Two of my favorites are Cape Cod and Back Bay, both by William Martin. He writes historical fiction, and both are sort of mysteries. Real page turners.

Read any of Ruth Moore's novels (Maine). A wonderful reading experience. For young children's books, look for Charlotte Agell.

Captains Courageous, by Rudyard Kipling, is one of my favorites. A spoiled, rich young man falls overboard while on a yachting cruise in New England. He's picked up by a fishing boat whose crew is not about to jeopardize their livelihood by turning around to take him back. For the first time in his life, he's in a situation where his money and prestige mean nothing, and he's forced to work to prove his worth.

For the coast of Maine and lobstering life I would highly reccommend any of Elsabeth Ogilvie's books, especially her early books such as "High Tide", "Storm Tide" and "Ebb Tide". Philip Crossman has written a couple of mysteries situated on Vinalhaven which are fun to read. I did read "Stern Men" and liked it, too. Philip Craig writes mysteries which take place on Martha's Vineyard. Have fun.