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Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #15
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper (The Hayley Powell Mysteries)
MP3 CD Format
Apparently, the mouthwatering new ice cream flavors on the menu in coastal Bar Harbor, Maine, are really just to die for . . .
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell doesn't know what to believe when Lydia Partridge, the put-together owner of gourmet Bar Harbor Ice Cream, suddenly reveals fears that her husband may be having an affair. There's no other way to explain why Jamie, a respected professor, was spotted in a remote part of town with a much younger woman. But instead of learning the truth about the secret meeting, Lydia opens her freezer truck to find another surprise--the dead body of a summer employee . . .
The shock continues as photographic evidence proves Jamie was spending time off campus with the victim, one of his students. Now, Lydia desperately needs Hayley to discover if Jamie really is a cheater--and, worse, a ruthless killer. With her own complicated family issues to address, can Hayley make sense of a popular college girl's love life and out the true culprit before the case, or another person, goes cold?
Apparently, the mouthwatering new ice cream flavors on the menu in coastal Bar Harbor, Maine, are really just to die for . . .
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell doesn't know what to believe when Lydia Partridge, the put-together owner of gourmet Bar Harbor Ice Cream, suddenly reveals fears that her husband may be having an affair. There's no other way to explain why Jamie, a respected professor, was spotted in a remote part of town with a much younger woman. But instead of learning the truth about the secret meeting, Lydia opens her freezer truck to find another surprise--the dead body of a summer employee . . .
The shock continues as photographic evidence proves Jamie was spending time off campus with the victim, one of his students. Now, Lydia desperately needs Hayley to discover if Jamie really is a cheater--and, worse, a ruthless killer. With her own complicated family issues to address, can Hayley make sense of a popular college girl's love life and out the true culprit before the case, or another person, goes cold?
1 pages, Audio CD
First published July 26, 2022
69 people are currently reading
1529 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hollis
49 books818 followersLee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
May 5, 2025
Around this time last year, I hadn't read any books in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail Mysteries written by Lee Hollis, but a few short novellas had been combined in a three-book collection with another author I regularly read. They're set in Maine, the collection's theme, which is why I ultimately decided to give them a chance. I recently learned the authors are a brother-sister writing team, and I've finally read the previous 14 books in order so that this week I could jump on the latest release, set to officially be published next week. I thankfully received an early copy from NetGalley, but I couldn't read it until I bought/borrowed, read and reviewed the others! Another great installment in the series with a surprise twist for someone in Hayley's family - one I hadn't expected on any level. This story revolves around Hayley's new restaurant and her ice cream provider. Toss in a a group of young twenty-somethings (possibly teens) working at the shop, an affair or two, and a murder with a crazy poison. Mona and Liddy fight. Bunches of laughs. The mystery was good but the ending slightly came from nowhere (connected but not obvious). 4.5 stars, and I am already sad I have to wait a year for the next one.
July 23, 2022
Apologies to all the devoted readers of this series. I found out after I read this book that I was jumping in at #15. Never a good idea because the long term readers already know and love the characters and understand so much more about them.
I enjoyed the mystery of who killed the poor girl in the back of the ice cream truck. I was surprised Hayley has any friends left after the way she investigates but I suppose you have to be pushy to find out anything worthwhile. I thought the ending was clever and a little unexpected.
A pleasant read but I need to go back and read the earlier books. And I need to more careful and check the series out when I am requesting books.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed the mystery of who killed the poor girl in the back of the ice cream truck. I was surprised Hayley has any friends left after the way she investigates but I suppose you have to be pushy to find out anything worthwhile. I thought the ending was clever and a little unexpected.
A pleasant read but I need to go back and read the earlier books. And I need to more careful and check the series out when I am requesting books.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 9, 2025
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis
Synopsis /
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell is back on the case in Bar Harbor, Maine when her friend and owner of a gourmet ice cream shop finds that her husband may be a cheater and a killer...
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell doesn’t know what to believe when Lydia Partridge, the put-together owner of gourmet Bar Harbor Ice Cream, suddenly reveals fears that her husband may be having an affair. There’s no other way to explain why Jamie, a respected professor, was spotted in a remote part of town with a much younger woman. But instead of learning the truth about the secret meeting, Lydia opens her freezer truck to find another surprise—the dead body of a summer employee...
The shock continues as photographic evidence proves Jamie was spending time off campus with the victim, one of his students. Now, Lydia desperately needs Hayley to discover if Jamie really is a cheater—and, worse, a ruthless killer. With her own complicated family issues to address, can Hayley make sense of a popular college girl’s love life and out the true culprit before the case, or another person, goes cold?
My Thoughts /
At first glance, everything about this one seemed to hit the sweet spot.
🍧🍨 From the enticing cover - I mean, who doesn't love the look of all those sweets;
🍧🍨 Then, add in ice cream flavours like Sea Salt Caramel;
🍧🍨 and gourmet pie recipes such as Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie;
🍧🍨 right down to the adorable little dachshund on the floor eyeing off all that unattended food!
Not having read anything by this author before, I thought I had better get more acquainted, and this is what I found: Lee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp, a veteran Hollywood screenwriter who has written for numerous television series, including The Golden Girls, Wings, Scooby-Doo, Teen Titans, and Barbershop. He is the co-writer of The Brady Bunch Movie and also produced, wrote and starred in the hit web series Where the Bears Are, which has over 60 million views on YouTube. He has also authored a number of novels under his own name. As Lee Hollis, he has written over 30 novels and 9 novellas to date including the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries (with his sister Holly Simason), the Desert Flowers Mysteries and the Maya & Sandra mysteries. Okay, consider me suitably impressed.
