and Sergeant Tom Flynn. The trio not only solve the mystery of what really happened to Ginny but also tie up another decades old Chipmunk murder.

The perfect setting, mouthwatering meals and a returning cast of characters make for an enjoyable afternoon read. It's always nice to catch up with Julia and watch as her family and their lives continue to evolve.

I received an advanced copy of Hidden Beneath from NetGalley via Kensington Books. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Hidden Beneath is the eleventh cozy mystery in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. When Jacqueline Snowden’s friend who has been missing for five years is declared dead, questions come up surrounding her disappearance. Julia, Jacqueline’s daughter and amateur sleuth, starts asking the right questions to uncover the mystery.

I have always loved this series and am always excited to see a new book coming out. This one definitely didn’t disappoint. I love everything about this series, the characters, the clambake, the setting. I really enjoyed this mystery and the way it took a look into Julia’s mom’s past. This was a quick an enjoyable mystery that I would definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Julia’s mother, Jacqueline, asks her to accompany her to exclusive Chipmunk Island to attend a memorial service for an old friend. Ginny has been declared dead after going missing five years ago, but something at the memorial service seems off to both of the Snowden women, who decide to look into Ginny’s disappearance – and a current-day murder.

I really like this series, was excited to read this book, and was not disappointed. The recurring primary characters feel like old friends by now, but I like that this book gives us more of Jacqueline’s back story, making it a little easier to understand the person she is today. One chapter of Julia’s personal life seems to have closed for good, but at the end of the book, another one opens, which will be interesting to follow as the series progresses.

The mystery here started out with a cold case, but also became a current-day murder investigation further into the book. There were several suspects to consider for both, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my suspicions were correct. The motives weren’t obvious until close to the end of the book, but they made sense after all other details were revealed.

Given how this book ended, I hope the series continues, as I want to see how things go from here.

Hidden Beneath (A Maine Clambake Mystery Book #11) by Barbara Ross is I believe one of the best books in the series so far. A memorial for a lost friend of Julia’s Mother’s, a mysterious death, and a murder brings and keeps Julia and her Mother digging to find the truth before the murderer gets away with it. Also there is a wonderful surprise at the end that I’d been hoping for all along!! Totally addictive and highly recommended!!

This one was full of surprises. I did not see some of the dynamics changing within the characters. Julia's mother is named to handle all the will terms. Her mother is confused as to why and the death of her old friend. As she and her mother becomes closer to the truth another murder happens. On top of all of that happening Julia discovers that her mother was offered a life changing amount of money for the island.
#HiddenBeneath #NetGalley

When Julia’s mother is named as executor for the estate of a childhood friend she and Julia become enmeshed in the small summer colony on Chipmunk Island, a short boat ride from their own home and business in Busman’s Harbor and Morrow Island. The friend disappeared five years ago, and has been presumed drowned, but odd actions set Julia wondering. As she and her mother spend what little free time they have daily before they need to work their family clambake sorting through the dead woman’s belongings, Julia asks questions that trigger someone to act. This was a fast moving story with two other story lines that affect Julia personally. They held my attention as much as the disappearance, I was really wanting to see what comes next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for granting me access to an advance copy of a book that instantly transported me to these small Maine islands that take the spotlight in this eleventh book in the series, and thanks to the author for the map of Chipmunk Island, I can’t wait to see it when the book is published.

A top-notch cozy series and this book may be my favorite out of the eleven books and yet Fast paced with could easily be read as a standalone. The Snowden Family Clambake is hitting its busy season, but everything is under control. Julia's mom asks her to attend a memorial service on a nearby island with long established summer residents and a tight community. Her mom is shocked to discover she has been named as the executor of her estate when they hadn't been in touch for four decades, except for that one phone call shortly before she went missing. Julia essentially bevomes enmeshed in this cold case which may harbor another even older cold case. Fast paced and compelling.

