What do you think?
Rate this book
Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #7
Murder at Cape Costumers
In Agatha Award-winner Maddie Day’s delightfully spooky Cozy Capers Book Group mystery, it’s Halloween, and Cape Cod bike shop owner Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida and her book club must unmask a killer…
Just in time for Halloween, a new costume shop has opened on Main Street in Westham, Massachusetts. Cape Costumers is a cut above the usual seasonal pop-up stores with their flimsy mass-produced outfits and cheap plastic masks, mostly due to co-owner Shelly, a former Broadway costume designer. But when Shelly discovers her elderly boyfriend Enzo—a Broadway star who retired to Westham—dead of unnatural causes, Halloween suddenly gets a lot scarier.
Sleuthing, Mac has found, is a lot like riding a once you learn how, you never forget. Far from being spooked, Mac and the members of the Cozy Capers Book Group put down their weekly book selection and put their heads together to see past a bag of tricks and find a malice-making murderer who’s hiding in plain sight . . .
Just in time for Halloween, a new costume shop has opened on Main Street in Westham, Massachusetts. Cape Costumers is a cut above the usual seasonal pop-up stores with their flimsy mass-produced outfits and cheap plastic masks, mostly due to co-owner Shelly, a former Broadway costume designer. But when Shelly discovers her elderly boyfriend Enzo—a Broadway star who retired to Westham—dead of unnatural causes, Halloween suddenly gets a lot scarier.
Sleuthing, Mac has found, is a lot like riding a once you learn how, you never forget. Far from being spooked, Mac and the members of the Cozy Capers Book Group put down their weekly book selection and put their heads together to see past a bag of tricks and find a malice-making murderer who’s hiding in plain sight . . .
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
253 people are currently reading
4254 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Day
29 books1,550 followersMaddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.
She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.
Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023
Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 3, 2025
Another great installment in the Cozy Capers Mysteries written by Maddie Day. Halloween is approaching and the new costume shop's owners are a little unusual. When an older gentlemen dies, Mac wonders whether the newcomers have something to hide. Great seeing her relationship with colleagues and friends grow, but also bittersweet for the visit from her sister-in-law and her children. Won't spoil anything, but the side story in the background comes full circle finally, and everything will change for the future now. Curious to see what happens next.
September 1, 2025
loved being back at the CAPE and see Mac and her family.
Good mystery and family dynamic. I just wish the resolution was different for Tim's sister. Don't want to spoil
Love AbuRi.
Good mystery and family dynamic. I just wish the resolution was different for Tim's sister. Don't want to spoil
Love AbuRi.
October 30, 2025
I was so excited to read this book. Womp womp.
August 6, 2025
IMaddie Day / Edith Maxwell has a new book coming out in her Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. Out August 26th I strongly recommend Murder at Cape Costumers which definitely gives you a little more than you bargained for! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoy this series, but I must say this is probably my favorite in the series. I definitely had a hard time putting this one down. We definitely have an interesting mystery, the book group is up and functioning, Mac has her hands full with a busier than expected bike shop, and Tim's sister is visiting with her two small children. The focus of this book really, though, is family, with Tim's sister Jaime providing a second mystery for our gang. With Halloween upon us, Mac goes out of her way to welcome the owners of the new Costume Shop. While she feels something is a little odd, even though one of the partners wants to join the book group, it's not until a local transplant is found dead, in full costume, on the deck of his condo the morning after Halloween that questions really fly! When Jaime goes out to meet a friend and doesn't return, Mac and Tim have their hands full with two mysteries, two businesses, and two babies to deal with. This book will keep you hooked from start to finish. Many thanks to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for an opportunity to read. #MurderatCapeCostumers #ACozyCapersBookGroupMystery #MaddieDay #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
I really enjoy this series, but I must say this is probably my favorite in the series. I definitely had a hard time putting this one down. We definitely have an interesting mystery, the book group is up and functioning, Mac has her hands full with a busier than expected bike shop, and Tim's sister is visiting with her two small children. The focus of this book really, though, is family, with Tim's sister Jaime providing a second mystery for our gang. With Halloween upon us, Mac goes out of her way to welcome the owners of the new Costume Shop. While she feels something is a little odd, even though one of the partners wants to join the book group, it's not until a local transplant is found dead, in full costume, on the deck of his condo the morning after Halloween that questions really fly! When Jaime goes out to meet a friend and doesn't return, Mac and Tim have their hands full with two mysteries, two businesses, and two babies to deal with. This book will keep you hooked from start to finish. Many thanks to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for an opportunity to read. #MurderatCapeCostumers #ACozyCapersBookGroupMystery #MaddieDay #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
May 28, 2025
Halloween isn't a big celebration for bike shop owner, Mac Almeida, she doesn’t have children and absolutely doesn't wear dress up. A new costume store has opened at an opportune moment in Westham, Massachusetts and although she's keen to welcome the new owners, Mac has no plans to become a customer. When a body is found the day after the celebrations the Cozy Capers Book Group is soon on the case. Mac also has her new sister in law and two small children visiting for the first time so is already very busy. When a personal issue shakes her family to the core life becomes even more complicated, can she keep her business and family life running smoothly as well as investigating the latest murder or will everything happening at once lead her into more danger than usual?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was a great read, with some interesting new characters. No more details or spoilers will creep in, but it's very good.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was a great read, with some interesting new characters. No more details or spoilers will creep in, but it's very good.