It turns out, that Death of an Ice Cream Scooper is book #15 in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series. It's a shame that I was already well and truly in the throws of a self-induced ice cream coma by only looking at this cover, let alone having any mental capacity left to read the blurb. My bad.
So, my sincere apologies to all of the devoted long-term Hayley Powell fans for this outlier review. This is one of those times that you need to read the series in order – I know this now!
So jumping right in to what didn't work for me (and again, apologies to all long term Hayley Powell fans):
🤔 A lot of the characters were static and they didn't undergo any substantial changes as a result of the story's major plot developments (which to my mind was a little on the weak side anyway). In nutshell, they were a little routine.
🤔 Often one of the things I enjoy about food related cozies are the recipes which are tastefully included at the end of the book. Not the case here. There were anecdoted short stories as well as recipes sprinkled liberally throughout the book. This interrupted the pace of the main story thread, especially as they were usually placed at the end of a chapter which ended in somewhat of a cliffhanger. I found myself skimming over these the further along I got into the story. Once my fingers start to skim it's a slippery slope to slide back from.
Synopsis /
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell is back on the case in Bar Harbor, Maine when her friend and owner of a gourmet ice cream shop finds that her husband may be a cheater and a killer...
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell doesn’t know what to believe when Lydia Partridge, the put-together owner of gourmet Bar Harbor Ice Cream, suddenly reveals fears that her husband may be having an affair. There’s no other way to explain why Jamie, a respected professor, was spotted in a remote part of town with a much younger woman. But instead of learning the truth about the secret meeting, Lydia opens her freezer truck to find another surprise—the dead body of a summer employee...
The shock continues as photographic evidence proves Jamie was spending time off campus with the victim, one of his students. Now, Lydia desperately needs Hayley to discover if Jamie really is a cheater—and, worse, a ruthless killer. With her own complicated family issues to address, can Hayley make sense of a popular college girl’s love life and out the true culprit before the case, or another person, goes cold?
My Thoughts /
At first glance, everything about this one seemed to hit the sweet spot.
🍧🍨 From the enticing cover - I mean, who doesn't love the look of all those sweets;
🍧🍨 Then, add in ice cream flavours like Sea Salt Caramel;
🍧🍨 and gourmet pie recipes such as Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie;
🍧🍨 right down to the adorable little dachshund on the floor eyeing off all that unattended food!
Not having read anything by this author before, I thought I had better get more acquainted, and this is what I found: Lee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp, a veteran Hollywood screenwriter who has written for numerous television series, including The Golden Girls, Wings, Scooby-Doo, Teen Titans, and Barbershop. He is the co-writer of The Brady Bunch Movie and also produced, wrote and starred in the hit web series Where the Bears Are, which has over 60 million views on YouTube. He has also authored a number of novels under his own name. As Lee Hollis, he has written over 30 novels and 9 novellas to date including the Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries (with his sister Holly Simason), the Desert Flowers Mysteries and the Maya & Sandra mysteries. Okay, consider me suitably impressed.
It turns out, that Death of an Ice Cream Scooper is book #15 in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series. It's a shame that I was already well and truly in the throws of a self-induced ice cream coma by only looking at this cover, let alone having any mental capacity left to read the blurb. My bad.
So, my sincere apologies to all of the devoted long-term Hayley Powell fans for this outlier review. This is one of those times that you need to read the series in order – I know this now!
So jumping right in to what didn't work for me (and again, apologies to all long term Hayley Powell fans):
🤔 A lot of the characters were static and they didn't undergo any substantial changes as a result of the story's major plot developments (which to my mind was a little on the weak side anyway). In nutshell, they were a little routine.
🤔 Often one of the things I enjoy about food related cozies are the recipes which are tastefully included at the end of the book. Not the case here. There were anecdoted short stories as well as recipes sprinkled liberally throughout the book. This interrupted the pace of the main story thread, especially as they were usually placed at the end of a chapter which ended in somewhat of a cliffhanger. I found myself skimming over these the further along I got into the story. Once my fingers start to skim it's a slippery slope to slide back from.
September 15, 2022
didn't know it was part of a series, but it's a good book.
November 12, 2022
Another fun mystery in Bar Harbor, ME with ice cream recipes.
July 7, 2022
DEATH OF AN ICE CREAM SCOOPER is the fifteenth book in the Hayley Powell Mysteries by Lee Hollis. With humorous repartee, memorable characters—both human and animal alike, and a fast-moving plot, it’s no wonder this has been an enduring and endearing series. Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, the brother-sister author duo strikes again and has hit this newest release out of the ballpark. Protagonist Hayley Powell is juggling her new restaurant while maintaining her food and cocktails column for the local newspaper. When her son, Dustin, arrives in town for vacation, a major bombshell hits the family and leaves Hayley reeling. And her BFFs, Mona and Liddy, have begun feuding…over a man, of all things. Of course, ice cream is a great comfort food, especially during the summer, and Hayley can’t get enough of Bar Harbor Ice Cream’s gourmet frozen concoctions to ease the upheaval in her life. It also helps that the ice cream shop’s owner, Lynette Partridge, has become a good friend and a respite from everything else going on. That is until Lynette and Hayley find the body of a young woman in the ice cream freezer truck.
