Kristina A. reviewed on 9/10/2016 + 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.

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