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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
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.
kimlb's review
5.0
Alot of my favorite authors released new books this summer and several were disappointments. Not this release! Barbara Ross hit it out of the park with this one. This title is easily the best of the entire series. So many twists and turns in the plot - I couldn't put the book down. I see lots of plot potential for Julia moving ahead with her new relationship. I absolutely cannot wait for the next release in the series.
kimdavishb's review
5.0
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 was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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 was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
sarahw905's review
4.0
This was a fun cozy murder mystery read with recipes included. Was sad to know that a regular character was leaving permanently, but for his own personal growth I assume it was necessary. Julia’s new love interest at the end felt like it came out of nowhere, but I did not read the previous book and possibly missed something.
littletaiko's review
4.0
I liked that it was primarily about an older cold case. Also appreciate that continual changes in character’s lives that make it seem more like real life. I’m intrigued by one of the changes that came up throughout the book regarding Julia’s dating life.
booklovingmom_'s review
5.0
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!
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!
lbonko's review against another edition
5.0
Great book. It seemed fast paced, and I didn't predict who the killer was. It's nice to see Julia and Flynn finally getting together.
cradlow's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0