When the murder occurs, the book’s pace swings into high gear and it was nearly impossible to put it down. Hayley is a seasoned amateur sleuth and knows how to pry information out of people. However, she sometimes steps on toes and goes over the line of common courtesy… but, she solves cases and even her chief of police brother-in-law accepts her meddling. There were plenty of suspects revolving around unrequited love, social media influencers, and college-aged kids determined to party hard over the summer. Besides the main murder mystery plot, there were several subplots taking place throughout. The author does an admirable job of keeping the momentum going and as the story winds down—with a heartwarming event—all questions are answered.
Another thing I enjoy about the Hayley Powell Mystery series is Hayley’s newspaper food and cocktails column. Here she “chats” about fond memories of her family and friends and ties it in with food. It’s such a wonderful way to get some backstory of Hayley’s life. And, of course, Hayley shares loads of recipes for both food and cocktails that tie in with the theme of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the murder occurs, the book’s pace swings into high gear and it was nearly impossible to put it down. Hayley is a seasoned amateur sleuth and knows how to pry information out of people. However, she sometimes steps on toes and goes over the line of common courtesy… but, she solves cases and even her chief of police brother-in-law accepts her meddling. There were plenty of suspects revolving around unrequited love, social media influencers, and college-aged kids determined to party hard over the summer. Besides the main murder mystery plot, there were several subplots taking place throughout. The author does an admirable job of keeping the momentum going and as the story winds down—with a heartwarming event—all questions are answered.
Another thing I enjoy about the Hayley Powell Mystery series is Hayley’s newspaper food and cocktails column. Here she “chats” about fond memories of her family and friends and ties it in with food. It’s such a wonderful way to get some backstory of Hayley’s life. And, of course, Hayley shares loads of recipes for both food and cocktails that tie in with the theme of the book.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 4, 2022
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper, a tragic occurrence if ever there was one! Who would want to kill someone who provides them with cold ambrosia? Of course, that is the question, isn’t it, because someone definitely wanted this ice cream scooper dead. It's up to Hayley to find out who and why and put the culprit on ice. The newest book in the “Hayley Powell Mystery” series sees Hayley sorting suspects instead of recipes, and mixing cocktails takes second place to a murder investigation that leads her down the path of extramarital affairs, business rivalries, and college life drama.
A young college student working for a popular ice cream shop is found murdered inside the shop's delivery truck freezer. However, once Hayley starts looking into who the girl may have upset, she finds that there is more to the story than anyone knew. Add in that the girl works for Lydia, who believes her husband is having an affair with a young woman, and Hayley’s employees may know more than they are admitting to, and you have a mystery shrouded in intrigue and suspense. Chasing red herrings from start to finish, finding motives and evidence, and tracking down a killer will keep Hayley and readers busy.
I enjoyed following the clues. It took me a bit to figure out who the killer was, and I didn’t do it at the beginning of the book. The motive could have been stronger, but it works. The characters are, as always, one of the best parts of this series, and you can’t beat the location. I love ice cream, even if I can’t eat it very often, so the premise was interesting. With the horrible heat we are having this summer, reading this story gave me a sensation of feeling cooler. I did not think that the affair aspect played very well, at least not in the beginning, but once all the tie-ins were exposed, I realized how important it was for Hayley to find out the truth.
Readers will enjoy Death of an Ice Cream Scooper. It isn’t so hard to figure out that it will leave you frustrated, nor is it repetitious. The ice cream shop, the affair, the college students, and the murder all have a part to play. I didn’t feel that this story was as strong as it could have been or compared to others in the series, but it was still enjoyable, and I am happy to recommend it along with all of the books in this series.
A young college student working for a popular ice cream shop is found murdered inside the shop's delivery truck freezer. However, once Hayley starts looking into who the girl may have upset, she finds that there is more to the story than anyone knew. Add in that the girl works for Lydia, who believes her husband is having an affair with a young woman, and Hayley’s employees may know more than they are admitting to, and you have a mystery shrouded in intrigue and suspense. Chasing red herrings from start to finish, finding motives and evidence, and tracking down a killer will keep Hayley and readers busy.
I enjoyed following the clues. It took me a bit to figure out who the killer was, and I didn’t do it at the beginning of the book. The motive could have been stronger, but it works. The characters are, as always, one of the best parts of this series, and you can’t beat the location. I love ice cream, even if I can’t eat it very often, so the premise was interesting. With the horrible heat we are having this summer, reading this story gave me a sensation of feeling cooler. I did not think that the affair aspect played very well, at least not in the beginning, but once all the tie-ins were exposed, I realized how important it was for Hayley to find out the truth.
Readers will enjoy Death of an Ice Cream Scooper. It isn’t so hard to figure out that it will leave you frustrated, nor is it repetitious. The ice cream shop, the affair, the college students, and the murder all have a part to play. I didn’t feel that this story was as strong as it could have been or compared to others in the series, but it was still enjoyable, and I am happy to recommend it along with all of the books in this series.
