The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch

Havenwood Cozy Mystery #2

by L.L. Gray

Pumpkins, pranks, and pandemonium!

Pumpkin spice and everything nice? Not this Harvest Festival! As autumn leaves fall, new business owner, Harper Sullivan, plans for a calm first festival in her new home. Havenwood's magical town is buzzing with excitement, but Harper's tranquility is shattered when a mischievous magical prankster starts wreaking havoc, threatening to reveal Havenwood’s secrets to the world.

As the pranks escalate, Harper puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test as she races against time to protect Havenwood’s magical allure from going public. With the highly anticipated Pumpkin Parade fast approaching, will she be able to unmask the perpetrator before they spill the town’s supernatural secrets or will the magical town cease to be a haven for Harper and those like her?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Paranormal, Fiction, Magic, Fantasy

295 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2024

About the author

L.L. Gray writes captivating, fast-paced fantasy full of wit, warmth, and magic. Her books transport readers to charming, cozy worlds brimming with lovable characters and whimsical adventures. A lifelong enthusiast of fantasy and myths, L.L. Gray blends humor and heart, inviting readers to escape into her spellbinding stories that feel like home—cozy, magical, and impossible to put down.

Reviews

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🎃✨ Magically Mischievous! ✨🎃✨

I am so happy to be back in Havenwood for the Harvest Festival!! This series feels like a cozy combination of Stars Hollow meets Halloweentown and I’ve loved every minute of it! This installment is full of magical mischief, introductions to new paranormal characters, another head-scratching whodunnit and all of the cozy vibes!

✨ 2nd in the Series
🎃 Halloweentown x Stars Hollow
✨ Paranormal Haven
🎃 Harvest Festival
✨ Prankster Mischief
🎃 Magic & Mayhem
✨ Cozy Fantasy Mystery
🎃 Sentient Bookshop
✨ Fluffy (& Sassy) Familiar
🎃 Amateur Sleuth

I’m having so much fun reading this series exploring Havenwood! So excited to see what L.L. Gray has in store for book 3, The Secret of the Silver Serpent!

BRB: Trying to book a trip to Havenwood! ✨🎃✨

🗓️ The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch is out now!

Thank you L.L. Gray for sending an advanced copy my way!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series really fits into one of the genres I enjoy most, cozy paranormal mysteries, and I’ve come to just adore Harper and her friends. Havenwood is a fun town full of paranormal characters, but they still have to keep the humans from finding out about them, and in this latest book, that’s hard to do with a prankster trying hard to expose them through fires and magical tricks. However, Harper thinks she’s to blame for the tricks, and she must find out what’s going on. I love this simple mystery with its fun town, engaging and charming characters, and a wonderful way to spend a few hours. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free. This review is voluntarily and solely based on my opinion on the book.

I absolutely loved this cozy, autumnal book. It was just what I needed after the hustle bustle of Thanksgiving.

Havenwood has so much depth to it but is written so easy to understand. It’s such a believable place to exist, and Harper is a relatable character. She isn’t perfect, but she tries her best. And always looks out for others.

The magic of Spellbooks, and Havenwood is so captivating. I want to live there!

The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch is a mystery that needs to be solved! Harper and her friends try hard to figure out who is causing the pranks. The answer is just out of reach, and is not someone you would expect until Harper herself figures it out!

I am looking forward to the next books in this series, and to continue spending time in Havenwood with Harper.

[Rena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this for free, and I'm so grateful for it. This world is my new obsession! I thought that "cozy" books might not be for me until reading this book - it has everything I could ask for in a cozy mystery. It's such a comforting read, while still having a lot of engaging plot twists and surprises. I love the world of Havenwood and have grown so attached to the characters. Magic, found family (an entire community really), strong female characters, strong friendships, humor, small town vibes, and more. You've got it all! I cannot recommend this enough.

I'm sure that's true of the entire series. For The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch specifically, I love that we get to see Harper grow into her role as owner/manager of Spellbooks and all that comes with it. New, cute, mischievous characters come into play, and we get to know familiar characters from the first book even better. We get to see more of Havenwood and its community - and this book introduces both new characters that we get to know well and characters that it seems we'll officially meet in the next book(s). The ending somehow masterfully balances leaving you satisfied at the wrap of the mystery, but also desperately wanting more. Go read this series!!

