The Legend of Acorn Hollow

Rita Calabrese #6

by Maureen Klovers

The locals insist that Acorn Hollow was the real inspiration for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” But is that a blessing…or a curse?

As the Hudson Valley’s best garden-to-table home cook, fiercest Italian matriarch, and most dogged reporter, Rita Calabrese has many reasons to look forward to fall. Her garden is bursting with the ingredients for chicken cacciatore, apple crisp, and pumpkin cheesecake. Her son is starring in the local community theater production. And Acorn Hollow is at its most festive as it celebrates “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” which the townspeople insist was inspired by their own bucolic hamlet.

But as the fall foliage peaks, so does the drama. First, a series of mysterious accidents befall the actor portraying Ichabod Crane. While most of the townspeople are willing to chalk it up to the supernatural antics of the headless horseman, the police have a far more mortal suspect in Rita’s son, Vinnie.

Then the notorious “black widow” of Acorn Hollow offers Rita tantalizing new clues about a pair of cold-case Halloween disappearances bearing the hallmarks of the original legend, right down to the smashed pumpkin by the old stone bridge. In exchange, the widow asks Rita to cater her funeral—and she’s already set an exact date.

As the clock ticks down to the appointed date, Rita cooks up a fabulous funeral feast. But she begins to suspect that the widow is cooking up something of her own, and it just might be an elaborate trap to catch a killer…

Featuring drool-worthy fall and Italian recipes!

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2023

About the author

Maureen Klovers has held numerous positions in government, including a stint as a U.S. intelligence officer, and was a political commentator on DC 101's talk radio show "Neighborhood Stuff." Ms. Klovers has traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, China, India, and Latin America. She's hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, been escorted through a Bolivian prison by a German narco-trafficker, and fished for piranhas in Venezuela. She received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (with a focus on Latin American politics) from the College of William and Mary in 1999 and a Master's of Public Policy and Master's of Business Administration from Georgetown University in 2006. She lives with her husband, Kevin, in Arlington, Virginia.

Reviews

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realise that this was actually the sixth in the Rita Calabrese cozy mystery series, but for me it worked well as a standalone.

I was drawn to this cozy as the legend of Sleepy Hollow partly inspired it, a film I enjoyed many years ago and I loved the cover with its autumn/Halloween vibes, which is my favourite time of year.

Every year Acorn Hollow puts on a play about the legend of sleepy hollow which they believe was based on their own town. Every year, they have a horse race through the streets of the town and put on a play. This year, the play seems to have a curse put upon it as one of the actors keeps having suspicious accidents.

Rita, however, has been contacted by local widow Emma Schmalzgruben, who wants to find out what really happened to her nephew Bobby Bruickhuisen who vanished Halloween 1962 and was linked to the legend. It's up to Rita to get to the bottom of the cases before anyone else gets hurt.

I had a hard time putting The Legend of Acorn Hollow down. There were plenty of suspects, clues, red herrings, twists and turns. There was honestly never a dull moment in this book!

For most of the book, I wasn't quite sure of Rita. She's an amazing cook, with mouthwatering recipes scattered throughout. She's also a good sleuth who has a determination to get to the truth no matter what, but when it comes to her son Vinnie, she's a terrible meddler. The way she treats him, I kept having to remind myself he's twenty-two, not a sixteen-year-old child! In the end I very much grew to like her as she's the kind of character who can learn from her mistakes.

The Legend of Acorn Hollow was an enjoyable and entertaining read. I will definitely pick up more of this series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Rita Calabrese, and each new story from Maureen Klovers is a treat to read! The Legend of Acorn Hollow is a fun cozy to read - mixing mysteries from the present with a few from the past, and Rita certainly has her hands full! A+++

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LEGEND OF ACORN HOLLOW by Maureen Klovers
The Sixth Rita Calabrese Culinary Mystery

While most people believe "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" takes place in Terrytown, the people of Acorn Hollow know that their bucolic town was the real inspiration. The community theatre is putting on their production of "The Legend of Acorn Hollow", a telling of the original Washington Irving story followed by the stories of two local disappearances that have uncanny resemblances to the original-smashed pumpkin and all. While her son, Vinnie, is working on the production journalist, matriarch, and Italian cook extraordinaire Rita Calabrese has been asked to cater the Widow Schmalzgruben's funeral by the very much alive widow. The widow has close ties to the more recent disappearance told in the play and believes someone got away with murder. When accidents start befalling the current Ichabod Crane and Vinnie looks guilty, Rita will do everything in her power to prove his innocence, and she may just solve those mysteries from the past as well.