July 5, 2022
Things are going well for Hayley these days. Her restaurant Hayley's Kitchen is doing well and she has teamed up with Lydia Partridge, owner of an upscale ice cream shop, to offer her ice cream on Hayley's menu. Things soon hit a major snag when, while unloading the ice cream truck, they discover Lydia's employee, Miranda, on ice, very dead. Then Lydia tells Hayley that she suspects her husband, a professor, of having an affair. Life has just become lots more complicated for Hayley as she sets out to find answers to a murder and a possibly cheating husband. Oh and her son is back home with news to share. There's a whole lot on Hayley's plate besides her restaurant food. If anybody can juggle it all successfully it's Hayley.
This series is, so far, 15 books long and each one delivers a well developed mystery with a wonderful cast of characters. Hayley is the kind of person I would like to have as a BFF. This is a cozy series that should be on every cozy readers TBR shelf.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This series is, so far, 15 books long and each one delivers a well developed mystery with a wonderful cast of characters. Hayley is the kind of person I would like to have as a BFF. This is a cozy series that should be on every cozy readers TBR shelf.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2022
I love catching up with Hayley and her crew. Hayley is doing well at her new restaurant, Hayley's Kitchen. She has made a deal with the woman who runs the ice cream shop to sell her ice cream at Hayley's restaurant. What they don't expect to find when unloading one of the deliveries is one of the shop owners' employees dead body. Hayley has personal ties to the case so she starts investigating.
I really enjoyed this book. I have grow to love the characters throughout the series. It was great to see Hayley's son, Dustin, come home for a visit and the surprises he brings with him. It is great to see Dusitn and his friends all grown up. The mystery was well done and I of course love Hayley's food column that is mixed throughout the book. I can't wait to read the next installment. I received this book from net galley and Kensington publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I have grow to love the characters throughout the series. It was great to see Hayley's son, Dustin, come home for a visit and the surprises he brings with him. It is great to see Dusitn and his friends all grown up. The mystery was well done and I of course love Hayley's food column that is mixed throughout the book. I can't wait to read the next installment. I received this book from net galley and Kensington publishing in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
Finding the body of a young ice cream worker in the refrigerator of an ice cream truck is not how Lydia and Hayley hoped to start their day. Who killed Miranda? That question becomes the driving force behind most of Hayley's thoughts and actions over the next days. Well, true, she has a few distractions, like her son's big news and feuding best friends. BTW, does everyone in Bar Harbor leave their doors unlocked?
I loved visiting Bar Harbor and witnessing Hayley in action. There rarely seems to be a down time in her days. She has friends who have her back, a column writing job that she enjoys, and a lovable dog. And, oh, yeah, she solves mysteries. The column, which frequently pops up between chapters, offers insight into her life and family/friends, all making the reader all the more familiar with who she and they are. Even better, there are recipes included with each column entry, a yummy extra.
I won't detail the plot, it's easily available, but will say that this was a fast moving plot with fun, distinct characters, and more than one side-story. Like, who will George, or is it Chuck, choose? Will Hayley accept that her baby boy is now a grown man? Does Lydia have anything to worry about, well, besides the dead body in her ice cream truck freezer? Will Hayley be able to convince Bruce to go on that vacation? And, oh, well, I guess it all depends on finding the answer to the important question, who killed Miranda and why? Hayley is a take-charge person, so whose feathers will she ruffle? Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book to find the answers to these and, oh, so many other questions. A thoroughly fun read, with characters that you'll both wish you knew and roll your eyes at occasionally.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for the invite to Bar Harbor. Hayley's life tends to wear me out but it's definitely never dull.
I loved visiting Bar Harbor and witnessing Hayley in action. There rarely seems to be a down time in her days. She has friends who have her back, a column writing job that she enjoys, and a lovable dog. And, oh, yeah, she solves mysteries. The column, which frequently pops up between chapters, offers insight into her life and family/friends, all making the reader all the more familiar with who she and they are. Even better, there are recipes included with each column entry, a yummy extra.
I won't detail the plot, it's easily available, but will say that this was a fast moving plot with fun, distinct characters, and more than one side-story. Like, who will George, or is it Chuck, choose? Will Hayley accept that her baby boy is now a grown man? Does Lydia have anything to worry about, well, besides the dead body in her ice cream truck freezer? Will Hayley be able to convince Bruce to go on that vacation? And, oh, well, I guess it all depends on finding the answer to the important question, who killed Miranda and why? Hayley is a take-charge person, so whose feathers will she ruffle? Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book to find the answers to these and, oh, so many other questions. A thoroughly fun read, with characters that you'll both wish you knew and roll your eyes at occasionally.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress for the invite to Bar Harbor. Hayley's life tends to wear me out but it's definitely never dull.
March 12, 2022
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis is an excellent cozy mystery that is the 15th book in one of my favorite all- time series ever: A Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery. This is such an awesome addition!
I cannot recommend this book, and this series enough. Other than my other love, Lucy Stone, there are no other series that can compare. It truly does get better as time goes on. Nothing is old, or stale, or rehashed. As always, this newest book feels fresh, new, sassy, salty, and entertaining from beginning to end. Not a dull moment.
I love Hayley, Bruce, Liddy, Mona, Liddy, Randy, and the whole gang. The murder/mystery was perfect. The additional side stories involving Mona and Liddy and also Dustin and his big surprise(s), were both welcome additions. The banter, sarcasm, one-liners, dialogue, pace, and ending were spot on as always. I also love the underlying thread of friendship, loyalty, compassion, and true caring that takes place between one another in the group. It truly is sweet to see it shine through.