[Brandi Conico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run! I loved this book possibly more than I loved the first one. Havenwood is a magical town full of surprise and intrigue. This book was less of a who-dun-it and more of a how to catch the culprit, but it was fun watching Harper figure it all out.

The small town vibe with neighbors helping neighbors makes Havenwood special- despite the magic and stereotypes about which creatures should be enemies, Havenwood bans together to create and sustain a haven for those that don't fit anywhere else. In this book, we see how magic can turn against you or be used against you- it's sometimes a curse rather than a blessing or shortcut.

This will likely be a repeat fall read for me.

I can't wait to see where Harper goes next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will fall in love with Havenwood! I loved that it was a mystery but not for a murder. Harper needs to find out who is behind all of the magical pranks. This was such a fun read for the fall season. I enjoyed the pranks myself. Yes, they created a little chaos and the magic is supposed to be secret but it was still a lot of fun. There is a harvest festival with pumpkin carving, delicious treats, fashion show and a maze. The dragon was adorable and added to the charm of the story.

We have the same great characters from the first book, plus we are also introduced to a few more. We already have Finn, but we now have Alex as well. Is there potential for more with Harper’s best friend Bella? I also sense the start of a friendship with Isadora. I was a little hesitant of her at first but let’s hope she has good intentions.

Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for a review.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book was like sitting by a fire drinking some hot apple cider covered in a fuzzy blanket. It was the literary hug I didn’t know I needed. Seriously, the Halloween and witchy vibes were amazing and I loved the storyline. This is the second in a series and while I did not read the first book, I didn’t feel lost or like I couldn’t keep up with the story. I really enjoyed my magical trip to Havenwood and if you’re still not ready to let go of spooky season, you will too!

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful story, perfect for Fall! A harvest festival (but to the max, this town goes ALL OUT for it), a small dragon, crazy imps, and lots of mystery! What a fantastic combination! I adored this one, and am very much looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch was so fun! What an amazing addition to the series! I absolutely love Spellbooks and the new additional characters. I think that my favorite new character overall is Isadora. I wasn’t sure how she would fit into the mix but she was so quiet and mysterious so much different than her out going brothers and terrifying mom. Overall she proved to be full of surprises and I can’t wait to see how things develop due. The road. And Ignatius wow what a treat that is definitely so completely cool! Absolutely fantastic and whimsical writing. So fun I can hardly wait for more! Harper is full of surprises and the Vault? Talk about true magic the magical town of Havenwood is definitely turning into all that and a bag of chips! If you live a sentient book store a magical town full of hijinks and mystery’s galore this is the series for you!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect Halloween read. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery then this is the book for you. Harper is the new owner of her late great grandmother’s bookshop. She and her friends are on the hunt to track down whoever is causing mischief to the town while trying to keep the humans from finding out. This cozy mystery does not focus on deaths like some cozy mysteries do. L. L. Gray also adds a little humor to her books which makes solving the mystery that much more fun!

I received an eArc copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's it! Instead of salivating and my tummy rumbling, now I know I need to stock up on snacks and drinks when I delve into another book in this marvellous series! In the previous book I kept raiding my fridge and cupboard, and, silly me, I didn't think to prepare myself.... yes, Ms Gray turns up the yummy that my tummy needs to answer! And that's how descriptive an author Ms Gray is, not only making me drool from the culinary offerings, she got me drooling, again, over a rather yummy druid too.

But I wasn't the only one late to "the party", Harper is still finding her way around the town and with the Harvest Festival coming up quickly, she has yet to decorate her bookstore. Which leads immediately into some chuckle moments with Luna. Oh glory do I love Luna's mouth! What a snarky, sassy familiar she is! And she's a rabbit, you know, the hopping king, AND she's part of Harper's inheritance. If that's not weird enough, the bookstore Harper inherited has a mind of it's own, no, not figuratively, literally, it's sentient. Quite a lot for Harper to process but after solving a mysterious theft, besting her rival for her rightful inheritance, it's a piece of cake. As she gets to know more of the residents, she feels more at home, having a sweet friend such as Bella definitely helps. And Finn, can't forget the dashing Finn. Plus she has Gideon the gargoyle and Mr Wigglesworth, a rather large kitty cat.

