Sealed Off

Early October should mean winding down in Busman’s Harbor, Maine—but for Julia Snowden, there’s nothing peaceful about it. Between managing busloads of leaf peepers at the Snowden Family Clambake and overseeing a gut renovation of the old mansion on Morrow Island, she’s stretched thin. When her Russian demo crew discovers a room that’s been sealed off for decades, Julia’s curiosity is piqued. But when one of the workers turns up dead under the firewood, her investigation becomes a matter of survival.

Barbara Ross, a beloved Maine author, delivers another page-turner in this cozy mystery that perfectly captures the salt air and secrets of coastal New England. Sealed Off masterfully weaves together the charm of a small harbor town with the tension of a classic locked-room mystery. As Julia uncovers a mysterious diary written in Cyrillic text, she must navigate a tangled web of suspects—ex-spouses, spurned lovers, and recently released prisoners—all while keeping her family business afloat.

Ross’s intimate knowledge of Maine’s coastal communities shines through every page, creating an atmospheric backdrop that feels as real as the creaking floorboards beneath your feet. The discovery of a second body raises the stakes, and Julia must dig deep to unearth a killer who’s determined to keep the past buried.

Kirkus Reviews praises Ross’s work for its “amiable characters” and authentic portrayal of Maine coast life—a perfect read for anyone who treasures seaside mysteries with heart, humor, and just the right amount of danger.

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