HIDDEN BENEATH is the eleventh book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries by Barbara Ross. I always wait, with great anticipation, the release of each new book in this series, and this newest did not disappoint. The characters, from the protagonist, Julia Snowden, to her family, employees, and friends, have become like my own friends. It’s been a delight watching them grow and change over the years! While you can read Hidden Beneath as a standalone, I’ve greatly enjoyed reading from the first book in order to fully appreciate the character development. Not only are there strong characters, but the setting is always captivating. The author’s attention to detail and her descriptive voice truly make each scene come alive. In this book, Chipmunk Island is the focus, along with the ladies of the Wednesday Club. Be sure to read the author’s acknowledgements at the back of the book for an insight into how the theme came to be.

As much as the characters and the setting attract my attention, it’s the well-plotted mysteries—both a five-year-old disappearance and a current day murder—that kept me glued to the pages until I’d read the very last word. I enjoyed getting to know Julia’s mother, Jacqueline, better and seeing the mother and daughter interact together on the pages. It’s Jacqueline’s school day’s friend who went missing five years ago. And while authorities don’t believe there was foul play, Julia and her mother think otherwise. When a new murder hits the tiny island community of Chipmunk Island, Julia believes the two mysteries are intertwined. Ms. Ross does a marvelous job of weaving in clues and while I erroneously guessed the culprit, the reveal brought everything together succinctly. With a hint of future things to come for Julia and her family, I’ll be waiting on pins and needles for the next release!

The Wednesday Club serves up special desserts at their gatherings, or when Julia and Jacqueline come to visit. Ms. Ross has thoughtfully provided several recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to make.

I have always enjoyed the A Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross, but in 'Hidden Beneath' the author kicked it up a notch for me. So many issues that had been bubbling to but not quite reaching the surface were further addressed in this eleventh book of the series. The mystery and relationship issues were tense, and in all cases I was left wondering until the last moment how they would be in any way resolved. I am left with the happy feeling of looking forward to more, and that can't happen soon enough for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

What started as a memorial for a long lost friend of Julia's mother Jacquie. Turns into an investigation into her disappearance. Questions about a 50 year old accident to a current murder. Maybe a thin thread connecting them all. Jacquie was concerned about the disappearance of her friend Ginny. She asks Julia to ask questions and do some investigating.

The writing is fabulous. I loved the mystery of chipmunk island. This might be my new favorite cozy mystery series.

I'm always delighted when a new book is published from one of my favorite "set-in-Maine" series. As someone who visits Maine regularly, it is one of my preferred places on earth, winter or summer, following the stories of the Snowden Family Clambake. After living away from Maine for years, Julia, the eldest daughter, has returned after her father's death to help save the Clambake from bankruptcy. Julia has had many ups and downs, both business and personal, but now the Clambake is stable. As is Julia, even though she is still hurting from her decision to end the relationship with Chris, the man she thought was her life's love.

Hidden Beneath centers on her mother, Jacqueline, and her relationship with other teenage girls years before on Chipmunk Island, an island nearby. Chipmunk is home to a summer colony of wealthy families who only mix a little with Busman's Harbor residents. One of the girls, Ginny, now middle-aged women, had gone missing five years earlier and had been declared dead. Jacqueline asked Julia to accompany her to Ginny's memorial even though the summer season was just starting. There are unusual overtones at the event, and when Jacqueline visits Ginny's cottage, she finds that furniture has been moved and walls have been painted over. The women who were friends years ago are looking for Ginny's missing will. When it is found, Jacqueline learns that she has been named executor. She is astonished because she has only seen Ginny in passing for years. But, being Jacqueline, she is determined to get to the bottom of the riddle of Ginny's disappearance and needs Julia to help.

The mystery of Ginny's disappearance and all the events leading up to it is a twisty tale that kept me guessing. The main attraction of the series for me are the characters and settings, all familiar to me. Having a mystery to try to solve is a big plus. This time I failed and was also blindsided by a possible new romance for Julia from an unexpected quarter! Thanks to NetGalley.com and Kensington Books for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

RATING-4.5 Stars

This may be one of my favorite books in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. Julia's mother Jacqueline is surprised when she's named executor of a childhood friend's estate, a friend whom she hadn't spoken to in years and who disappeared 5 years ago during her usual mid-morning swim from nearby Chipmunk Island. When Julia and Jacqueline discover a series of murals in the house they're organizing, Julia gets pulled into a cold case. It was refreshing to see Julia sleuthing outside Busman's harbor and with the support of her mother. While part of a series, you could read this as a standalone.