Oh gosh has this author got a knack for her humourous account of events! Just the pumpkin carving scenes were enough to induce giggles. While...ummm... unusual, these type of occurrences could not take place in Havenwood, in full view of human tourists, so when strange things continue, our lovely Harper puts on her sleuthing hat again to solve the mystery. So many wonderful aspects to this story, so much wonderful banter and dialogue, so many wonderful thoughts churning around Harper's head and we even got a cutes teeny tiny dragon! I honestly love Ms Gray's different approach to magic, her characters who are well defined, the dialogue which is quick, her moving of the plot along so easily. Her lively account of a very lively magical town that needs to stay off the radar. This really was a wonderful fun read, so cozy and sweet and exciting and compelling and humorous and romantic...Yes, a really cool addition and I'm so looking forward to more!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd full novel in the Havenwood Cozy Mystery series and it’s just as enjoyable as the first book! Our leading lady, Harper Sullivan, is settling in as the owner of Spellbooks, her late great-grandmother’s bookstore in the town of Havenwood, a haven for folks and animals who have powers that are magical and mystical. She’s trying to get ready for the town’s fall festival and Halloween, and that’s when the mischief and the mysteries begin. Someone is pulling pranks and someone is setting fires, but who might that be? Are they the same person or is there something else afoot here? Aided by her best friend Bella, her kind-of boyfriend Finn, and Alex, a friend of Bella’s who has just returned to Havenwood, Harper sets out to discover who is behind all the mischief and the arson. It’s a rollicking good tale that will hold your interest until you unravel the mysteries along with Harper and friends.

As with the first book and the free novella (just sign up for L. L. Gray’s newsletter), the writing is excellent, the character development is solid, and the book is edited well. I am captivated by Havenwood and its residents and now have a good picture in my mind of what the town and inhabitants look like. So far this is a cozy mystery series with zero dead bodies! That’s a refreshing change from most cozies that focus on a murder or two… or more. Ms. Gray fashions actual mysteries but they are such that they can only take place in a town like Havenwood! There is some humor along the way, and Luna the talking rabbit (remember, Havenwood is a haven for magical animals, too) provides some good chuckles. I think Luna is my favorite character in these books because she is such a character herself! While it is very helpful to read the first book in the series (and if you do sign up for the free novella, read the first book before the novella) it’s not necessary. You’ll get enough background to understand what’s going on but do yourself a favor and read the first book first anyway. You’ll be glad you did.

L. L. Gray has become one of my favorite authors and I’m looking forward to more of Harper’s adventures in Havenwood!

I received a free advance review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and with great pleasure.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book of the Havenwood Paranormal Cozy Mysteries we become more acquainted with the town and different characters that reside in town. It is required of all who has businesses in the town to decorate for the Harvest Festival so Harper works on pulling out all of her decorations from the attic to decorate the bookstore. While getting everything out to decorate her best friend Bella accidentally spills some water on some stone figurines. While Harper is decorating strange things are happening in Havenwood and I am talking stranger things than normal considering Havenwood is full of magical beings. There is a prankster going around town causing all kinds of crazy incidents to occur. One such incident was when Haroer and Bella showed up at the pumpkin carving contest and the pumpkins appeared to become animated and roll away from those wanting to carve them. Another such incident was at the apple orchard when customers who were there to pick apples ended up picking caramel apples right off the tree. There was also a fire in the forest right on the edge of town and Harper is determined to find out what and who is causing the mayhem. In the bookshop, Harper discovers that the accidental spill of water has caused a stone dragon to wake up and she is in danger of the bookstore burning to the ground because the dragon, Ignatius, loves to read and when he becomes excited, he can't control his fire. Ignatius is adorable and my most favorite character in this book. Ignatius doesn't want to be destructive. He just doesn't know how to control his fire and he doesn't want to stop reading. Harper seeks out Agatha, a witch who happens to be Harper's late grandmother's best friend. Agatha is the one who originally helped Harper's grandmother turn Ignatius to stone to keep him from causing harm to the bookstore. Join Harper as she gathers ingredients to perform a spell for the first time ever and discovers who is causing all of the craziness in Havenwood before Vivienne Silverthorne and her sons learn about Ignatius.

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

{3.5/5}

Thank you to the author and to Tales and Teacups for the ARC! “The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch” is available now!

Cozy fun and just the right amount of mystery, but bring snacks.

Havenwood’s newest transplant, Harper Sullivan, is back and still trying to get her feet under her. Spellbooks is open for business, and the harvest festival is fast approaching, so Harper’s got her hands full trying to keep up to speed. When magical pranks start going too far, especially when those pranks start hitting too close to home, our amateur detective gears up for another investigation.