November 2, 2025
Seems a little harsh, but honestly I feel totally disappointed in the entire thing.
I didn’t like the writing style overall, felt way too fluff for me, not enough exposition, description, or character building, and basically was only dialogue.
It also felt incredibly redundant since everything that Mac would find out about the case, she would repeat and summarize in her cozy capers book club meetings, and then repeat AGAIN to Lincoln, the detective on the case. Why wouldn’t the author just have Mac and Lincoln going around finding evidence together? I don’t know. That was dumb and made me feel like this was written for a 10 year old.
Also, the main character was NOT giving enough concern about her sister-in-law being missing. I thought it was because maybe her disappearance and the murder would be connected and she wanted to find the murderer in hopes of it leading to Jamie, but no. She just slipped on some rocks by the water and died accidentally. HELLO? Worst decision the author could’ve made.
Super simple writing, and we followed just the same person she thought was the murderer, the whole entire book. There was no twist, it was the guy she suspected the entire time, and we got a total of 2.5 pages of the climax.
I dragged myself through the book to get to figure out who it finally was, for the fastest and simplest climax of a book I have ever read in my entire life.
From when she confronts him, he threatens her, the police arrive, she runs away safely, and he is arrested, it all happens within less than 3 pages.
Seriously, do not read this book. It is not worth it. I would maybe recommend to a 4th grader who is just starting to read chapter books and follow storylines themselves.
I didn’t like the writing style overall, felt way too fluff for me, not enough exposition, description, or character building, and basically was only dialogue.
It also felt incredibly redundant since everything that Mac would find out about the case, she would repeat and summarize in her cozy capers book club meetings, and then repeat AGAIN to Lincoln, the detective on the case. Why wouldn’t the author just have Mac and Lincoln going around finding evidence together? I don’t know. That was dumb and made me feel like this was written for a 10 year old.
Also, the main character was NOT giving enough concern about her sister-in-law being missing. I thought it was because maybe her disappearance and the murder would be connected and she wanted to find the murderer in hopes of it leading to Jamie, but no. She just slipped on some rocks by the water and died accidentally. HELLO? Worst decision the author could’ve made.
Super simple writing, and we followed just the same person she thought was the murderer, the whole entire book. There was no twist, it was the guy she suspected the entire time, and we got a total of 2.5 pages of the climax.
I dragged myself through the book to get to figure out who it finally was, for the fastest and simplest climax of a book I have ever read in my entire life.
From when she confronts him, he threatens her, the police arrive, she runs away safely, and he is arrested, it all happens within less than 3 pages.
Seriously, do not read this book. It is not worth it. I would maybe recommend to a 4th grader who is just starting to read chapter books and follow storylines themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
"Murder at Cape Costumers (A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #7)" by Maddie Day is set at Halloween time in the Cape Cod area. Mac and her husband (Tim) finally have Tim's sister and sister's kids coming for a visit. Tim's sister has a drinking addiction and goes missing. Luckily, her kids are safe with Mac, Tim, and Mac's family.
On top of trying to find her sister-in-law there's a murdered skeleton for the book club to puzzle out. Yes, the various book club members have their assigned parts to investigate, but Mac is the viewpoint for the book/series. She actually keeps getting called out by the other book club members and herself for investigating some else's assignment in the investigation.
