HIDDEN BENEATH, the eleventh novel in the Main Clambake Mystery series by Barbara Ross, revolves around the disappearance of a Chipmunk Island resident five years ago. Ginny Merrill always took a daily swim in the harbor, but one day she never returned home. Did Ginny drown? Or did someone on the island play a part in Ginny’s disappearance?

Julia Snowden and her mother, Jacqueline, are busy during the summer tourist season at their Snowden Family Clambake. There’s so much to do, but Julia’s mother wants to take time to attend the memorial for Ginny after she is officially declared dead. Ginny’s old group of childhood friends, the Wednesday Club, have gathered in Ginny’s house to share memories and say goodbye. Jacqueline wasn’t a part of the Wednesday Club, so she is shocked to learn Ginny listed her as the executor of her estate. Julia and Jacqueline will have a hectic summer running the family business and attending to Ginny’s final wishes, but someone doesn’t want Ginny’s old journals to surface. When one member of the Wednesday Club is murdered, Julia knows there’s much more in those journals than just happy childhood memories.

HIDDEN BENEATH is a solid mystery set on an idyllic island off the coast of Maine, where time has stood still. The residents of the island are close-knit and suspicious of outsiders. They are also good at hiding secrets. This mystery has it all: a picturesque setting, an interesting family business, watery graves, old journals, and a group of childhood friends. The mystery is multi-layered with crimes occurring in the past and present day. Finding the connection is key, and as past wrongs are revealed, Barbara Ross writes a well-plotted, tightly woven, enjoyable culinary cozy mystery that packs a punch without wasting space. Truly enjoyable! Recipes included.