I am absolutely thrilled to be back in Acorn Hollow during my favorite season. I love how the classic Legend of Sleepy Hollow is incorporated in so many ways into the mystery. We have the legend, the disappearance in the 1930s, the disappearance of the Widow's nephew in the 1960s, and the actors portraying characters from both of these time frames-all love triangles, all interwoven.

I love so many things about THE LEGEND OF ACORN HOLLOW, indeed this whole series. One of my favorite things is the humor found here. From Rose's amorous aspirations to Rita's machinations, so many scenes had me grinning and laughing, but the one that still has me in stitches is Rita's "vision".

THE LEGEND OF ACORN HOLLOW is a complex multilayered mystery that is as intriguing as it is heartwarming. With decadent food descriptions and a multitude of laughs, the sixth Rita Calabrese Culinary Mystery will have you drooling, smiling, and wanting more.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Legend of Acorn Hollow, book six in the Rita Calabrese mystery series by Maureen Klovers was such a fun way to kick off my October reading. Here’s another title for those of us who love the autumn, slightly spooky feel, but don’t want to be so scared we have to sleep with the lights on.

While this is book six in the series, this title holds up a standalone for new readers. Here we have Italian matriarch and reporter, Rita Calabrese. Her fall is busy! Her son is starring in the local community theater production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. (Locals believe that Acorn Hollow was the real inspiration for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”) Unfortunately, a series of mysterious accidents keep happening during rehearsals and the police suspect Rita's son, Vinnie. Rita’s mama bear comes out and she’s determined to find the true culprit.

In addition, the notorious “black widow” of Acorn Hollow offers Rita new clues about a pair of cold-case Halloween disappearances–this would make a great story for the paper! In exchange, the widow asks Rita to cater her funeral—and she’s already set an exact date. But is the widow really just wanting to celebrate her life before she’s gone or is she out to trap to catch a killer?

This was such a fun cozy mystery with twists and turns around every corner. I would think I had it figured out, only to turn the page and see that I was wrong! Rita is a wonderful, strong character and I love her relationship with her husband and her twin sister. There’s great humor here. Do not, though, read this while hungry, because Rita is an amazing cook and the details of her cooking were delicious.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Rita Calabrese. She is such a fun loveable character -- lover and defender of all things Italian, second career reporter (first having been mother), and a flare for solving murders. As a mother she is an ardent supporter of her children, including her youngest son Vinnie who causes her much angst.

In book 6, Vinnie is involved in the latest production of the local theater company's production, The Legend of Acorn Hollow. Unfortunately there are numerous mishaps during rehearsals and the police are blaming Vinnie. As Rita defends her youngest, she uncovers clues to the disappearance of two individuals also associated with the legend, and these same individuals as they are being portrayed in the current theater production. In the midst of all of this Rita has been asked to cater the funeral of a very much alive individual who happens to be related to one of the missing individuals. Phew! Lots going on in the book but the author expertly weaves all the stories together to a rather surprising ending - I loved it!