Dear lord above, I need to stop reading this series without a significant amount of snackage nearby. The food in this book had me drooling from the first morsel. Which means it should say a lot that the food *wasn’t* the most amazing part of this book.

That distinction falls to the utterly charming vibes the story gives off. The plot is engaging and humorous, and the mystery is interesting and keeps you guessing. It’s not predictable and it keeps you on your toes, but without the tension and suspense you might find in the typical mystery or thriller. If you want a mystery book that will actually let you relax while reading it, this would be the one.

The characters take just as much credit for the overall feel and the storyline itself. Our MC is enjoyable, of course, but the various beings she encounters and interacts with along the way are fantastic. Naturally we have our old friends from book one, and the new additions to the Spellbook family are delightful.

Havenwood is, obviously, a magical place, but that magic really comes to life in the pages of these books, and it makes me want to go for a visit and never leave. If you’re looking for a book that brings in a little bit of both the urban fantasy and mystery genres and bundles it up with a sinfully delectable-sounding menu, then this is one for you. The “Havenwood Cozy Mystery” books can be read in order or as standalones (at least so far), so you can jump in wherever sounds the most delicious.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch by L.L. Grey

This second story of mischief and mayhem in Havenwood has our heroine, the half-blood witch, Harper, solving another cozy mystery in her new forever home. So grab a cup of warm spiced cider and a blanket for the couch while you curl up and read this next installment.

As Harper settles in to learning how to run her newly acquired but sentient, old bookshop, we’re reacquainted with her neighbor and possible love interest, Fin, a Druid who owns the tattoo shop next door. Harper continues her friendships with her bestie Bella along with many old and new, mysterious characters, some lovable some dangerous to the continued secret of Havenwood.

What I enjoyed about this new installment was Grey’s ability to draw her characters and the various events and places in town with detail and depth so that you could visualize meeting them and walking the lovely streets. She keeps you guessing for two thirds of the book as to who the pranksters are that rain havoc on the town during the Harvest Festival week while fleshing out the powerful nemesis she wants to avoid at all costs, Vivienne Silverthorne.

My hope for future stories is that Harper gets less naive and more focused. She is easily distracted and at times it becomes a bit tedious. Also, her “familiar” Luna the rabbit is not an endearing character and is often annoying rather than smart and supportive. I like a strong woman protagonist and I think Harper has the potential to become one but has a ways to go.

Grey does leave us with an interesting twist at the end between a possible new friend, another love interest on the horizon and the possible choice of mixing with the full blood magical beings or the half-bloods, like her. Will she cross the “split” divide and risk alienating her old, dependable friends for the excitement of new possibilities? I guess we’ll have to wait for the next book to find out!

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch is the second book in Gray's delightful Havenwood series. These are cozy mysteries featuring Harper Sullivan. I loved the first two books and I'm already looking forward to reading the third.

It took Harper, one of Havenwood's newest residents and owner of Spellbooks, some time to embrace the spirit of the season, but only because she's been so busy. After digging through Granny Bea's boxed up decorations, and making Spellbooks look festive, Harper was keen to enjoy the annual Harvest Festival, one of the biggest events for this special little town. But this year's event had all the residents on their toes, trying to protect the town's secret. Visitors were always welcome but they could never know that magic was real.

An unexpected guest by the name of Ignatius appeared at Spellbooks. Harper learned that this adorable bibliophile had been invited in by the previous owner but his passion for books often led to a loss of control, a terrifying situation for Spellbooks. While trying to solve this problem, it also becomes apparent that the town has a prankster running amuck, risking exposure of Havenwood's secret.

Harper wonders if perhaps Ignatius might be responsible, but if not, then who could it be? Another mystery for this novice witch to solve... with the help of some friends.

This was another delightful read. Havenwood is simply charming, and I love both learning more about the characters we've already met, as well as meeting new ones. If I could, I would definitely go visit and stay awhile to enjoy everything this little gem has to offer.

