Wow, maybe I had heard that this was going to be the last in the series, but I didn't remember that when I started it. This is another great read in a truly wonderful series. I love Julia, her family, and the whole cast of characters, and this volume brings them all together for an exciting finale. With Zoey and Jamie's wedding being the first in the new improved mansion on Morrow Island we get a gathering of family and friends on the island for the wedding rehearsal and family dinner the night before the big event. When a guest appeared to have an allergic reaction, then dies, Julia and the police present, including Jamie's partner and Julia's boyfriend Tom handle the situation while getting the remaining guests off the island before a big spring storm sets in. When the smoke clears, we realize no one claims to know this guest, and this may not have been an accident. What follows is a fascinating mystery taking place around the chaos of a large storm and special wedding. Ms. Ross does an amazing job of wrapping up this series that I will miss deeply! Thank you to #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for the opportunity to read.

Julia’s best friend and business partner is getting married, and the festivities are all taking place on Morrow Island. A storm is approaching, though, and everything has to be timed just right to return the guests to Busman’s Harbor before it hits. When a guest collapses and dies – and nobody admits to knowing who he is – and Julia, Tom and several guests are stranded on the island, they begin to gather information while waiting for the police to arrive when the storm breaks.

This is book #12 of the Maine Clambake series, a series I have enjoyed since the very first book. The author’s descriptions of the town and its residents are easy to imagine, and those imaginings were confirmed on our recent short visit to coastal Maine. The characters feel like old friends by now, even though relationships have changed and grown as the series has progressed. Some of the regulars had much smaller roles in this story than usual, and I missed them, but at least they weren’t entirely absent.

At first, none of the guests on the island admitted to knowing the dead man, so the list of possible suspects was either very short or long enough to include every guest. During the course of the investigation, though, we learned that many of those stranded on the island *did know him, and they all had reasons to want him dead. I thought I had it worked out relatively early on, but I was wrong. I began to suspect one character about the same time Julia did, and that turned out to be correct, and the motive made sense for the character.

The only thing I didn’t like about the book was in the author’s note, when she unequivocally wrote that this is the last book of this series. It wasn’t a surprise, given the last few pages of the story, but it was still disappointing. I would happily read more books featuring Julia and her family and friends, but now have to say goodbye to them instead.

Wedding bells will soon be ringing on Morrow Island! Julia Snowden is busy readying Windsholme, her family's recently renovated mansion, for the first wedding being held there since it's opening and she couldn't be happier. Her two closest friends, Zoey and Jamie, are eagerly anticipating their wedding day and hoping the day goes picture perfectly just like Zoey has been dreaming. The day of the rehearsal, however, makes her dream more of a nightmare when one of the dinner guests drops dead. Then it's determined he didn't die of natural causes and no one seems to know who he is or what happened ... or do they? Julia and her beau, Maine State Police Detective, Tom Flynn, are doing their best, along with Jamie's fellow local police officer/best man, Pete Howland, and Julia's brother-in-law, Sonny, to find out what happened and who the killer is as a storm of epic proportions keeps them isolated on the island. Is there a murderer in their midst? Who was the man so many guests refuse to acknowledge knowing even as their connections to him are revealed? Will Jamie and Zoey be able to say, "I do" the next day? This is yet another terrific book in the Maine Clambake series by Barbara Ross and she brings all the local favorite people into the story. You'll sit on the edge of your seat, you'll try to find the real clues among the red herrings, and, if you're anything like me, you'll shed a few tears when the book is through.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoy this series. I enjoyed the mystery.. I also liked the characters and the setting. I may have to go back and reread it.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Julia Snowden and family are back solving who is the gentleman that crashed the party and now I'd found dead. This is the twelfth and final book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. Oh how I wish it can go on! Julia and family have become like family. But am excited to see what this amazing author will treat us readers to next. Lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. Kudos! Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

This is the twelfth and last book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross. Zoey Butterfield and Jamie Dawes are getting married at Windsholme Manor on Morrow Island. A gentleman winds up crashing the party and is later found dead on the island.

The mystery was intriguing, plenty of twists and turns. I really liked it and the epilogue which wraps up plenty of loose ends.

