Torn Asunder

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$8.99 US
Kensington | Kensington Cozies
48 per carton
On sale Apr 23, 2024 | 978-1-4967-3573-7
Sales rights: World
In Barbara Ross’ award-winning series featuring sleuth Julia Snowden and her family’s coastal Maine clambake business, Morrow Island is a perfect spot for a wedding—and a Snowden Family Clambake.  Julia Snowden is busy organizing both—until a mysterious wedding crasher drops dead amid the festivities . . .

Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is about to marry her policeman boyfriend. Of course, a gorgeous white wedding dress shouldn’t be within fifty yards of a plate of buttery lobster—so that treat is reserved for the rehearsal dinner. Julia is a little worried about the timing, though, as she works around a predicted storm.

When a guest falls to the floor dead, it turns out that no one seems to know who he is, despite the fact that he’s been actively mingling and handing out business cards. And when an injection mark is spotted on his neck, it’s clear this wasn’t caused by a shellfish allergy. Now, as the weather deteriorates and a small group is stranded on the island with the body—and the killer—Julia starts interrogating staff, family members, and Zoey’s artist friends to find out who turned the clambake into a crime scene . . .
Praise for Barbara Ross and the Maine Clambake Mystery Series
 
“Along the rocky coastline and pine forests of Maine’s landscape, a particular literary species thrives — the cozy mystery…Examples include (but aren’t limited to!) Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint series and Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake mysteries.” The New York Times
 
“Small town Maine makes the perfect setting for cozy murder mysteries.” The Portland Press Herald

“Proof that even the underemployed can get the cozy sleuth itch.”Kirkus Reviews on Muddled Through

“I honestly don’t know how Barbara Ross does it, writing such a terrific cozy culinary mystery series filled with consistently intriguing puzzles and fresh social dynamics for our heroine, Julia Snowden, to navigate as she solves crimes while trying to run her businesses.” Criminal Element on Shucked Apart

"Shucked Apart is an intelligent, well-plotted page-turner with likable characters and a doozy of an ending. As an added bonus, it’s also a lesson in oyster farming . . . Highly recommended." —Suspense Magazine on Shucked Apart


“Sure to appeal to readers who treasure the Maine coast, Ross’s latest continues the lives and minor dramas of her fictionalized version of Boothbay Harbor with amiable characters.” Kirkus Reviews on Steamed Open
 
“The beautiful landscape of coastal Maine adds local color to two intriguing mysteries.” Kirkus Reviews on Sealed Off
 
“A seamless blend of secrets into a page-turner any mystery fan will love.” Suspense Magazine on Sealed Off
 
“Barbara Ross is my favorite culinary cozy author and for good reason; her plots are engrossing and topical, her characters have both smarts and heart, and her books are always a terrific read.” Criminal Element on Sealed Off
 
“Each one is even better than the previous.” Suspense Magazine on Steamed Open

About

In Barbara Ross’ award-winning series featuring sleuth Julia Snowden and her family’s coastal Maine clambake business, Morrow Island is a perfect spot for a wedding—and a Snowden Family Clambake.  Julia Snowden is busy organizing both—until a mysterious wedding crasher drops dead amid the festivities . . .

Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is about to marry her policeman boyfriend. Of course, a gorgeous white wedding dress shouldn’t be within fifty yards of a plate of buttery lobster—so that treat is reserved for the rehearsal dinner. Julia is a little worried about the timing, though, as she works around a predicted storm.

When a guest falls to the floor dead, it turns out that no one seems to know who he is, despite the fact that he’s been actively mingling and handing out business cards. And when an injection mark is spotted on his neck, it’s clear this wasn’t caused by a shellfish allergy. Now, as the weather deteriorates and a small group is stranded on the island with the body—and the killer—Julia starts interrogating staff, family members, and Zoey’s artist friends to find out who turned the clambake into a crime scene . . .

Praise

Praise for Barbara Ross and the Maine Clambake Mystery Series
 
“Along the rocky coastline and pine forests of Maine’s landscape, a particular literary species thrives — the cozy mystery…Examples include (but aren’t limited to!) Lea Wait’s Mainely Needlepoint series and Barbara Ross’s Maine Clambake mysteries.” The New York Times
 
“Small town Maine makes the perfect setting for cozy murder mysteries.” The Portland Press Herald

“Proof that even the underemployed can get the cozy sleuth itch.”Kirkus Reviews on Muddled Through

“I honestly don’t know how Barbara Ross does it, writing such a terrific cozy culinary mystery series filled with consistently intriguing puzzles and fresh social dynamics for our heroine, Julia Snowden, to navigate as she solves crimes while trying to run her businesses.” Criminal Element on Shucked Apart

"Shucked Apart is an intelligent, well-plotted page-turner with likable characters and a doozy of an ending. As an added bonus, it’s also a lesson in oyster farming . . . Highly recommended." —Suspense Magazine on Shucked Apart


“Sure to appeal to readers who treasure the Maine coast, Ross’s latest continues the lives and minor dramas of her fictionalized version of Boothbay Harbor with amiable characters.” Kirkus Reviews on Steamed Open
 
“The beautiful landscape of coastal Maine adds local color to two intriguing mysteries.” Kirkus Reviews on Sealed Off
 
“A seamless blend of secrets into a page-turner any mystery fan will love.” Suspense Magazine on Sealed Off
 
“Barbara Ross is my favorite culinary cozy author and for good reason; her plots are engrossing and topical, her characters have both smarts and heart, and her books are always a terrific read.” Criminal Element on Sealed Off
 
“Each one is even better than the previous.” Suspense Magazine on Steamed Open