Hands down, the best of this series yet! Mother and daughter (Julia) must set aside their duties of the Snowden Family Clambake because Jacqueline (Mom) has been named executor of a will of a high school friend, Ginny, who had been declared dead by the state of Maine after supposedly drowning one day after her daily swim off the waters around Chipmunk Island. This is a story which delves into the life of Jacqueline before she married, had children and helped run the family business on nearby Morrow Island. So many characters from previous Clambake Series are placed within this book and one could easily read this book as a stand-alone but will, no doubt, make you want to read the entire series. Many twists both in the executing of the will and subsequent events unfold from Chipmunk Island and Jacqueline herself which could affect the future of the entire Snowden family. Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advance review copy; the review is my honest opinion.

As an avid fan of the Maine Clambake mysteries, I couldn't wait to dig into this! This was slightly different than the others in the series as it involves a cold case and takes place on an island across the water from Busman's Harbor. I enjoyed the mystery, though it was slow going at times. A lot of the regular characters were mentioned here or there, but took more of a backseat in this one. Barbara Ross focused on Julia and her growth in this entry and I felt myself more drawn to that than the mystery. While this wasn't my favorite in the series, its a great mystery and has me looking forward to what happens next in Julia's life!

We're back in Busman Harbor, Maine with the Snowden's family Maine Clambake Mystery series. This is the 11th book in the series, and it was just as good as the others.

The story is full of intrigue and mystery when a friend of Julia's mother, Jacqueline has been declared dead after she disappeared 5 years ago. Jacqueline receives a notice that her presence is requested at the funeral and reading of the will. Julia goes with her mother but is confused about why her mother never mentioned this friend. Things take a twist when the will is read. Having to spend more and more time on Chipmunk Island Julia delegates her duties for the clambake season to help her Mom clean out her dead friend's home. And just maybe Julia can find out what happened to the woman. Julia never likes to leave a mystery alone. BUT things don't always work out and there is more intrigue to comb through.

The author's writing is amazing, and she knows how to keep you reading. The story captured me from the beginning and threw in a few surprises.
If you like cozy mysteries, I highly recommend The Maine Clambake series, while they don't have to be read in order I would highly suggest it. The storylines will make more sense in the long run. But it is not necessary. I can't wait for the next one!

Highly recommend

I was intrigued to revisit Busman Harbor, Maine, and check in again with Julia and the Snowden Family Clambake after having read the first two books in the series previously. My husband is a proud Mainer (I like the term Mainiac much better) and I never pass up the chance to visit his hometown via cozy mystery!

In this 11th installment of this long-running series, Julia attends a memorial service with her mother, honoring the life of a childhood friend that went missing 5 years prior and has just now been officially declared dead. Her body has never been found, and it is presumed that she drowned during her daily swim around the island. But things are looking awfully suspicious, especially considering personal items have gone missing from her home since her disappearance. Julia finds herself helping her mother sort through her friend's belongings, searching desperately for answers to her disappearance five years prior.

While I hadn't caught up with the series, I feel this one could be read as a stand-alone. There were a few moments where I was confused about items that were mentioned (especially in regards to Julia's love life), but none of that held back from my enjoyment of the mystery. Highly recommend this as a standalone or as a way to encourage you to start the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Julia & her mom head over to Chipmunk Island for a memorial for one of her mother's childhood summer friends. Julia has never heard of this woman, and they cannot figure out why her mother has been named executor to the estate. The story unfolds, leaving them to wonder if indeed the woman had died naturally or been murdered. While on the island, Chris appears (Julia's former fiancé), who helps a bit with the uncovering of murder. Another friend is killed, and Julia almost becomes victim number three. Plot twist ending with Julia & a new relationship.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Ross & Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Hidden Beneath is the eleventh book in the A Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross.

This book is concerned with what turns out to be a cold-case murder. Most of the book will take place on a nearby island called Chipmunk Island.

Julia’s mother, Jacqueline, requests her to join her on a trip to Chipmunk Island for the memorial service for her childhood friend, Ginny. The memorial was headed by a group of ladies known as the Wednesday Club. Ginny disappeared five years ago while on her daily swim around Chipmunk Island. Ginny’s death was thought to be suicide. When Julia and Jacqueline return to the island a couple of weeks later, they find the Wednesday Club members feverously looking for Ginny’s will. They finally find the will, and Jacqueline is shocked to learn she has been named executor. Jacqueline is surprised as she hadn’t seen Ginny since her teen years when she visited Chipmunk Island during the summer.