I can’t wait to read the next book and I hope this series never stops!
5/5 stars enthusiastically
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/26/22.
I cannot recommend this book, and this series enough. Other than my other love, Lucy Stone, there are no other series that can compare. It truly does get better as time goes on. Nothing is old, or stale, or rehashed. As always, this newest book feels fresh, new, sassy, salty, and entertaining from beginning to end. Not a dull moment.
I love Hayley, Bruce, Liddy, Mona, Liddy, Randy, and the whole gang. The murder/mystery was perfect. The additional side stories involving Mona and Liddy and also Dustin and his big surprise(s), were both welcome additions. The banter, sarcasm, one-liners, dialogue, pace, and ending were spot on as always. I also love the underlying thread of friendship, loyalty, compassion, and true caring that takes place between one another in the group. It truly is sweet to see it shine through.
I can’t wait to read the next book and I hope this series never stops!
5/5 stars enthusiastically
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/26/22.
March 12, 2022
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis is an excellent cozy mystery that is the 15th book in one of my favorite all- time series ever: A Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery. This is such an awesome addition!
I cannot recommend this book, and this series enough. Other than my other love, Lucy Stone, there are no other series that can compare. It truly does get better as time goes on. Nothing is old, or stale, or rehashed. As always, this newest book feels fresh, new, sassy, salty, and entertaining from beginning to end. Not a dull moment.
I love Hayley, Bruce, Liddy, Mona, Liddy, Randy, and the whole gang. The murder/mystery was perfect. The additional side stories involving Mona and Liddy and also Dustin and his big surprise(s), were both welcome additions. The banter, sarcasm, one-liners, dialogue, pace, and ending were spot on as always. I also love the underlying thread of friendship, loyalty, compassion, and true caring that takes place between one another in the group. It truly is sweet to see it shine through.
I can’t wait to read the next book and I hope this series never stops!
5/5 stars enthusiastically
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/26/22.
I cannot recommend this book, and this series enough. Other than my other love, Lucy Stone, there are no other series that can compare. It truly does get better as time goes on. Nothing is old, or stale, or rehashed. As always, this newest book feels fresh, new, sassy, salty, and entertaining from beginning to end. Not a dull moment.
I love Hayley, Bruce, Liddy, Mona, Liddy, Randy, and the whole gang. The murder/mystery was perfect. The additional side stories involving Mona and Liddy and also Dustin and his big surprise(s), were both welcome additions. The banter, sarcasm, one-liners, dialogue, pace, and ending were spot on as always. I also love the underlying thread of friendship, loyalty, compassion, and true caring that takes place between one another in the group. It truly is sweet to see it shine through.
I can’t wait to read the next book and I hope this series never stops!
5/5 stars enthusiastically
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/26/22.
March 9, 2022
There is nothing I enjoy more than reading a book featuring Hayley Powell.
She is one of my favorite characters, her down to earth personality, her love for her family and friends, and her take charge attitude are just a few of her wonderful qualities.
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper is an unbelievable addition to the series.
Hayley's son Dustin is coming for a visit with some big news, her restaurant, Hayley's Kitchen is doing very well, and her two best friends have new possible love interests.
Everything seems right in her world, until it isn't.
I laughed at so many parts of the book, but I also connected with Hayley when she realized her son wasn't a little boy anymore.
This book has so many great parts to it, and Hayley's recipes sound delicious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm looking forward to continuing on this reading adventure with Haley and the gang.
#DeathofanIceCreamScooper #NetGalley
She is one of my favorite characters, her down to earth personality, her love for her family and friends, and her take charge attitude are just a few of her wonderful qualities.
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper is an unbelievable addition to the series.
Hayley's son Dustin is coming for a visit with some big news, her restaurant, Hayley's Kitchen is doing very well, and her two best friends have new possible love interests.
Everything seems right in her world, until it isn't.
I laughed at so many parts of the book, but I also connected with Hayley when she realized her son wasn't a little boy anymore.
This book has so many great parts to it, and Hayley's recipes sound delicious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm looking forward to continuing on this reading adventure with Haley and the gang.
#DeathofanIceCreamScooper #NetGalley
April 25, 2022
This is my first read of an existing series.
I had a little bit of trouble getting into the book. For me, it started out slow and I had a few false starts before committing all the way.
Hayley is a food columnist and restaurant owner. in one of my favorite places, Bar Harbor, Maine (Love it). Her friend Lydia, owns an ice cream shop and delivers ice cream to some restaurants. suspects her husband is having an affair and asks Hayley to help find out if it's true. Unfortunately, the person they think he's having an affair with is a student of his and an employee of Lydias. Both Hayley and Lydia find the body in the back of Lydia's ice cream truck, and things take off from there.
Thank you for the advance copy Netgalley. I'm sure readers will enjoy this book.
I had a little bit of trouble getting into the book. For me, it started out slow and I had a few false starts before committing all the way.
Hayley is a food columnist and restaurant owner. in one of my favorite places, Bar Harbor, Maine (Love it). Her friend Lydia, owns an ice cream shop and delivers ice cream to some restaurants. suspects her husband is having an affair and asks Hayley to help find out if it's true. Unfortunately, the person they think he's having an affair with is a student of his and an employee of Lydias. Both Hayley and Lydia find the body in the back of Lydia's ice cream truck, and things take off from there.