This may be the final book in this particular series. At least it could be since it wrapped up in a way that felt like it could be finished or at least taking a break. It's would be okay to bounce into the future or a spin off with a different book group member.
On top of trying to find her sister-in-law there's a murdered skeleton for the book club to puzzle out. Yes, the various book club members have their assigned parts to investigate, but Mac is the viewpoint for the book/series. She actually keeps getting called out by the other book club members and herself for investigating some else's assignment in the investigation.
This may be the final book in this particular series. At least it could be since it wrapped up in a way that felt like it could be finished or at least taking a break. It's would be okay to bounce into the future or a spin off with a different book group member.
September 12, 2025
Mac and her cozy mystery book club crew are back in action trying to solve a few mysteries happening in town with one being in her very own family! I love how the author weaves the primary mystery through the characters' lives and interactions, while also bringing in other mysteries to overlap in her stories and this book is no exception! An outstanding read that keeps the series fresh and engaging while also leaving you ready for the next book just so you can come back to see what is happening in the characters' lives! It's really more like visiting old friends rather than reading a story on a page. The narrator in the audiobook was fantastic as well so if you are an audio lover, this book or actually the entire series needs to be on your must listen list! Now, I just have to find the patience to wait for the author to write the next book in the series for us! I can't wait to see what happens in the characters' lives next!
November 15, 2025
Just in time for Halloween, a new costume shop has opened in Westham, Massachusetts. Cape Costumers is not the usual seasonal pop-up stores, mostly due to co-owner Shelly, a former Broadway costume designer. But when Shelly discovers her boyfriend Enzo dead of unnatural causes, Halloween gets a lot scarier. Far from being spooked, Mac and the members of the Cozy Capers Book Group put their heads together to find a malice-making murderer who’s hiding in plain sight.
This was a wonderful cozy mystery. I love all of the characters in the Cozy Capers book group. The plot was very engrossing, but sad at times. The setting was very atmospheric and made me think about the best parts of the autumn season. I couldn't figure out who the culprit was and was surprised in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and can't wait until the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced Reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
This was a wonderful cozy mystery. I love all of the characters in the Cozy Capers book group. The plot was very engrossing, but sad at times. The setting was very atmospheric and made me think about the best parts of the autumn season. I couldn't figure out who the culprit was and was surprised in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and can't wait until the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced Reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
April 15, 2025
#MurderatCapeCostumers #NetGalley is a fantastic book by one of my favorite authors.
This story had me feeling so many emotions, from Mac's love for her husband Tim, to the worries surrounding his sister's disappearance.
When a local resident is found dead, in a Halloween costume, things look suspicious, and of course, Mac can't refuse the urge to investigate.
The suspects include the owners of the new costume shop, and Mac is determined to find the answers.
I really loved reading this book. I've grown fond of the unique characters, including the addition of Ella and Luca.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series and I'm happy to recommend #MurderatCapeCostumers to other cozy mystery readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
This story had me feeling so many emotions, from Mac's love for her husband Tim, to the worries surrounding his sister's disappearance.
When a local resident is found dead, in a Halloween costume, things look suspicious, and of course, Mac can't refuse the urge to investigate.
The suspects include the owners of the new costume shop, and Mac is determined to find the answers.
I really loved reading this book. I've grown fond of the unique characters, including the addition of Ella and Luca.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series and I'm happy to recommend #MurderatCapeCostumers to other cozy mystery readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
October 14, 2025
Halloween cozy.
A new costume shop has just opened on Main street in Westham, Massachusetts.
The costumes are well made and one of the owners is a Broadway show costume designer.
But, Shelley, the owner of the shop, discovers her boyfriend, Enzo, dead and Halloween is not so much fun anymore.
Mackenzie is the owner of a local bike shop and gets together with the members of her Book group to try and figure out who killed Enzo Lawrence and left him on his deck.
Fun group of characters and a cozy setting.
A new costume shop has just opened on Main street in Westham, Massachusetts.
The costumes are well made and one of the owners is a Broadway show costume designer.
But, Shelley, the owner of the shop, discovers her boyfriend, Enzo, dead and Halloween is not so much fun anymore.
Mackenzie is the owner of a local bike shop and gets together with the members of her Book group to try and figure out who killed Enzo Lawrence and left him on his deck.