The book is full of twists and turns, a few red herrings, lots of great sounding food, plenty of humor and some surprises. An all around engrossing and entertaining read. Be prepared to read it in one setting, as you will be pulled in from the start and not want to put the book down until you follow Rita's activities in not only solving a murder but 'finding' the missing individuals.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous read! This is the 6th book in this series; I’ve read and loved several other books in this series, but this could easily stand alone. I still swear I’m going to go back and read the series from the start—this book was exquisitely written and it made me remember just how much I’ve enjoyed the books in this series. I read about 4-5 books a week and this is honestly one of the best I’ve read in months. Rita is a firecracker of a main character, very much a grizzly bear of an Italian mother, as she describes herself. Her children are grown and she’s now a reporter and amateur sleuth. This story is very much all about fall and ties in Washington Irving’s story about Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman, two similar cases from many years ago in her local town, and in the present time, a local drama about the same, as well as some suspicious happenings that she’s afraid her young adult son could be blamed for. She is helping a widow she’s known a very long time throw her own funeral/celebration of life while still living, catering all of the best autumn food, for which recipes are provided at the end of the book. The widow is trying to solve the murder of her nephew in the 1960s and gathering the remaining suspects who are still living. The plot is excellent and the writing is stellar; I highly recommend this book and series. I was provided a copy of the book, which I really appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first visit to Acorn Hollow and meeting Rita Calabrese, and my, this was memorable! Rita is a wonderful center for this series. She seems to do it all: mother, wife, reporter, cook, baker, and amateur sleuth. This book is focused on Acorn Hollow’s legacy as the real site (not Sleepy Hollow!) of headless horseman and Ichabod Crane. But in Acorn Hollow, that was not the only time the headless horseman was said to have taken a life.

Maureen Klovers weaves together two later tales involving two later generations and their apparent love triangles that met tragic ends while fearing that her youngest son is tempting to repeat history himself. The storyline is rather complex, but as a history lover, I adored this approach to learning about the different generations on Acorn Hollow from the early Dutch families, the Italian immigrant families during Prohibition, and current multi-ethnic young generation. And all along the way, Rita cooks and bakes amazing sounding dishes while she worries over her children and seeks to solve the multiple murders and attempted murders of past and present Acorn Hollow. This is such a clever spin on the tale of the headless horseman. This book has more layers than Rita’s lasagna could possibly have, and it’s all very satisfying.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rita Calabrese is a force of nature. She's a reporter, a caterer and Chef extraordinaire, a Grizzly Mama Bear and the town's own sleuth. This latest installment in the series written by Maureen Klovers is delightful. Acorn Hollow claims to be the true setting of the story of Sleepy Hollow with mysterious disappearances that have continued of the years with common threads weaving them together. The book starts with research into the original story for Rita’s newspaper and cheerfully winds it’s way through modern day threats to the local young crew reenacting the town story, and all three previous linked mysteries. Throughout all the shenanigans, Rita’s charmingly Italian-to-the hilt family drive her to distraction as do the other major players, including “the Widow”, whose nephew was one of the mysterious disappearances, and Rita’s coworker, a young highschool “competitor” who may or may not be dating Rita’s son. The story is fun to read and rolls along quickly. It is just the cure for everyday life, but I warn, you will be hungry after the descriptions of her amazing cooking.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did the legend of the headless horseman originate in Acorn Valley? That's what the locals believe. Rita isn't so sure. Suddenly a play highlighting two cold cases attributed to the horseman put the actor playing Ichabod in danger as accidents continually befall him. Of course, Rita's on the case. No one tries to frame one of her children for these mishaps! I enjoy seeing this feisty mama bear at work. No one messes with her family. In addition the Widow wants Rita to find out what happened to her nephew in 1962. Even though rumors blame the horseman. Talk about a challenge. I wasn't sure Rita could solve these cold cases. Maureen Klovers has done an excellent job with this mystery. The story combines the past and the present. She set up an exciting mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are well defined and interesting. The dialogue is smartly crafted and the story has some shocking surprises. I enjoyed the Widow. She has moxie. The Legend of Acorn Hollow is a fine addition to this series.

[MsBitsyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Legend of Acorn Hollow by: Maureen Klovers

Is it just like the Legend of Sleepy Hollow? No, there are many differences; & yes, it has several similarities.

When this book really captured my attention was when Little Italy in NYC was mentioned. And one of the best moments of my life was in Little Italy! So now, I’m enamored with this book! Family members & friends all on the same path of life, but each person’s approach is so different….so real! And Bernese Mountain dogs, I have a Bernedoodle!

The best part of this story is all the relatable ways in which you feel drawn into the lives of each person: Rita, Vinnie, Ana, Sal, Orlando, & the most haunting, unsolved mystery of all time in Acorn Hollow…GRAB this fun, Italian spicy flare of a story, sure to engage you in the coming days! A perfect cozy mystery! Or should I say, “perfetto!”

