Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is the eighth installment in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails series. Hayley Powell has settled into her position as office manager and food columnist for the Island Times in Bar Harbor, ME. It's Halloween in Bar Harbor and Hayley gets a nasty trick in the form of her ex-husband Danny appearing back in town.
Danny has broken up with his girlfriend Becky Cameron and come back to town. He's staying with his Uncle Otis Pearson in the moonshiners tiny cabin in the woods, but trying hard to worm his way back into the family house. Their kids Gemma and Dustin are happy to have their dad back in town but Hayley knows Danny is most likely up to no good. It doesn't take long for her fears to come true, when Otis is found bludgeoned to death in the cemetery.
Hayley soon learns that Danny has gotten involved in a scheme that left him owing money to the Boston mob. When two dangerous men appear in town it's obvious that they are looking for their money. Danny becomes the prime suspect in Otis' murder based on the fact that the moonshiner had been hiding money in his mattress and only Danny and Hayley knew where his stash was and it's gone. While Hayley doesn't think much of her ex-husband she knows in her heart that he is not a murderer and decides to set out to clear his name.
Hayley's best friends Mona and Liddy are on hand to help along with Hayley's brother Randy and his boyfriend Sergio, the Chief of the Bar Harbor Police Department. In addition to figuring out who the killer is Hayley has her hands full trying to maintain an amicable relationship with her ex-boyfriend Aaron Palmer. Aaron is the local veterinarian and Gemma is working for him for the summer. Gemma is having a difficult time dealing with Aaron's assistant and receptionist Edna, who is determined to make the young girl look bad in the eyes of their boss.
Sal Moretti, Hayley's boss at the Island Times is anxious for Hayley and reporter Bruce Linney to solve the crime and get the scoop published. Hayley's relationship with Bruce has evened out and things are starting to heat up between the two.
While it's not necessary to read the series in order, I recommend that you do in order to have the full background of the main cast of characters. A fun, fast read with lots of laughs, a delightful group of people and yummy recipes for both food and cocktails.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Danny has broken up with his girlfriend Becky Cameron and come back to town. He's staying with his Uncle Otis Pearson in the moonshiners tiny cabin in the woods, but trying hard to worm his way back into the family house. Their kids Gemma and Dustin are happy to have their dad back in town but Hayley knows Danny is most likely up to no good. It doesn't take long for her fears to come true, when Otis is found bludgeoned to death in the cemetery.
Hayley soon learns that Danny has gotten involved in a scheme that left him owing money to the Boston mob. When two dangerous men appear in town it's obvious that they are looking for their money. Danny becomes the prime suspect in Otis' murder based on the fact that the moonshiner had been hiding money in his mattress and only Danny and Hayley knew where his stash was and it's gone. While Hayley doesn't think much of her ex-husband she knows in her heart that he is not a murderer and decides to set out to clear his name.
Hayley's best friends Mona and Liddy are on hand to help along with Hayley's brother Randy and his boyfriend Sergio, the Chief of the Bar Harbor Police Department. In addition to figuring out who the killer is Hayley has her hands full trying to maintain an amicable relationship with her ex-boyfriend Aaron Palmer. Aaron is the local veterinarian and Gemma is working for him for the summer. Gemma is having a difficult time dealing with Aaron's assistant and receptionist Edna, who is determined to make the young girl look bad in the eyes of their boss.
Sal Moretti, Hayley's boss at the Island Times is anxious for Hayley and reporter Bruce Linney to solve the crime and get the scoop published. Hayley's relationship with Bruce has evened out and things are starting to heat up between the two.
While it's not necessary to read the series in order, I recommend that you do in order to have the full background of the main cast of characters. A fun, fast read with lots of laughs, a delightful group of people and yummy recipes for both food and cocktails.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Kristina A. reviewed Death of a Pumpkin Carver (Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails, Bk 8) on + 1528 more book reviews
Death of a Pumpkin Carver by Lee Hollis is the eighth book in a Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail Mystery series. Hayley Powell is divorced with two children (Gemma and Dustin). Hayley works as a reporter (writes Island Food and Spirits column) and office manager for the Island Times in Bar Harbor, Maine. It is Halloween time, and Hayley arrives home to find two carved pumpkins on her doorstep. Hayley groans because she realizes her ex-husband, Danny is back in town (which means trouble). The children are thrilled to see him (of course). Danny seems to be flush with cash this visit (something's up). Danny is staying with his Uncle Otis, who sells moonshine for a living (it is illegal). Unfortunately, the visit quickly takes a bad turn when Uncle Otis is found dead in the local cemetery. Does it have anything to do with the shady characters following Danny? Danny quickly rises to the top of the suspect list (especially when Uncle Otis' mattress money turns up missing). Danny asks for Hayley's assistance, and she cannot resist (how many of us would help our ex-husbands?). Hayley needs to find the real killer before Danny gets too comfortable in her home.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver may be the eighth novel in the series, but it can be read alone. The author does a very good job of providing background information on the main characters. The novel is easy to read and has a good flow for the most part. I do not particularly enjoy Hayley's column inserts. They disrupt the reading of the book (and the usually contain idiotic stories). I give Death of a Pumpkin Carver 3 out of 5 stars. The story was just too inane for me (not my type of book). I wanted to slap some sense into Hayley regarding Danny. She gave in to him on everything and anything (despite mentioning the troubles they had in their marriage frequently). What type of example is Hayley setting for her children? The mystery was no conundrum. I picked out the killer early in the story (it was very obvious). I did find Dustin's friends name hilarious. It is Spanky McFarland (please tell me you get the reference)! There are pumpkin recipes for food and drink in Death of a Pumpkin Carver. I will not be reading any more books in this series. I gave the series a try (I read three books in it), but it is just not for me (my mother claims that I am lacking in the humor department). While this book did not appeal to me, you may find it delightful. You can always get a free sample of the book to see if it suits you.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver may be the eighth novel in the series, but it can be read alone. The author does a very good job of providing background information on the main characters. The novel is easy to read and has a good flow for the most part. I do not particularly enjoy Hayley's column inserts. They disrupt the reading of the book (and the usually contain idiotic stories). I give Death of a Pumpkin Carver 3 out of 5 stars. The story was just too inane for me (not my type of book). I wanted to slap some sense into Hayley regarding Danny. She gave in to him on everything and anything (despite mentioning the troubles they had in their marriage frequently). What type of example is Hayley setting for her children? The mystery was no conundrum. I picked out the killer early in the story (it was very obvious). I did find Dustin's friends name hilarious. It is Spanky McFarland (please tell me you get the reference)! There are pumpkin recipes for food and drink in Death of a Pumpkin Carver. I will not be reading any more books in this series. I gave the series a try (I read three books in it), but it is just not for me (my mother claims that I am lacking in the humor department). While this book did not appeal to me, you may find it delightful. You can always get a free sample of the book to see if it suits you.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
