TORN ASUNDER is the twelfth book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries by Barbara Ross. Every time an advance copy of this series lands in my inbox, I immediately put it at the very top to read next. Except this time… I’d heard rumors, which proved to be true, that this is the last book in the series. I desperately wanted to read Torn Asunder, but I also wanted to prolong the anticipation, knowing how sad I’d be once I’d read the last page without having a next book to look forward to. That said, this new release lived up to and exceeded my expectations, especially with the heartwarming conclusion. Kudos to Barbara Ross for giving readers so much joy throughout this series and I wish her great happiness spending time with her family and grandchildren!

While Torn Asunder can easily be read as a standalone, this is one of those series you’ll want to start at the beginning (or pick up where you left off) so you can enjoy the full-of-life stories of all the characters! The author’s strong descriptive voice brings the characters and the breathtaking setting of Morrow Island to life on the pages, and with each book, I desperately want to visit the area and meet these people. One of the most endearing aspects of these books is the sense of family and belonging. I adore the closeness the protagonist, Julia, has with her mother and sister, niece and nephew, and friends. No matter what else happens, they are there to support each other and provide love and comfort. This time around, Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is getting married to Julia’s childhood friend, police officer Jamie. As bridesmaid, wedding planner, and event manager—the wedding taking place at Windsholme Manor on the island—Julia has more than enough to keep her busy, without an uninvited guest crashing the rehearsal dinner and then falling over dead in the middle of service.

Ms. Ross knows how to write close-knit families and friends, along with emotional overtones, but she also excels at crafting creative mysteries to stump the most seasoned of armchair detectives. Filled with twists and turns, this “closed-island” murder has limited suspects due to the nature of the crime. Especially since no one claims to have known the victim or to have invited him to the private island rehearsal dinner. Someone Julia knows is lying, but what else could they be hiding? Could it be the weepy bride? Or one of the groom’s cousins? As the clues unfolded, I was kept engaged and intrigued, wanting to know what happened next. Generally, I am a quick reader, but this time around I had to slow down and savor the story, the characters, and the mystery until all was revealed in a highly satisfactory manner. A fond farewell to the Maine Clambake Mysteries!

There are several recipes at the back of the book, which are served at Zoey’s and Jamie’s wedding and they all sound amazing! I couldn’t wait to dive into the Chocolate-Covered Toffee Squares recipe and it was every bit as delectable as it sounds. A brown-sugar buttery cookie base (using pantry and refrigerator staple ingredients) topped with creamy rich chocolate and chopped nuts. Super simple, yet super delicious! These squares make for a satisfying dessert or for a snack with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea.

 

 

Amazon Synopsis

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 . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Barbara Ross for offering a print copy of TORN ASUNDER to one lucky winner! Contest ends May 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.