So sorry to see this series end but looking forward to the new series by the author.
I was given an advanced readers copy and these are my opinions.

Torn Asunder by Barbara Ross takes us back to Morrow Island where Julia’s friend and boss, Zoey is getting married. Torn Asunder is easy to read. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series (or if you have missed a book along the way). We get to catch up with Julia and the rest of the Snowden family. Julia has come a long way since the beginning of the series. It is good to see her enjoying both of her jobs and to have a boyfriend who understands her (and her penchant for crime). I like how the mystery began (a murdered man who no one seems to know). It reminded me of a locked room mystery except, in this case, they are stuck on Morrow Island amid a storm. There are clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal (long before) and there is a good wrap up at the end. I could have done with less repetition of the key details. The ending will leave readers smiling and feeling bittersweet. The author provided a pleasant finale to the series. Make sure you read the author's note at the end. Torn Asunder is A Maine Clambake Mystery with nuptial preparations, an enigmatic guest, luscious lobster, a mysterious murder, an obstructing storm, questioning guests, and a cheerful conclusion.

It’s the beginning of wedding season and Snowden Family Clambake is hosting their first wedding. Julia’s best friend Zoey is marrying the man of her dreams. There’s the tail end of a hurricane coming in and Julia worries about the weather and the wedding. Unfortunately, the weather is the least of their worries as an uninvited guest is killed at the rehearsal dinner. Who is this man and is he related to a guest?

This was another great mystery by Barbara Ross. The ending is bittersweet for those who love this series; however, the ending is perfect. Loved it.

Julia is hosting the wedding of good friends Jamie and Zoey on their family clambake island. During the rehearsal dinner a man no one seems to know drops dead. It seems that several attendees actually do know the man but by different names. Who was he really and why was he at the dinner...Nice wrap up to a good cozy series.

In the latest, and last, Maine Clambake Mystery, Julie’s family clambake is hosting her friend’s wedding on the island. During the rehearsal dinner, a guest collapses and dies. Cut off from the mainland by a major storm, Julie’s detective boyfriend spends the night gathering information.
There are plenty of suspects, tears, and laughter in the story. I appreciate that the final chapter gives us closure on the characters we’ve met through this series.
Thank you to Barbara Ross for this wonderful series and thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.

Part of the Maine Clambake series. Julia Snowden's best friend and business partner is getting married at the coastal island her family uses for its clambakes. All is going well until someone drops dead.. and no one seems to know who he is. Add in a fast approaching storm and being stuck on an island with a dead body.. and its a enjoyable mystery. Series has been great, and this is a fine addition.

A wedding, secrets long buried, a murdered stranger are all clues to a killer who will stop at nothing to remain hidden - even if it means more death in what should be the happiest day of Julia's best friend and business partner, Zoey.

Julia Snowden and her family are some my favorite characters. Down to earth and relatable, Julia has suffered heartbreak and now has a special person in her life. Julia is smart and doesn't rush into danger or antagonize the police, two things I enjoy in cozies. The setting of Maine is gorgeous and the descriptions of the food are delicious and make the reader long for lobster, sunny days and an ocean view!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Julia Snowden helps run the Snowden Family Clambake, which is given all summer on the private island her family owns. Her best friend Zoey is marrying Jamie, another friend, and they want to hold their wedding on the island. While is was difficult to find an open weekend, everything is planned. Julia and her sister Livvie are in the wedding party, along with Jamie's police partner Pete and his cousin Dan. They are the scheduled ones to stay on the island overnight.

The rehearsal dinner is a grand affair. All the guests are invited to try the clambake dinner, and so both sides are attending. Jamie's large family, and Zoey's friends, since she has no family left. Julia notices a man mingling that she's never seen, and assumes he's a friend of Zoey's. But when the man dies during the dinner, no one seems to know who he is.

But do they? While most of the guests were able to leave before the storm hit, it is now in full force, and the remaining people are stuck on the island with a corpse. With a man that possibly one of them murdered. :Luckily, Julia's boyfriend Tom Flynn is there, a detective with the Maine State Police, so he can question everyone. But will they tell him the truth? Or will a murderer go free?...

