Monday, October 24, 2016

Book Review: Death by Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson


From the publisher: Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .

As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . .

With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . .


This is the third book in the series but the first that I've read even though the cover of each one has called to me from my bookshelves. While I felt like I was missing quite a bit of Krissy's back story (and found her inability to choose between the men in her life annoying) I didn't have much trouble piecing everything together.

Krissy is invited to a swanky Halloween party at the Yarborough mansion by her doctor friend Will. It's *the* place to be seen each year even though everyone is surprised the party is even taking place since the owner of the mansion recently passed away. A very insecure person, Krissy debates whether she wants to go or not but ultimately decides to accept the invitation. She's completely blown away by the mansion decked from top to bottom in gothic decor, and with a storm raging outside the atmosphere is just perfect. Then a woman dressed as Marilyn Monroe is found murdered after very publicly rejecting a marriage proposal, and with the roads closed everyone is sequestered inside until help can arrive. Krissy's former love interest Officer Paul Dalton asks her for help in questioning the attendees and keeping everyone calm, and in no time she discovers a very twisted web in a very creepy house.

If you're looking for something to put you in the Halloween mood, look no further than Death by Pumpkin Spice. Mostly taking place in the span of a single evening, this locked room mystery is just oozing of thrills and chills!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Do you have a favorite book that takes place at Halloween or that you look forward to reading every year at this time?

13 comments:

Mickey's Musings said...

Sounds like a good book to read on a stormy night ;)
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ

Unknown said...

I enjoyed this book too, though I wish the cats had played more of a role in the story. Still, Halloween party, corpse, mystery, a little romance...Yay!

The Menagerie Mom said...

This sure does sound like a great read to get you in the mood for Halloween. And I love the cover! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Mudpie and Melissa!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Melissa (and Mudpie).

jank1961 said...

I love the title, it's so appropriate! Everyone feels like they're going to get drowned by pumpkin spice products this year! LOL
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

Robin said...

This book sounds like the purrrfect Halloween mystery! Very spooky circumstances. :) My favorite Halloween book is Dracula by Braum Stoker. I don't read it every year, but I do enjoy it when I do. This year I decided to go into the non-fiction scary books genre and read The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli . It was perfect for both Halloween and the political season. However, neither of these books have cats in them, so I may have to try your suggestion!
-Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat said...

Never heard of this one before. Added to the list :)

Two French Bulldogs said...

A good Halloween book
Lily & Edward

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

Uh oh! Mommy loves pumpkin spice this time of year. I better warn her! MOL

Cheryl Harding Smith said...

this book sounds really good..would like to read..
greeneyes2755@yahoo.com

Three Chatty Cats said...

This sounds like a book I need to read simply because of the title! Thanks for the review!

Cathy Keisha said...

No book but we look forward to hearing a bunch of Halloween songs. TW is dying to put a playlist together if she gets a minute.

pilch92 said...

I don't have a favorite Halloween book, but is one sounds good.