Fun group of characters and a cozy setting.
October 29, 2025
A good story in an idyllic town! This is the epitome of a cozy read! I’d read more of these. The characters are all delightful and beautifully diverse in so many ways! I particularly love the nod to non-traditional motherhood and fertility issues. That means a lot to my fertility-challenged, step mom heart. 🩷🤲🏾
September 11, 2025
The secondary story was more prominent than the murder. But I like the characters so it's good to get more of their stories.
I am a little confused about the continuity of the sister's children, I thought there were more and they were a little older. I'll need to re-read the series the next time i'm on the wait list for everything.
I am a little confused about the continuity of the sister's children, I thought there were more and they were a little older. I'll need to re-read the series the next time i'm on the wait list for everything.
October 25, 2025
3.5 stars
I was a little unsure at the start, but once the mystery got going, this was a pretty good read. I would have liked more Halloween theme, but it was still satisfactory as my Halloween cozy mystery.
I was a little unsure at the start, but once the mystery got going, this was a pretty good read. I would have liked more Halloween theme, but it was still satisfactory as my Halloween cozy mystery.
September 21, 2025
Really enjoy her cute little books. I love keeping up with the characters
October 20, 2025
2.5 Annoying MC. I forgot that I had read the first one in the series and did not care for the MC. In this book she reflects on how hard it must be for parents to deal with infants and toddlers so thank goodness there is day care because it’s all too much . This from a woman who yearns to be a mom and while she and her husband are temporarily caring for his niece and nephew and managing to dodge most of the actual work and letting her husband and family members care for the kids while she wanders around town over the weekend ( because she’s off of course) trying to pick up clues while her husband spends his weekend caring for the kids. Just wow
October 15, 2025
Oy! This addition to the series is simply heartbreaking! I'm not going to say why, but trust me..devastating! Despite that, a beautifully plotted mystery confronts Mac and the rest of the Cozy Capers at Halloween as fall descends on Cape Cod.
October 31, 2025
The plot was good but seemed to be lacking. I can't really put my finger on it but it seemed to me it just didn't have much going on. I still enjoyed it but it just wasn't my favorite. The rest of the series has been great this one just didn't hit for me.
September 8, 2025
Felt like the last book in the series!
Another excellent cosy mystery in this series. Love the characters and the setting. Hope there will be more of them!
Another excellent cosy mystery in this series. Love the characters and the setting. Hope there will be more of them!
November 18, 2025
This latest installment of Maddie Day's Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery opens with the town of Westham, Massachusetts being happy that a new costume shop and alterations store has opened in their town just before Halloween. However, when one of the owners of the shop finds her elderly boyfriend murdered in the shop, the entire town becomes suspicious of her, the co-owner, and everyone else. To top things off, Mac's sister in law has gone missing, and she along with her husband are having to care for two young children. Mac knows she has to help solve both of these mysteries with the help of her book club friends.
Although I have read many cozy mysteries by Maddie Day, this was my first time reading one in her Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. As mentioned before, I didn't connect with story like I have with some of her other books, and there isn't a clear cut reason as to why. Most of the characters were likable, but I just didn't really like them. Furthermore, the storyline had so much potential to me since I love stories revolving around Halloween, but the pacing was on the slow side for me, and I found myself not caring what happened to any of the characters. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was wonderfully written.
Unfortunately, this most recent book by Maddie Day only earned a three out of five star rating from me. I'll definitely give the series another chance as it may have just been me being in a reading slump.
Although I have read many cozy mysteries by Maddie Day, this was my first time reading one in her Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. As mentioned before, I didn't connect with story like I have with some of her other books, and there isn't a clear cut reason as to why. Most of the characters were likable, but I just didn't really like them. Furthermore, the storyline had so much potential to me since I love stories revolving around Halloween, but the pacing was on the slow side for me, and I found myself not caring what happened to any of the characters. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was wonderfully written.
Unfortunately, this most recent book by Maddie Day only earned a three out of five star rating from me. I'll definitely give the series another chance as it may have just been me being in a reading slump.
September 20, 2025
This was my least favorite in the series. It seemed to be a little flat in the writing and Mac’s sister-in-law Jamie not wanting to join her and Tim took the kids out was a give away that something was going to happen to her. The rest of the Cozy Capers Book Group were the same supportive group. I like that you feel you are there in all the different stores and library that the club members own, but it’s the same in every book.