Thanks to Kensington Books for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.

This is the eleventh book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross. Our story begins with the Julia and her mother living in Windsholme, the restored family home on the island they use for the family business.
Her sister, brother-in-law, and their kids live in the caretaker’s home during the summer to make it easier on them to run the family business.
Julia’s mother, Jacqueline is notified of a long ago friend’s memorial service and that she is the executrix (personal representative in Maine) of the estate. She determines that her friend, Ginny, was murdered 5 years ago and she, Jacqueline, was left in charge of the estate because Ginny did not trust her friends.

Julia and Jacqueline work hard on the estate which is divided between Portland and Chipmunk Island, their family business, and the investigation of a few murders that are years old.

I liked the twists, turns, and other mis-directions that the author used. Ms. Ross does a wonderful job crafting an intriguing story. I always will pick up a Barbara Ross mystery and never be disappointed. She hasn’t failed me, yet.

The ending of the book makes me want to start the next but alas, it hasn't been written, yet.

I highly recommend this book if you like strong women, a could mystery, and small town life.

I was given an advanced readers’ copy and am not required to leave a positive review.

Unlike other books in this long-running series, this book takes place on nearby Chipmunk Island. Julia Snowden accompanies her mother Jacqueline to a memorial service for her childhood friend Ginny who'd disappeared 5 years ago. The members of the Wednesday Club want to find Ginny's will & enlist Julia & Jacqueline to search Ginny's cluttered house. When they finally find the will, Jacqueline is shocked to learn she has been appointed executor even though she & Ginny had not seen each other for decades. While carrying on Ginny's wishes, Julia & Jacqueline find a stack of Ginny's journals at her Portland ME condo. Julia reads those journals & find hints that Ginny & the Wednesday Club members had a long-held secret about another mysterious death. Some murals at Ginny's house depicting several childhood scenes are another important clue. When one of the club members is strangled to death on the island, Julie wonders who is determined to keep these secrets hidden forever. Although I missed the usual Snowden Family clambake setting, this book does raise some interesting end-of-life issues and personal family resolutions for several characters.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Kensington Books. All opinions are my own.

Hidden Beneath is part of a series with a strong sense of setting and likable characters; characters you want to revisit with each novel. (This is book 11) I was initially concerned that the action had moved from the familiar Busman’s Harbour to neighboring Chipmunk Island, but I was quickly drawn into the mysteries tiny Chipmunk Island had to offer. While I missed reading about the Snowden family clambakes, a key part of this series, I enjoyed Julia Snowden’s sleuthing abilities put to the test in a different locale. .

What a great story! I don’t believe I’ve read one quite like it, which is awesome. It’s always fun to go to Morrow Island in Maine and hang out with the Clambake gang. I loved the author’s comments in the Acknowledgements about Chipmunk Island. Be sure to check it out. This story line is great and the characters are wonderful. Perhaps there is even a lesson to be learned for those of us who are getting older or someone with no immediate family. There are also some yummy sounding recipes included at the end of the book. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Love this series! Julia Snowden and her family have gotten to be some of my favorite characters. I always get so hungry for seafood when reading this series! The mystery is always solid and moves smoothly. Great character development. Lots of twists and turns. This is a must read series!!! Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of HIDDEN BENEATH (Book 11 of the Maine Clambake Mysteries) by Barbara Ross, in exchange for an honest review. Progress on renovating the family mansion has been made. Julia Snowden and her mother, Jacqueline, have finally moved in. When a friend from Jacqueline’s past, Ginny, is finally declared dead after a long disappearance and Jacqueline is named as executor, Jacqueline encourages Julia to investigate to solve the cold case. The murder of another of Ginny and Jacqueline’s friends brings the cold case current. Can Julia solve the case before any more of her mother’s friends or relatives succumb to the murderer? Also, Jacqueline has an important decision to make; will she accept a generous offer to purchase her family’s island?

I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend the book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring islands, coast, and family businesses.

#HiddenBeneath #NetGalley

I received this ARC thanks to NetGalley. I absolutely love the Maine Clambake series, and book 11 did not disappoint. The story is fun, and fast paced. I love the main character. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you must read this series.