Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant (Beacon Bakeshop, Bk 4) on + 735 more book reviews
Dollycas's ThoughtsÂ
Where better to celebrate Halloween than in Beacon Harbor, Michigan, and the haunted Beacon Bakeshop? Especially when Kennedy has convinced Lindsey to host a live ghost-hunting investigation by professional ghost hunters and record it for her podcast. Lindsay is unsure if Captain Willy will make an appearance or how he will react to the ghost hunters but she never expected such a horrific happening. When a bright, eerie green light suddenly fills the lightroom it scares Kennedy and the "ghost guys" sending them scrambling down the stairs and into the night. Kennedy ran into something that knocked her off her feet. Looking up she realizes there is a creepy clown costume hanging from a tree, but it isn't just a costume, it contains a dead body!
______
Lindsey Bakewell, her family, and friends have really settled into Beacon Harbor. The town has big plans for its Halloween Bash and Lindsey is baking up all kinds of treats and making pumpkin spiced lattes to serve to the masses. She has found a new assistant baker but her former Navy SEAL boyfriend Rory and her dad still drop by to help if needed. Her friend Kennedy has started a podcast that keeps her busy when she isn't working at the boutique Ellie & Co. she owns with Lindsey's mom. Her podcast brings the "ghost guys" to town and Lindsey's haunted lighthouse. What I love about Ms. Hannah's characters is that they are so true to life. The core characters and the residents of Beacon Harbor are people you would find in small-town America with their own interests and issues. Each story feels like we are catching up with good friends. Of course, not typical of all small towns is that Captain Willy Riggs who died at the lighthouse in the 1800s still calls the Beacon Lighthouse his home, and he has various ways of making his presence known. And I can't forget Lindsey's Newfoundland, Wellington who has stolen my heart. He is such a good dog.
For purely personal reasons I had some trouble with the mystery this time, really the way the victim was found. It was too close to the way I lost my son to suicide in 2015. I thought after this much time had passed certain words wouldn't be as much of a trigger as they turned out to be. At times, it kept me from following along with the plot but I couldn't just set the book aside. I needed to know why such a good person had been killed. The author gave us several suspects to work through and many twists and turns. Scary situations led up to a chilling reveal, showdown, and rescue. I was right on the edge of my seat while it all played out.
One character was having a difficult time at the end and I truly felt for them. I am not sure they are making the right decision but they have to do what they feel is best for their well-being. I am a little anxious to see what the author has planned.
With Halloween quickly approaching you need to be sure to check out the recipes after the end of the story. Pumpkin scones, muffins, cheesecake and lattes are joined by Savory Roast Chicken and Apple Stuffing.
Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant was an entertaining read. I do love these characters and even with my personal issues, I couldn't stop reading which is a tribute to the author. She captivated my attention enough to push past what I needed to and still enjoy the story. I am now looking forward to reading Murder at the Blarney Bash. I do have a little Irish in me, so I can't wait to search for a pot of gold or another killer.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Where better to celebrate Halloween than in Beacon Harbor, Michigan, and the haunted Beacon Bakeshop? Especially when Kennedy has convinced Lindsey to host a live ghost-hunting investigation by professional ghost hunters and record it for her podcast. Lindsay is unsure if Captain Willy will make an appearance or how he will react to the ghost hunters but she never expected such a horrific happening. When a bright, eerie green light suddenly fills the lightroom it scares Kennedy and the "ghost guys" sending them scrambling down the stairs and into the night. Kennedy ran into something that knocked her off her feet. Looking up she realizes there is a creepy clown costume hanging from a tree, but it isn't just a costume, it contains a dead body!
______
Lindsey Bakewell, her family, and friends have really settled into Beacon Harbor. The town has big plans for its Halloween Bash and Lindsey is baking up all kinds of treats and making pumpkin spiced lattes to serve to the masses. She has found a new assistant baker but her former Navy SEAL boyfriend Rory and her dad still drop by to help if needed. Her friend Kennedy has started a podcast that keeps her busy when she isn't working at the boutique Ellie & Co. she owns with Lindsey's mom. Her podcast brings the "ghost guys" to town and Lindsey's haunted lighthouse. What I love about Ms. Hannah's characters is that they are so true to life. The core characters and the residents of Beacon Harbor are people you would find in small-town America with their own interests and issues. Each story feels like we are catching up with good friends. Of course, not typical of all small towns is that Captain Willy Riggs who died at the lighthouse in the 1800s still calls the Beacon Lighthouse his home, and he has various ways of making his presence known. And I can't forget Lindsey's Newfoundland, Wellington who has stolen my heart. He is such a good dog.
For purely personal reasons I had some trouble with the mystery this time, really the way the victim was found. It was too close to the way I lost my son to suicide in 2015. I thought after this much time had passed certain words wouldn't be as much of a trigger as they turned out to be. At times, it kept me from following along with the plot but I couldn't just set the book aside. I needed to know why such a good person had been killed. The author gave us several suspects to work through and many twists and turns. Scary situations led up to a chilling reveal, showdown, and rescue. I was right on the edge of my seat while it all played out.
One character was having a difficult time at the end and I truly felt for them. I am not sure they are making the right decision but they have to do what they feel is best for their well-being. I am a little anxious to see what the author has planned.
With Halloween quickly approaching you need to be sure to check out the recipes after the end of the story. Pumpkin scones, muffins, cheesecake and lattes are joined by Savory Roast Chicken and Apple Stuffing.
Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant was an entertaining read. I do love these characters and even with my personal issues, I couldn't stop reading which is a tribute to the author. She captivated my attention enough to push past what I needed to and still enjoy the story. I am now looking forward to reading Murder at the Blarney Bash. I do have a little Irish in me, so I can't wait to search for a pot of gold or another killer.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