I highly encourage you to check out this new series. You're sure to fall in love with it.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Sullivan has begun to feel like she is starting to become part of the community in the small paranormal town of Havenwood. With one of the biggest celebrations quickly approaching, Harper rolls up her sleeves and gets to work on decorating Spellbooks, the small bookshop she inherited from her grandmother, for the Harvest Festival which culminates with a parade on Halloween night. But instead of business as usual, the festival's nightly events are disrupted by a prankster whose antics seem harmless at first, but it is quickly obvious that the secret of Havenwood's hidden paranormal citizens could be revealed to the world. Since the town police force seems to be stymied, Harper decides to conduct her own investigation. She quickly develops a list of possible offenders, but just as quickly eliminates them one by one. With Halloween quickly approaching Harper finally has the answers, but saving Havenwood and its residents will take all her skill to protect from disaster.
Kooky, spooky fun with a cast of lovable characters that made me laugh. Poor Harper is at her wits end to solve this mystery but, in the end, she will manage to apprehend the suspect and not only save the parade and the town she has grown to love, but also her own place in the community. Previously met and new characters are all engaging and keep a reader engrossed from the first page to the last, I laughed out loud at some of their antics. A wonderful must-read addition to a series I have already fallen in love with, I highly recommend it to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[L.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch" invites readers back to the charming village of Havenwood, just in time for the town’s extravagant harvest festival. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the atmosphere is buzzing with magic. In this delightful second installment of the Havenwood Cozy Mystery series, Harper Sullivan once again finds herself at the heart of enchanting mysteries, and trust me, it’s every bit as captivating as the first book!

This novel is the perfect companion for those cozy fall mornings when you’re wrapped in a warm blanket with a steaming cup of tea by your side. The stakes aren’t too high, but that’s exactly what makes these magical adventures so charming—they pull you in gently, keeping you hooked without the tension of heavier mysteries. It’s pure, feel-good escapism.

What truly makes Havenwood so special is its ever-expanding cast of magical, lovable characters. Each one adds a new layer of charm, making you feel like you’re part of this whimsical world. And the romance? It’s sweet, wholesome, and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling long after you’ve turned the last page.

I honestly can’t praise this series enough. It’s light-hearted, fun, and brimming with magic in every chapter. If you haven’t visited Havenwood yet, you’re in for a treat. Now, I’m already counting down the days until the Christmas Ball (fingers crossed it’s coming soon!).

[Gabrielle Hashimoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper Sullivan is just starting to get settled in as the new owner of Spellbooks, the bookstore she inherited from her great grandmother, and is hoping to enjoy the upcoming Halloween festivities. Unfortunately for Harper, her plans go awry when someone starts pulling pranks that could only be caused by magic. Fearing that their once safe town is in jeopardy, Harper decides to investigate in the hope that she can stop the offender and protect the secrets of her magical town. With the help of her bunny familiar, a dragon named Ignatius, and her magical bookstore, will Harper be able to stop the pranksters before it’s too late?

I love the idea of a sentient magical bookstore and this premise is why I picked up this book. Add in a sassy bunny familiar, a sweet little dragon, and a cozy town where both magical and nonmagical beings coexist, and you have the makings of a great cozy Halloween read. The author paints a vivid picture of the small town and all of the Halloween festivities. I enjoyed the friendship Harper has with her ride or die Bella and the hint of romance with Druid, Finn. This is definitely an entertaining story and it’ll keep you guessing till the end. This is a good read for anyone who enjoys a nice cozy mystery with a hint of romance and a cozy town full of quirky characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mackenzie Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought another who dunnit mystery that I was just dying to solve. 

The cute aesthetic of Havenwood was even more enchanting in this book. Because I love Halloween so much it all struck a cord with me and I loved every little detail packed into this book centered around Halloween.

I was really glad to see Harper opening up to Finn more and Bella as well. I loved all the little moments with Finn. How he kept pulling Harper close and wanting to go on cute little dates. I really hope something develops with them. 

I can picture Harper and Bella as best friends like Agatha and Bea were, and this story was helping to strengthen that friendship. The way Bella was always reminding Harper that she had her back was so touching. 

The mystery of pranks and fires happening around town added so much suspense to the story. I just wanted to know who was causing such mayhem in Havenwood and I was not disappointed when Harper solved the mystery and my jaw dropped into a “really?”. I could have never guessed who the culprits were and that makes it a great mystery story! 

Everything about Havenwood is just so enchanting and all the details made every new character and all the events of the festival pull you in even more. I can’t wait to discover what else Havenwood has in store for us and what characters we get introduced to next in the magical world. 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ChasseReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havenwood Cozy Mystery Book 2 was just as captivating as the previous books (Book 1 and the addition of Book 1.5)

We get to see more of Harper making a life for herself in Havenwood along with Spellbooks, Luna, Gideon, Finn, and Bella. With the approaching Harvest Festival comes fun activities but also some interesting and peculiar events.

