Hi. Barb here. I’m celebrating the release of Musseled Out by giving away a copy of the book to one lucky commenter.
I’m thrilled to announce that Musseled Out, the third book in the Maine Clambake Mystery series, was released today in print and ebook form by Kensington Publishing.
And, Musseled Out will soon be released in audiobook format by Audible.
Here’s the blurb:
The busy summer tourist season is winding down in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, but Julia Snowden senses trouble simmering for the Snowden Family Clambake Company. Shifty David Thwing, the “Mussel King,” is sniffing around town for a new location. When Thwing is found sleeping with the fishes beneath a local lobsterman’s boat, the police quickly finger Julia’s brother-in-law Sonny as the one who cooked up the crime. Julia believes he’s innocent, but proving it won’t be easy. There’s a lot more than murder on the menu, and Julia needs to act fast. . .
You can purchase Musseled Out at your local independent bookstore, at a bricks-and-mortar Barnes & Noble, and at B&N online, Amazon and many other e-retailers.
Reviews
The reviews have been great, which is very gratifying, considering I thought this book was trying to kill me. I handed it in a month late (something I had never done before) and there were times when I thought it would never come together. But then it did. (I think I’ve just described the writer’s life in a nutshell.)
☆☆☆☆½ The latest trip to Busman’s Harbor is a lobster pot full of secrets and deceit. This cozy series continues to stand out with its exceptional plotting, intriguing storylines and authentic detailing of the lobstering life.
RT Book Reviews, May 2015
Musseled Out, the third of Barbara Ross’ stellar Maine Clambake Mysteries, is a craftily plotted, brilliantly paced tale that gives the lie to the notion that all small-town crime is cozy. Addiction, greed, ambition, murder – Musseled Out has them all, plus a bonus lesson in lobstering and a turf war, to boot.
Crimespree Magazine, April 2015
Boasting an eclectic cast of characters, good conversation and a small town feel, this is my favorite book in the series.
Dru’s Book Musings, April 2015
Each book is getting better — and the first one was pretty darned good, so by now, the Maine Clambake series is one of the best amateur sleuth…mystery series coming out of New England.
Kingdom Books, April 2015
Of course, here at Maine Crime Writers, I’ve kept you up to date on the doings with this book right along, so it’s gratifying to see it come full cycle.
Here’s a post I did on the lobstering research.
Gone Lobstering, May 2014
And another with one of the delicious recipes in Mussled Out developed by my husband and partner in crime, Bill Carito.
Slow-Cooker Curried Fish & Butternut Squash Stew, October 2014
Here’s one from when I broke out of book jail.
When I Finish My Book I’m Going To…, July 2014
I have so many people to thank for helping me with this book, but here I’d like to thank my fellow Maine Crime Writers who have made me feel so welcome in the writing community in Maine.
If you’d like to be one of the first on your block to have your very own copy, leave a comment below and one lucky winner will receive the prize.
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
Congratulations!
I read Clammed Up awhile ago but didn’t know anything about you. I kept thinking, boy this all sounds familiar. Then I read the author’s blurb and realized where you were writing about and it all made sense.
Oh, Monica, that is so funny. I’ve moved some things around for my fictional Busman’s Harbor, but the real place is still at the heart of it. Now I keep getting confused and trying to send my husband to the fictional Gleason’s Hardware, forgetting that it’s really Grover’s.
Following your story development has been wonderful. It reminded me of all the summers we took part in our local Episcopal church’s annual clambake. For church people they’re a very liberal bunch and a lot of fun to be around. And of course, the food was exquisite!
I’m looking forward to reading my copy when it arrives.
all the best from north central Ohio, Julianne
Julianne–thank you so much. The fun of a summer church clambake. I would love to be able to perfectly capture that.
The first two books in this series were wonderful so I am really looking forward to reading Musseled Out. I hope to see you and some of the other Maine Crime Writers at Malice this weekend. Good Luck with the new release.
Hi Mo.
No Malice for me as I have destroyed my knee, but Kate, Kathy Lynn, Lea and Dorothy will be there, the first three up for Agatha’s. (Dorothy, of course, has a lifetime achievement award, so she’s already a winner.)
Barb, We’re missing you already!
Kathy/Kaitlyn
Oh, thank you, Kaitlyn!
Loved the first two books. Brought back memories of growing up on the East Coast and all the great seafood. Can’t wait to read Musseled Out.
Thank you, Jackie. When the series originally didn’t sell right away, many publishers said it was, “too regional.” But many people all over the country either have or feel a connection to the great Atlantic Ocean.
Sounds interesting–I’ve read a few of the authors on this site, and eventually will get to you all!
Thanks, JT. So many books, so little time…
…and not a minute too soon!!! Yesterday was opening day (after our winter hiatus) here at Mainely Murders Bookstore in Kennebunk. I sold all but one copy of your previous two books. (FYI, to all writers out there. When booksellers are familiar with/and like your books, they sell lots of them!!!)
Paula Keeney
owner
Mainely Murders Bookstore
Oh, thank you Paula. Thank for your support of the Maine Clambake series and so many of the Maine Crime Writers.
I just ordered the e-book yesterday. Can hardly wait to start it. I’ve read the others & loved them.
Thank you so much, Mary. I hope you enjoy Musseled Out!
It’s time for me to play catch up with this great series!
Thanks, Gram! I hope you enjoy…
I really enjoyed the first 2 books and would love to add the newest one. Win or lose I’ll read this one and hope for more to come There is something special about Maine and it’s always been on my bucket list but I now know it will be thru all the wonderful Maine authors books. Sorry about your knee and hope you get the tests you need.
Thanks, Ruth. Good luck!
Love this series. Looking forward to reading this one.
Thanks so much, Dotty. Good luck!
First 2 were great! I’d love my very own copy of Mussled Out. Thanks for the chance!
Oh, thank you Linda. Good luck with the contest.
I enjoyed “Boiled Over” very much. I miss Maine and New England. My favorite place in the world is Five Islands Maine. Thanks and good luck with your book.
Thank YOU, Marguerite–and good luck with the contest.
Print and Audio versions. Yay! Congratulations, Barb.
Thanks, Karla!
Congratulations, Barb and thank you for the notes from the Maine Crime Wave. Your book sounds tasty!
Thank you, Carol-Lynn. It was so great to see you.
I really enjoyed the story of the clambake so far, and am looking forward to learning more!
Thanks, Barb!
I would love to win a copy I read clammed up and loved it!!!
I am so glad you enjoyed Clammed Up. Best of luck with the contest.
I loved the first two books of the series and can’t wait to get this one. Your books make me wish I lived in Maine — in the summertime, anyway.