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author was new to me. An easy read and a fun mystery, and recipes at the end. Rita Calabrese is a reporter and an Italian cook. The local theater is rehearsing a production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, and the legend itself is tied to 2 cold-case disappearances. Rita is investigating the cold cases in an effort to prevent any new disappearances, especially since her youngest son is acting in the play. The reader follows Rita every step of the investigation, including making dinner and dessert. Lots of twists and turns to this mystery, which kept me guessing to the end. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Legend of Acorn Hollow is book #6 in the Rita Calabrese Culinary Cozy Mysteries series by Maureen Klovers.

This was a fun fall read, Rita is a busy woman with work, cooking, and investigating. She can be a bit overbearing when it comes to her kids but she loves family, food and all things Italian. There was a lot going on in this book and the twists and turns kept me guessing. I liked how everything wrapped up at the end. There’s also a lot of humor which I always enjoy. You’ll be craving Italian food as you read and there are several recipes at the end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Rita Calabrese, Hudson Valley's best garden to table home cook, fierce Italian matriarch, caterer, reporter and tough sleuth when she needs to discover whodunit. This is a great mystery that quickly becomes a page turner but should come with a warning that foodies will need a rich Italian snack to make it through this book. I enjoy RIta's dynamic with the quirky characters especially Widow Schmalzgruben, the oldest person in Acorn Hollow. If you enjoy twisty mysteries that you can't put down and are a delight to read, don't miss The Legend of Acorn Hollow. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What you often find is that beneath one crime lies another.”

“It does so fast....Like a blink of an eye, like the flicker of a candle. You’re young, and the suddenly you’re old.” Faced with three cold cases from the past and an attempted murder in the present mixed with a dose of Vinnie drama, Italian mama, mama grizzly, cook and journalist Rita Calabrese handles it all with grace and style while not missing a step in the kitchen. An excellent installment in a must read series. Bellissimo!

[Katherine Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Chesapeake Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this advanced reading copy of this book for my honest review. I have always loved Washington Irving’s The Legend Of Sleepy Hallow. This book incorporates that tale into this story in a modern day version of it. Rita Calabrese is back in book # 6 with her family, friends and wonderful recipes to solve the mystery of The Legend of Acorn Hollow. I loved it and it kept me guessing till the end. Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

[Bonnie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author.
This is a new author and series to me. I really enjoyed the characters, dialogue and the mystery. It was so much fun to read. I swear I could hear the New York accents. Every time you turned around, something else was happening. Great read. I want to go read the rest of the series now.

[charlotte | nonperformativereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars. Cute & heart warming. Very autumnal.

- I originally liked the FMC, Rita (like age 70) but then she turned into the type of mother who high key serves “I want to sleep with my son” & I hated that
- why is a 22 old son trying to mess with a 17 year old ew
- very autumnal though & I liked all the cooking descriptions

[Lisa Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, reporter and cook, Rita gets to the solution of the crimes before the local police. Her recipes are a bonus:). Enjoyed the backstories on the disappearance of Joey Gambone in the 1930s and Bobby thirty years later.

[Beth Medrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great fall book. I love how she puts all the clues together to solve multiple crimes. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming. I love all the cooking in it also. There are recipes at the end. Perfect book to cuddle up with this fall!

[Lavender Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story. I like how the author took the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and used it for the basis of a much more current mystery.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really wonderful read! Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem, wonderful interesting complex characters and a fast moving story make this unpredictable book a real page turner and a must read!

[Danie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has a nice writing style. It was easy to get into. I love the setting and I love how the author incorporated the sleep hollow legend into it.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book. I tried. Was into the third chapter and had to give up. Wanted to like it because of the Berner on the cover.

[Suzanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest in the series and despite getting confused at times due to some similar character names, enjoyed the plot and character development.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The further adventures of the Calabrese family in Acorn Hollow, with the young son caught up in the theater, and the theatrical wise old widow scheduling her own funeral just to set the stage for an even better drama. A fitting homage to Ichabod Crane.

[Nancy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyable!

I have not read a cozy mystery in recent years that I enjoyed as much as this one.
The writing is excellent, the characters well thought out and the plot twist caught me by surprise TWICE!
I now have an incredible urge to move to the Hudson Valley in the hopes of living among people like this!
Pick up this book, I promise you will enjoy it.