It wouldn't really be Havenwood without the interesting and peculiar events though. Havenwood is anything but boring! When the pranks start to potentially expose the town's secrets Harper decides to dust off her amateur sleuth hat to figure out who it is. So, Harper along with her friends, and a few new character additions set out to find and stop whoever is responsible.

I loved the characters before but with the new additions Havenwood just got better. We have Alex who has returned to town, we meet a dragon who reminds me of "Don't judge a book by its cover", and Isadora who i hope full make more appearances in future books.

Oh, and let's not forget about the pumpkin carving and all the shenanigans that have been happening in Havenwood. Will Harper and her friends find and stop whoever is responsible in time? Pick up a copy of The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch to find out!

[Pippa Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy harvest festival mystery just in time for Halloween.

We’re back in Havenwood with Harper and her friends and the annual harvest festival is approaching. Harper’s got a lot to do now Spellbooks has reopened: she’s settled in to life in Havenwood, and even though she’s still figuring things out with the sentient bookshop and her grannie’s familiar, Luna, she knows this is where she belongs.

There are new characters to meet and the development of the existing characters from the first book is great. There’s more from the infamous Silverthorne family as well as a new creature to get to know in the form of a tiny dragon called Ignatius, who completely steals the show.

As Harper successfully managed to solve the mystery of Spellbook’s missing books (in the first book) she feels she’s up to the task of sleuthing when a prankster starts causing havoc during the annual celebrations leading up to Halloween. Along with Finn, her handsome Druid neighbour, and Bella her best friend, she sets out to stop the prankster’s shenanigans and save Havenwood’s magical secrets from the disaster of being discovered.

This is a superb read; I really enjoyed guessing along with the characters while the story unfolds, as the culprit’s never the person you expect!

[MJ Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come for the book-hoarding dragon!

Stay for the mayhem. Of course, mayhem isn't what Harper had in mind for her first Halloween in Havenwood, but mayhem is what she's getting! Some of it's just harmless if annoying pranks, but some is definitely more dangerous. And of course Harper feels like it's her job to figure it out.

This is only the second book in the series, but it's already one of my favorite series. Poor Harper just wants to make the bookshop she inherited from her great grandmother a success and be an asset to the community. But somehow she gets tangled up in mysteries at every turn.

About the only thing that could have made this series even better is a dragon who hoards books. And voila! We have a book-hoarding dragon. Perfect. Or not, since this little cutie has a bit of a problem, which Harper has to add to her list of things to solve before the Silverthornes (specifically Vivienne) decide she's a problem.

This series is so much fun and the mysteries keep you guessing. And often laughing at the chaos leading up to the final solution. I can't wait to see what chaos is coming in the next book!

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

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cozy mystery with the newest resident of Havenwood! Harper is trying to survive her first Halloween as a resident of Havenwood and everything that means. From decorating Spellcraft to participating in town events the last thing she needs it to get wrapped in the mystery of who is causing chaos around town. But as we learned in book 1 Harper is a hands-on resident. Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch adds some new residents that have the potential to become permanent residents and shake things up! We get to meet the Silverthorne (founders of the town) children and a possible lover interest for Bella (Harper's best friend). Harper needs to figure out how to stop the pranks plaguing the city before she gets blamed.
Grey writes seamlessly providing the reader with a great story of friends, budding love and finding home. Gray does hint that there could be a love triangle coming and while I'm not usually a huge fan of them, I'm hoping it provides a reason for Harper to stop stalling when it comes to Finn! I am loving the relationship between Finn and Harper so I'm excited to see where it goes! I'm very much looking forward to what mystery shows up next. I wonder if Havenwood will make it through Thanksgiving without Harper having to rely on her mystery solving skills.

[Cindy Topp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Havenwood celebrations are always magical, and the Harvest Festival is, of course, no exception. However, this year`s pumpkin carving at Moonshadow Pumpkin Farm sports taunting, wayward pumpkins sidestepping would-be carvers, and leaving tourists scratching their heads, hopefully buying into the verbal smokescreen hastily put forth by their hosts, as none of Havenwood`s residents wish the town`s secret to become known for certain. More pranks at other locations mean headaches for all until the mystery can be solved and Vivienne Silverthorne, august town mage, is appeased.
L.L.Gray introduces some new characters in “The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch,” one of which has utterly won my heart: the very adorable, über toothy Ignatius! The way he talks, the way he acts, I just want to cuddle him and make everything better! She must have powerful magic chops of her own to keep Havenwood populated with such dynamic charmers, is all I`m sayin`......I`m so grateful to the author for having started this series because we all need a little enchantment (and a large dose of Havenwood) in our lives.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book in the series ‘The Mystery in the Margins” back when it first came out in August, and I ended up falling in love with Harper and Havenwood. So, when I got a chance to be a part of the book tour for The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch, I was beyond excited!