Ginny also had a condo in Portland, Maine, which Jacqueline would have to clean. Ginny had faithfully kept journals since she was a teen. Jacqueline hoped they might explain what happened on her last day alive. Once back home, Jacqueline and Julia start reading through the diaries and soon think that the death of one of the Wednesday Club’s fathers might not have been an accidental death. So now Julia and Jacqueline will need to try and learn what happened that night when the father fell off his boat and drowned. Julia thinks if the father’s death was murder, then one of the Wednesday Club might have murdered Ginny.

This book is very well-written and plotted. Ms. Ross does an excellent job describing Cipmunk Island and its residents. The characters are well-developed and believable. The story moves at a good pace. There were enough red herring and twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end of the book to learn the killer's identity.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this excellent series.

This was a very enjoyable read. I liked that we got a bit more of mom and the mystery unfolded at just the right pace. Plenty of twists and turns, but all very gentle. I was able to guess a portion of the ending, but the killer was a surprise to me. Loved seeing the growth of all the characters as the series progresses.

The Snowden Family Clambake is a staple in Busman's Harbor, Maine. Just as they are reaching their busy season, Julia Snowden's Mom asks her to attend the memorial service for her friend, Ginny, who disappeared 5 years ago after going for her swim in the harbor. The residents of Chipmunk Island prove to be some mysterious characters. With everyone acting strange and a present day murder, Julia and Jacqueline must put on their sleuthing hats and find out just what happened 5 years ago. Will they find a link between the murder and Ginny's cold case?
This cozy series is just that cozy. They are wonderful to curl up with a warm beverage on a long night. I always say just one more page. I look forward to the next in the series. A review was not required for my copy through Netgalley.

This is the eleventh book in this popular series, but the first one I have read.

Julia Snowden and her mother attend a memorial service for a friend who has been missing for five years, and is now presumed dead. At the service Julia's mother starts to suspect things are not quite right and, after a few more odd events, Julia begins to investigate the case. The suspicion is that the disappearance was a murder, but who would have done it and where is the body? There are many possible suspects but luckily there are diaries which start to throw up clues.

The story is well told and the characters are all nicely rounded and, even though I had not met any of them before, they all made sense immediately. The setting on the coast of Maine is beautiful - just look at the bookcover - and the descriptions of those buttery lobster meals is mouth watering. There are a few interesting recipes at the end too.

I will have to find the earlier books in the series now!

Hidden Beneath by Barbara Ross takes us back to Busman’s Harbor, Maine. It is another busy season for the Snowden’s with the clambake business. Julia and her mother are glad to be living at Windsholme. It saves them having to return to Busman’s Harbor each evening. Jacqueline, Julia’s mother, finds herself the executor of a childhood friend’s estate. There is something suspicious about the woman’s death. Five years have passed since Ginny has died, but Jacqueline and Julia are hoping to find clues in Ginny’s residences. Another murder means the two women are getting close. There are several suspects, with most of them belong to the Wednesday Club. There is misdirection to keep the sleuths off the path of the guilty party. I had fun solving this whodunit. Barbara Ross crafted an intriguing whodunit. We get to catch up with all the regular characters plus see how Jacqueline and George’s romance is progressing. Julia runs into her ex-boyfriend Chris while on Chipmunk Island helping her mother with Ginny’s estate. Chris has made some decisions regarding his life. And finally, something I have been hoping would happen has finally happened (I do not want to spoil it for you). In addition, someone makes an offer for Windholme. Jacqueline has a big decision to make. Jacqueline’s decision will affect the whole family. Hidden Beneath is an easy-to-read story. I like the author’s friendly writing style. The characters are kind, realistic, and relatable. Hidden Beneath is the eleventh A Maine Clambake Mystery. It can be read as a standalone. However, I have enjoyed reading the series in order. It has allowed me to get to know the characters and their backstories. There are recipes at the end for some of the dishes described in the book. The voyage in Hidden Beneath is a bumpy one with a moving memorial, scrumptious clambakes, a previous suitor, a close clique, a surprising proposition, a helpful find, and an unexpected kiss.

Another delightful visit to Maine. A clever murder mystery that kept me guessing. Many surprises. It may be read as a standalone. For those of us who have read at least some of the previous books in this series a few story lines are wrapped up neatly with new ones to follow. Of course, now I am craving lobster with lots of butter. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Another summer of clambakes and life on Morrow island with the Snowden family. Julia is just starting to find some peace and purpose in her life, her new apartment on the island, a winter gig she is looking forward to when her mother finds herself as the executioner of the will of an old friend. Jaqueline's old friend was declared legally dead after being missing for five years. Ginny disappeared after going for a swim that she took daily, but this time never returned. With Julia's help, the ladies try to deal with the estate but spending time on Chipmunk Island, and dealing with a bunch of Ginny's old friends, raise more and more questions about how and why Ginny disappeared and when another of the group is murdered, can Julia figure out all the secrets buried deep? A very intriguing mystery that definitely pulls you in. Perfect summer tale!

