Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed on 12/23/2018 + 655 more book reviews

Dollycas's Thoughts

Busman's Harbor, Maine is in an uproar as Bartholomew Frick shuts down Sea Glass Beach access on a property he is set to inherit from the much-beloved resident Heloise âLouâ Herrickson. Julia is worried about having enough crabs for their Snowden Family Clambake's and about the clammers that are losing their income. The tourists aren't happy either especially a couple that was booked to spend a few nights in the nearby lighthouse. Soon after Julia tries to meet with the man to try to come up a plan to reopen the beach he is found dead. There are plenty of suspects as he had angered plenty of people. Just who was mad enough to commit murder? Julia plans to find out.

It was so nice to escape to Maine in the summertime as the cold weather here tries to chill us to the bone.

This time in addition to the beach being closed off preliminary plans have been drawn for repairing and renovating Windsholme, the mansion on Morrow Island that been empty since the 1920s. The mansion on the beach that Bartholomew Frick was inheriting was built by the same builder so the architect and designer are anxious to get a peek as they continue to finalize the plan. Julia and her boyfriend Chris are having some issues but she opens her will finally open up and tell her more about the secret she knows he is keeping.

This was a really fast read for me. The death of âLouâ Herrickson sets off a chain of events that had my pages absolutely flying. Her family tree and her will designations were very surprising to the people of Busman's Harbor.

All my favorite characters were back and some new characters that definitely fit the âquirkyâ definition were introduced. One couple traveling by RV is trying to see or sleep in all the lighthouses in the U.S. What a fun idea!

I liked that we delve into Chris' past in this story and start to understand him better. He has had a complicated life and the author is finally allowing Julia and us readers in on his past.

The entire story is very well-written with subplots the blend perfectly into the main plot. Twists, turns, and some exciting moments take place as Julia does her best to solve this mystery. There is a clear âedge of your seatâ moment near the end that had my heart racing.

I love the way Barbara Ross tells a story. She drew me in, set a brisk pace, and took me on a wonderful little trip complete with delicious food descriptions (with recipes) and a top-shelf mystery.

Each book in this series can be read on its own but for maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading them in order.

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