And guess what? I loved this book as much as I loved the first one! This series was the first time I read a mystery that didn’t involve a murder. In this book Harper needs to find out who is behind all of the magical pranks. It was less of a who-dun-it and more of a how to catch the culprit, but it was fun watching her figure it all out.

Most of the characters are from the first book, plus we’re introduced to a few more. Finn was in the first book, but there’s a potential love interest now in Gabriel as well. And let’s not forget the adorable little dragon, Ignatius. I mean, who doesn’t loves a cute little book hoarding dragon? And of course Luna was as lovely as she was in the first book.

I can’t wait to see where Harper (and her cute little team) goes next!

Thank you to Tales and Teacups PR and Author L.L. Gray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review✨🫶

[CR1017 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy from the author & I am leaving this voluntary review.
The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch is the second book in the series and sees our young witch/bookstore owner, Harper Sullivan, getting accustomed to living in a place filled with magic and magical beings.
While rummaging through the attic of Spellbooks, Harper discovers a box of stone figurines and other small items she intends to use as decorations for Halloween. One of the little stone statues is a dragon.
A rash of magical pranks disturb the otherwise tranquil Havenwood & a series of fires happen during the same time & Harper feels compelled to find those responsible once she discovers her little stone dragon is no longer stone & may be blamed for the fires...because well...dragons...fire.
The chase is on to find the magical being or beings responsible, all while trying to avoid yet another confrontation with the powerful Vivienne Silverthorne.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure & recommend it to all who enjoy mysteries with a bit of magic.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable cozy mystery fun with Harper and her friends!

Harper is settling into her recently inherited business and trying to stay off Vivianne Silverthorne's radar when some puzzling prankster starts using magic in front of the non-magical tourists. Which means Vivianne is paying attention, and that means the recently de-stone-ified dragon (that wasn't a Halloween decoration) coming back to life could cause some problems, while being absolutely adorable.
I really liked the mystery, it's nice and cozy while not being on the predictable side, and kept me guessing! I loved getting to know Harper's support system more (plus a tiny dragon).

One thing that I absolutely love about this series is the chapter names. I don't see that too much in books anymore and it's fun to see that still being done. Also, if the author ever wants to make like a "Day in the Life of Luna" I'd totally read that!

All in all, this is a wonderful story with a fun shenanigan filled mystery set in a magical town!

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Havenwood, the magical little town that captures your heart and your imagination page after page. The Puzzle In The Pumpkin Patch is the second book in the Havenwood series, and again L.L. Gray has woven a tale that kept me entertained from the very start, and had me missing each and every character as soon as I finished the book. Havenwood is getting ready for the annual Harvest Festival, a time for the pumpkin parade , costume party and the crowning of the pumpkin king on Halloween night. This festival is one of the largest events , attracting many tourists to Havenwood and lasting over a week. However there appears to be more tricks than treats happening in the town this Halloween season. There is a prankster causing shinanigans and malarkey and so much more. Can Harper get to the bottom of this mystery and save the Harvest Festival from going up in smoke ? I thought this book was a real treat, no pun intended. This book makes you get into the Halloween spirit and has you feeling like a kid again. This was an easy 5 star rating for me.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper Sullivan has inherited Spellbooks, a book shop in Havenwood, which is a haven, literally, for all things magical. She’s a bit of an amateur sleuth, so when strange things start happening, she gets involved, slightly more than she would have liked, as she is partly responsible.

I love the characters we meet like Luna, a rabbit with an attitude and some great putdowns. There’s also a new character, Ignatious, a miniature dragon who loves to read but who is a bit of a fire starter, unintentionally of course. Add in Finn, the Druid, as a bit of a love interest; Bella, Harpers best friend; the Silverthorne family making more of an appearance and a resident gargoyle in Spellbooks, and you have an easy read, full of humour, twisty story lines and good ending. It’s probably better to read the series in order, although this is a standalone read. Recommended.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.