Stowed Away by Barbara Ross is an interesting read. Julia Snowden, the main character, has a little more depth than your average protagonist sleuth. The story of her youth is one I imagine many can relate to; it has shaped her adulthood. I enjoyed reading this because unlike many female leads she doesn't come across as weak in her adult relationships. From the very beginning when Julia runs into her old nemesis to the end when she solves the crime the reader sees her grow. Most of the story takes place on or near the water in a small Maine shipbuilding town, where Julia's family has lived for multiple generations. These characters and the crew of the yacht make for some very interesting, funny, and scary scenes. Overall this was an engaging, fast cozy murder mystery.