THE CHOWDER HOUSE MURDER

A new series by veteran Maine chronicler Hollis examines the strengths and challenges of family ties.

Three generations of Holbrooks serve as pillars of Halibut Cove society. Matriarch Maggie supervises Sunday dinners from the spacious harborside home that’s “the heart of the Holbrook family legacy.” Her oldest son, Oliver, a respected defense attorney, ensures that even the most dislikable citizens get a fair trial when they need it. Younger sons Cord and Sandy follow in their late father’s footsteps, running a prosperous seafood empire. Only daughter Jill forges her own path as the village police chief, a role that sometimes puts her at odds with her mother. But it’s Jill’s daughter, Audrey, who sets the latest family adventure in motion. Working as a waitress at The Chowder House while trying to figure out what to do with her life, she’s the one to serve the chowder to Chips Hogan that permanently ends his annoying daily habit of coming in minutes before closing to demand a bowl of soup. The suspicion that falls on Audrey presses Maggie into action, but her mother’s sleuthing infuriates Jill, who wants the public to rely on the police to solve crimes. The parallel investigations—one amateur, one professional—uncover a horde of family secrets as deception and double-dealing provide powerful reasons why Chips had to die.

This briskly paced series kickoff promises more tantalizing treats in store for visitors to Halibut Cove.