Julia and her mother Jacqueline are spending their first summer in the restored Windsholme while running the Snowden Family Clambake. They become involved in settling the estate of her mother’s old friend Ginny. She had a summer home on the nearby Chipmunk Island. Ginny disappeared 5 years ago and has finally been declared dead. Jacqueline hadn’t seen her for many years and is puzzled as to why she is the executor. This mystery has an interesting cast of characters and Julia becomes involved with the puzzle as she helps her mother with the estate. #HiddenBeneath #NetGalley

I have been a fan of the recent holiday-themed novellas in this series. I really enjoyed the main character Julia Snowden and her approach to sleuthing. That's why I was so excited to read this full-length novel which has Julia investigating a cold case of an old friend of her mother's who disappeared years earlier from during her daily swim. The missing woman has an usual circle of friends on Chipmunk Island where she made her home. Many old secrets come out during Julia's investigation that could have a huge effect on many people's current lives.

I enjoy the Maine setting of the book, as well as the details about the family restaurant in this well-written mystery. (There are a few recipes at the end of the book.) I was kept guessing as to what really happened to Ginny. There are also some interesting developments in Julia's personal life that fans of the series won't want to miss. New readers who enjoy mysteries set in Maine and/or fans of Ellie Alexander will enjoy this book. I really enjoyed reading this book and I want to continue following this series. 4.5 stars

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

I’m ready to move to Busman’s Harbor! This cozy series is one of my favorites! The author has done a fantastic job with the progression of not only the main characters but the town in general. I can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for Julia and her family in the next book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Julia's mom Jacqueline hadn't been close with her high school pal Ginny for years so she's shocked to learn that she is the executor of Ginny's estate. Ginny went missing five years ago and she's just been declared dead but something doesn't sit right with either Julia or Jacqueline. No spoilers from me on this one. I like this series for the family and the setting-and this time we get Chipmunk Island as well. Always look to the real estate issues when there's a cozy murder ! Julia's moving on from her romantic relationship and into new territory even as she keeps the clambake business going and solves crimes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Books, for the Advanced Readers Copy of Hidden Beneath (Maine Clambake Mystery, #11) by Barbara Ross in exchange for my honest review. I first became familiar with this series and author while reading a collection of short stories that included one from the Maine Clambake Mystery series. I was excited when I was approved to read this newest book and was not disappointed.

This newest edition can be read as a stand alone as the author does a fantastic job of recapping the backstories of the characters from previous books in the series. I found all the main characters to be incredibly likable. With that being said, I didn't care for most of the supporting characters that were friends with Ginny. They seemed very cliquey, which is something I don't expect of grown women, let alone ones in their sixties.

The story was entertaining, and I enjoyed the fact that there were two or three of different mysteries that were presented in the book. Trying to figure out the connection between them was fun. However, it did seem to take a bit too long to find out how it all connected together, but the story ended with a bang, which more than made up for any slow parts. I had no clue as to the identity of the murderer, so that was a pleasant surprise.

Five out of five stars is what I gave Hidden Beneath (Maine Clambake Mystery, #11) by Barbara Ross. The expected publication for this book is June 27, 2023. I have a long wait for the twelve book in the series, so I'll tide myself over by reading the books that came before this one.

Barbara Ross has done it again with this latest installment in her Maine Clambake Mystery Series- Hidden Beneath. In this novel Julia is pulled into another mystery, this time due to a group of friends on nearby Chipmunk Island who Jacqueline, Julia’s mother had summer adventures with.
Ginny disappeared while on her daily swim five years before and is finally declared deceased. The friends hold a memorial and also search their friends house for items, including a will. When that is discovered, Jaqueline is surprised to discover she is the estate’s executor.
As events transpire more clues arise around Ginny’s disappearance and it being connected to another tragedy that happened in the past of the friends who lived on the Island.
With perfect cozy mystery touches, small town relationships between the characters, and a mystery that unravels at just the right pace keeps the reader engaged. I was so captivated by the plot, that I cleared an afternoon to finish reading it.
What more can I say? When reading any of the books in this series, I feel as if I am on a summer vacation. Fans of the series will love this one. If a reader is new to it, the author does fine work at making the story and characters, and their backgrounds, clear, so a newbie will not get confused. If anything, this mystery will delight the new reader enough to pick up others in the series. Simply wonderful.

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.