I have read all the books in this series, and I have enjoyed them all. They are like old friends to me. Julia, her family members, her friends. I have witnessed their heartbreaks and triumphs, and shared this through them vicariously. It has been a journey that I've highly enjoyed. A journey that has, alas, come to an end. I would not have mentioned this, but others on social media have already popped the balloon.

But the mystery is done just as well as we expected. People are keeping secrets, telling lies; and eventually it will all have to come out. Someone knew the dead man. Someone wanted him dead. But with so many suspects -- and they are -- which one had the opportunity. Many had motive.

Julia isn't sure the wedding will go on, but Zoey wants to get married, and nothing is going to stop her, not even wondering if someone she knows is a killer. But Tom and Julia need to find that killer before the wedding. The problem is, will they be able to do so?

In the end, we are given a bittersweet finale to this series. There is a lot of pleasantry in it, a completion of the tale, as you will. It is a lovely tribute to all those we've known (and loved many of them); and a fitting end to the story. I am sad to lose this series, but the author has done a wonderful job through the years. Thank you, Ms. Ross. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

I have enjoyed this series. This one took place over a very short period of time during a wedding held on the island. Although it happened during a dinner and then most guest when home, the focus was on those that stayed overnight in the mansion. I was a bit confused by this as it could have been anyone in attendance. It was an interesting storyline but with some holes in it. I was disappointed and okay to find out that it was ending. The author did a good job wrapping everything up so there was suitable closure.

In Barbara Ross’ 12th Maine Clambake Mystery, murder almost stops a wedding. Zoey, Julia’s good friend and business partner, is to marry her policeman boyfriend, and a mysterious guest drops dead at the rehearsal dinner and complicates the wedding plans.

The couple decide to have the wedding while the investigation continues. Ms. Ross weaves a complex mystery with twists, red herrings, and misdirection. The bottom line is that Torn Asunder is solid cozy, featuring familiar characters in their usual, comfortable settings.

I enjoyed this book & the series. It’s bittersweet that it’s ending. I think it wrapped up everyone’s live really well. I’ll never forget Zoey & Jamies’ wedding. I loved that it gives up several glimpses of the future. #TornAsunder #NetGalley

A wedding is the setting for the latest installment in the Maine Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross. In Torn Asunder, Julia’s business partner, Zoey, is getting married. Unfortunately, during the rehearsal dinner, one of the guests drops dead. There is a suspicious injection mark found on his body. Also, no one seems to know this guest. Now Julia and a group of detectives begin to question the other guests and the wedding party to try and solve the mystery so that the wedding can go on as planned.

Torn Asunder is an interesting story with a few plot twists.

As always, my wife and I were thrilled when we were approved on Net Galley to read this 12th. installment in the Maine Clambake Mystery series and post a personal review.

We read this book in record time, and put aside other life duties in favor of the pleasure of reading Barbara’s absolutely brilliant writing style. We have developed a personal bond with all the colorful main characters, and are so happy to trot along side of them as the story unravels.

This has to be Barbara’s best of all her “best” books she has written. The words just flowed, and the story got more and more emotional and gripping. This is a book you just don’t want to put down!

Besides the murder, there were other parallel intriguing situations that needed to get resolved…and they all were at the end… All of them!

The ending for my wife and I resulted in tears, and it answered so many questions. Readers will be absolutely surprised during the last pages, and surely we will hear much about it after this book publishes.

My recommendation: Get this book and read it quickly! You will love it!

Thank you Net Galley, Kensington and Barbara Ross for the privilege of reading this book, and for giving me a place to leave a stellar review.

I loved this book. It is fun, simple, and enjoyable to read.
Julia's best friends are getting married, and will be the first wedding at the hall. Everything is running perfectly until a guest, that no one seems to know, dies suddenly during dinner. With a storm blowing in, guests are in lock down, as Tom, Julia and friends start figuring out who he was, why he was at the wedding, and who wanted him dead.
Fast paced story, with wonderful characters, great plot, and delicious food.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Just like the other Barbara Ross books this was a delight to read. Although it is the latest in a series, the book can be read as a stand alone but why do that? By reading all of the books in order one gets to know the characters and enjoy spending time with them! Each of the characters have a definite personality and Ms. Ross describes them perfectly. Who doesn’t feel as though they know Mr. Gus?