Thank you for the advance copy Netgalley. I'm sure readers will enjoy this book.
August 9, 2022
Wow I really hope I raised my kid better than that bunch. 😑 I had the plot twisted for a bit and I thought I knew who the killer was but I was wrong. 🙄 I got it straight finally and then I totally knew who the right killer was. YAY! 🙂 I had the whole Mona, Libby situation figured out from the start and I actually thought it was a bit funny 😏 until Libby (being the B*TCH she is) said those awful things to Mona. 😡 For the most part Hayley did have everything under control 👍 and she did help solve the case but maybe she needs to take that vacation her friend mentioned. 😉 Just saying, it might be a change to have a international murder to solve. 😊 (Not that anyone would die on Hayley's vacation 😁)
April 16, 2022
I love every visit I have with Hayley and her community and this one focused more on her son, which we really haven't seen all too much of. The mystery had me guessing until the very end and I loved seeing how Dustin and his friends had grown up. This one didn't have too much with her new restaurant but had other very interesting developments. Looking forward to the next one.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
April 8, 2022
Food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell is back on the case in Bar Harbor, Maine when her friend and owner of a gourmet ice cream shop finds that her husband may be a cheater and a killer...
Hayley is a fun character. The mystery was quick, fun and easy to figure out. Overall I look forward to the next adventure.
#DeathofanIceCreamScooper #NetGalley
Hayley is a fun character. The mystery was quick, fun and easy to figure out. Overall I look forward to the next adventure.
#DeathofanIceCreamScooper #NetGalley
May 21, 2022
Hayley Powell, a columnist for the Island Times, and owner of popular restaurant Hayley's Kitchen, is faced with a problem: she's just discovered another dead body. This time, in the back of the freezer truck of Lydia Partridge, owner of Bar Harbor Ice Cream. The dead woman is a summer employee of Lydia's, and she asks Hayley to help her find out who killed her, since this could definitely hurt her business. But when Hayley begins her investigation, she finds that the young woman had secrets. Lots of them. And one of those secrets led to her death. Unfortunately, she also finds that it might lead to someone she cares about, and just can't believe is a killer...
To complicate matters, her son Dustin arrives with a major surprise. A surprise that will change Hayley's life -- and Dustin's -- forever. Then, just as Hayley thinks things can't get any worse, both Mona and Lydia, Hayley's best friends, have secrets of their own that are uncovered. Now Hayley's in the middle of not only a murder investigation, but her own life is about to be upended. How is she going to survive all this?...
This is the fifteenth book in the series, and I have read them all. While I will admit freely that I didn't care for the first in the series, I am glad that I continued to stick with it. Because, and I am sure others will agree (and maybe a few disagree), that this series has only improved with time. Each book seems to be getting better than the last. And that's few authors that can claim that distinction of series.
In this book, we have Hayley once again trying to figure out where a killer lurks among her friends and acquaintances. She does it without probing too deep, but she's not afraid to confront people to get answers to her questions. That's where part of her strength lies. I don't feel that she's pushing too hard, because I never get uncomfortable with her line of questioning.
As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Hayley is upset the way things are going, and knows she has to try and find the murderer, and help her friend Lydia discover if Lydia's husband Jamie was having an affair as well. Hayley has her hands full this time, and time itself might not be on her side.
But when the ending comes, it's not only full of activity, I also had ideas of who the murderer must be. I found myself surprised by the author's twist, and it was a doozy, to say the least. This time out, Hayley plays her cards well, and her wits help her win in the end. I loved this story and am eager to read the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
To complicate matters, her son Dustin arrives with a major surprise. A surprise that will change Hayley's life -- and Dustin's -- forever. Then, just as Hayley thinks things can't get any worse, both Mona and Lydia, Hayley's best friends, have secrets of their own that are uncovered. Now Hayley's in the middle of not only a murder investigation, but her own life is about to be upended. How is she going to survive all this?...
This is the fifteenth book in the series, and I have read them all. While I will admit freely that I didn't care for the first in the series, I am glad that I continued to stick with it. Because, and I am sure others will agree (and maybe a few disagree), that this series has only improved with time. Each book seems to be getting better than the last. And that's few authors that can claim that distinction of series.
In this book, we have Hayley once again trying to figure out where a killer lurks among her friends and acquaintances. She does it without probing too deep, but she's not afraid to confront people to get answers to her questions. That's where part of her strength lies. I don't feel that she's pushing too hard, because I never get uncomfortable with her line of questioning.
As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Hayley is upset the way things are going, and knows she has to try and find the murderer, and help her friend Lydia discover if Lydia's husband Jamie was having an affair as well. Hayley has her hands full this time, and time itself might not be on her side.
But when the ending comes, it's not only full of activity, I also had ideas of who the murderer must be. I found myself surprised by the author's twist, and it was a doozy, to say the least. This time out, Hayley plays her cards well, and her wits help her win in the end. I loved this story and am eager to read the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
May 2, 2022
Hayley Powell is in for a summer she'll never forget! Her son Dustin is visiting from California with a few surprises up his sleeve, Hayley's Kitchen has been an instant success, and the local ice cream hot spot is harboring more than its share of deep, dark secrets.
I absolutely love this series and read everything this author publishes. This book did not disappoint! Though I do enjoy those series where the characters never age, there's something kind of special about series like this where you get to watch the kids grow up and leave home, people get married or divorced, students graduating from high school and college, and people ending careers and beginning new ones. Over the course of a dozen or more books you almost become part of the family. Having been to Bar Harbor I connect with this series even more, being able to picture some of the places they talk about.
There's not much I can say about this book without dropping spoilers right and left, but suffice it to say that Hayley does a lot of investigating and her life is turned upside down. There are also some really delicious-sounding ice cream recipes! If you haven't read this series, now is a good time to start. You'll want to binge read them all!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I absolutely love this series and read everything this author publishes. This book did not disappoint! Though I do enjoy those series where the characters never age, there's something kind of special about series like this where you get to watch the kids grow up and leave home, people get married or divorced, students graduating from high school and college, and people ending careers and beginning new ones. Over the course of a dozen or more books you almost become part of the family. Having been to Bar Harbor I connect with this series even more, being able to picture some of the places they talk about.
There's not much I can say about this book without dropping spoilers right and left, but suffice it to say that Hayley does a lot of investigating and her life is turned upside down. There are also some really delicious-sounding ice cream recipes! If you haven't read this series, now is a good time to start. You'll want to binge read them all!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
February 27, 2023
Another winner in the Hayley Powell series. You can read this as a stand alone or if you're already immersed in the series you will be pleased. If you have not read the series, this book will make you want to go back and see what you've missed.
Hayley Powell's new restaurant is prospering the town of Bar Harbor, Maine. Hayley is excited because her son Dustin, who lives in California, is coming to visit with his new girlfriend. Hayley is enamored with the new ice cream maker in town, who not only runs a successful brick and mortar store but also contracts with restaurants in the area, including Hayley's. So when a body is discovered in the back of the freezer truck when Hayley gets her ice cream delivery, Hayley once again dons her sleuthing hat to get to the bottom of things.
There are a lot of fun side plots in this book with the staple cast of characters including Mona and Liddy, Hayley's BFFs and her husband Bruce. I always enjoy the friendly dynamic of the trio and it feels like hanging out with old friends. I see this cozy series as a treat and look forward to the next release in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
Hayley Powell's new restaurant is prospering the town of Bar Harbor, Maine. Hayley is excited because her son Dustin, who lives in California, is coming to visit with his new girlfriend. Hayley is enamored with the new ice cream maker in town, who not only runs a successful brick and mortar store but also contracts with restaurants in the area, including Hayley's. So when a body is discovered in the back of the freezer truck when Hayley gets her ice cream delivery, Hayley once again dons her sleuthing hat to get to the bottom of things.
There are a lot of fun side plots in this book with the staple cast of characters including Mona and Liddy, Hayley's BFFs and her husband Bruce. I always enjoy the friendly dynamic of the trio and it feels like hanging out with old friends. I see this cozy series as a treat and look forward to the next release in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
May 16, 2022
A Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery
Hayley Powell is back writing her food and cocktails column in Bar Harbor, Maine and she is busy as ever. It’s always a pleasure to hop in and see what she is up to.
The last thing she and her friend Lydia, owner of Bar Harbor Ice Cream, expect to find in the freezer truck is a dead body. Especially not the dead body of Miranda, an employee!
Shocked and looking to protect Lydia, Hayley is doing her best to come up with suspects that don’t include Lydia or her husband who may or may not be cheating. Everyone is keeping secrets. Some are deadly and could make sure this is her last case! Hayley needs to untangle Miranda’s public and secret lives before anyone else is hurt. It won’t be easy.
Always a pleasure. Especially the recipes!
NetGalley/July 26, 2022, Kensington Books
Hayley Powell is back writing her food and cocktails column in Bar Harbor, Maine and she is busy as ever. It’s always a pleasure to hop in and see what she is up to.
The last thing she and her friend Lydia, owner of Bar Harbor Ice Cream, expect to find in the freezer truck is a dead body. Especially not the dead body of Miranda, an employee!
Shocked and looking to protect Lydia, Hayley is doing her best to come up with suspects that don’t include Lydia or her husband who may or may not be cheating. Everyone is keeping secrets. Some are deadly and could make sure this is her last case! Hayley needs to untangle Miranda’s public and secret lives before anyone else is hurt. It won’t be easy.
Always a pleasure. Especially the recipes!
NetGalley/July 26, 2022, Kensington Books
May 16, 2022
I've always enjoyed the Hayley Powell books. I take my time with these books because the characters are so believable, relatable, and likable, Opening up one of these books is like visiting with friends. The suspense is slow to build in this installment, but it works because other storylines in the saga are being woven together. The set up to the who-dunnit portion of the book is perfectly crafted. Trying to figure out who the culprit is, while hoping it isn't one or two particular people is so much fun! I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author!
May 13, 2022
A cute cozy, perfect for those hot days. This book was number fifteen in a series I had not read (the title drew me in). I had no problem picking up on the characters and their lives and relationships. I will definitely be reading more of the Harley Powers books.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. This review can also be found on my Goodreads page.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. This review can also be found on my Goodreads page.
July 11, 2022
Hayley loves the summer ice cream in Bar Harbor! But when ice cream is delivered to her restaurant and it includes a dead college student/summer worker. Hayley needs to know who would want this woman dead. Side plots include her son home for a visit with a big surprise and her best friends finding love, but therein lies another surprise! Always a fun read and a great addition to this long running series.
May 13, 2022
Hayley along with Lynette discover the body of a young college girl in Lynette's Ice Cream truck. Hayley has to help her friend find out who could have done this. There are a lot of suspects and along with some family drama, will Hayley find the culprit?
I enjoyed this book and anyone who loves Ice Cream there are recipes included!
Thanks to Kensignton Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
I enjoyed this book and anyone who loves Ice Cream there are recipes included!
Thanks to Kensignton Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 16, 2022
Another great mystery for Haley to solve. I love the banter Haley, Liddy, and Mona have. Everyone deserves to have trusted friends like them. Since I am new to this series, it was cool to learn more about Dustin...when will it be Gemma's turn. Can not wait for the next installment.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advance read
#DeathofanIceCreamScooper #NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advance read
#DeathofanIceCreamScooper #NetGalley
July 28, 2022
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper follows on from Death of an Italian Chef. It is a fun, cozy mystery and the fifteenth instalment in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery Series written by Lee Hollis. I have read three instalments in the series (book 12 - Death of a Blueberry Tart and books 14 and 15). I'm not sure how I missed book thirteen, but there you go.
If you love a food-themed mystery with plenty of delicious sounding ice creams (I'm with Hayley - my fave is Sea Salt Caramel); add to the mix a new restaurant setting - Hayley's Kitchen; an ice cream provider - Bar Harbor Ice Cream; one dead person; a meddling food and drinks columnist, some sweet and slightly more tart employees; family dynamics; all seasoned with a generous splash of colourful, well fleshed out characters, then this novel is a brilliant choice for you. The pacing is good, the mystery is absorbing and there are some clues. I had several suspects in mind throughout but was still caught by the surprises.
There are lots of comedic moments and although I arrived extremely late to the party with this particular series, I thoroughly enjoyed Death of an Ice Cream Scooper. For me, the book worked extremely well as an individual read as the mystery within was self-contained, though I appreciate that I have probably missed out on some of the backstories and nuances, coming in so late. Even so, I certainly have not been deterred from reading the other instalments, and I look forward to finding out what Lee Hollis has in store for Hayley, next!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
If you love a food-themed mystery with plenty of delicious sounding ice creams (I'm with Hayley - my fave is Sea Salt Caramel); add to the mix a new restaurant setting - Hayley's Kitchen; an ice cream provider - Bar Harbor Ice Cream; one dead person; a meddling food and drinks columnist, some sweet and slightly more tart employees; family dynamics; all seasoned with a generous splash of colourful, well fleshed out characters, then this novel is a brilliant choice for you. The pacing is good, the mystery is absorbing and there are some clues. I had several suspects in mind throughout but was still caught by the surprises.
There are lots of comedic moments and although I arrived extremely late to the party with this particular series, I thoroughly enjoyed Death of an Ice Cream Scooper. For me, the book worked extremely well as an individual read as the mystery within was self-contained, though I appreciate that I have probably missed out on some of the backstories and nuances, coming in so late. Even so, I certainly have not been deterred from reading the other instalments, and I look forward to finding out what Lee Hollis has in store for Hayley, next!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 25, 2022
Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis is the 15th book in the Hayley Powell Mystery series and they continue to be enjoyable. The characters are growing older and their kids are growing up. This one didn't have the humor of some of the earlier books but the characters, family, friendship and the mystery make it enjoyable and hard to put down. Hayley Powell now owns her own restaurant, Hayley's Kitchen, but she still writes her Food and Cocktails column which ends each chapter. In this book, Hayley's son Dustin comes home for a visit and brings his girlfriend Hayley's friend Lynette, owns the local ice cream shop, and thinks her husband is cheating on her. One of Lynette's employees ends up dead. There is a lot going on to keep the reader's interest. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing. This series is hanging In there. #NetGalley #DeathOfAnIceCreamScooper #KensingtonBooks
July 27, 2022
Hayley's friend Linda, who is also her ice cream purveyor, believes her professor husband is cheating. Hayley thinks Linda should just talk to her husband but agrees to do a bit of detecting. A few days later when Linda comes to drop off some ice cream for Hayley they both get a shock when the truck freezer is opened. They find the dead body of a young woman, she happens to be one of Linda's summer employees at her shop. Things go from bad to worse when photos of the young woman and Linda's husband come to light. Hayley doesn't believe he's a cheater much less a murderer so she starts in on her own investigation. Meanwhile Hayley has to deal with her own problems when it comes to her family and a surprise that she definitely wasn't expecting. Can she really figure out who the killer is when time isn't on her side, dive in and see for yourself!
Want to read
July 27, 2022Hayley's friend Linda, who is also her ice cream purveyor, believes her professor husband is cheating. Hayley thinks Linda should just talk to her husband but agrees to do a bit of detecting. A few days later when Linda comes to drop off some ice cream for Hayley they both get a shock when the truck freezer is opened. They find the dead body of a young woman, she happens to be one of Linda's summer employees at her shop. Things go from bad to worse when photos of the young woman and Linda's husband come to light. Hayley doesn't believe he's a cheater much less a murderer so she starts in on her own investigation. Meanwhile Hayley has to deal with her own problems when it comes to her family and a surprise that she definitely wasn't expecting. Can she really figure out who the killer is when time isn't on her side, dive in and see for yourself!
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