November 8, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
We are just in time for Halloween on this visit to Westham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Mac’s customers at her shop, Mac’s Bikes, were many compared to prior autumns. She sells bicycles, accessories, and branded shirts for cyclists, as well as providing repair services.
Abo Reba, Mac’s paternal grandmother, and Cokey, Mac’s niece, stopped to see Mac. They were visiting the stores on Main Street, where children could receive Halloween treats that afternoon. The new costume shop had a human-size skeleton with a freaky expression on its skull in their window. Cokey, the most fearless child Mac has ever seen, was so frightened that she refused to go in for candy.
Later, Mac stopped in to see the skeleton. Cape Costumers sold professionally-made, high quality costumes rather than mass produced offerings. Mac met one of the two owners, Shelly, who said that a friend of hers had tried on the skeleton costume and danced around in it. Mac felt as Cokey did, however, when she saw the leering skull head cover. The shop included a section of dance attire overseen by Shelly’s partner, Harini. Shelly had been a professional costumer on Broadway, in New York City, and Harini had been a professional ballerina.
The following day, Mac sold a three-wheel adult tricycle to Enzo, an acquaintance of her grandmother, Reba. An older, cheerful, man, he paid in cash and would pick up the tricycle when her service person did a final safety and working check on it.
Mac’s husband, Tim, is the owner of the bakery, Greta’s Grains. He was picking up his sister and her two youngest children at Logan Airport for their first visit to Mac and Tim. Jamie’s older children stayed with their father, but her two younger children, Luca, several weeks old, and Ella, 3 ½, would be with her. Mac genuinely looked forward to getting to know Jamie despite her history of addictions and mental health challenges. She is Tim’s only sibling, and he wishes she lived closer to them so he could help them when needed.
That weekend, Mac, Tim, Jamie, and her two children went to Mac’s family dinner. Jamie had been withdrawn the evening before, probably exhausted from travel. Mac’s family welcomed Jamie, and Ella was quickly befriended by six-year-old Cokey and Luca was snuggled close by Mac’s mother and grandmother.
The day after Halloween, a man was found dead on the balcony of his condo. He was wearing that eerie ghost costume from Cape Costumers. The man wearing the costume was, sadly, Enzo, Reba’s friend who had purchased the adult tricycle, and his death was considered a homicide.
That evening, Jamie went to meet a friend for dinner she said had moved to the area. She did not return. Tim finally drove to the restaurant, learned from the bartender that Jamie had been there alone, at the bar. The bartender had stopped serving her by nine, and she left. Ella, wanting her mother, was very upset. Tim and Mac settled Ella and Luca in for the evening, calming Ella and caring for Luca. Tim filed a missing person’s report the next night when they couldn’t find her.
Mac and her book group friends, the Cozy Capers, had begun to discuss Enzo’s murder and discovered several interesting leads. Mac shared those leads with Lincoln Hoskins, a state detective working locally, and looked into a few of them herself. Mac and her book club friends also looked into Jamie’s disappearance. Tim, Mac, and Mac’s parents searched and cared for the children.
This well-written mystery was compelling, and I appreciated having a low-key, Halloween-related mystery. Mac’s family continues to grow and welcome new members, with her new sister-in-law, Neli, plus Jamie and her children. I especially enjoyed Mac and Reba’s relationship. For the difference in their ages, they are very close, and can talk about almost everything. Mac’s family is unique with her father, a pastor, and mom, an astrologer; it has always been a home filled with love. Both mysteries were all-consuming. Enzo’s murder gained several suspects, but Jamie didn’t know anyone there. With Mac’s experience, I thought her questions might have been more blunt than usual. Some of Harini and Shelly’s annoyance may have been from living in New York City for many years, where one avoids personal questions from strangers, but one of the men became downright angry. I was surprisingly disappointed in the way both mysteries ended, a first for me for this series. I do recommend this mystery and series to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with the beautiful east coast setting and close-knit families.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
We are just in time for Halloween on this visit to Westham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Mac’s customers at her shop, Mac’s Bikes, were many compared to prior autumns. She sells bicycles, accessories, and branded shirts for cyclists, as well as providing repair services.
Abo Reba, Mac’s paternal grandmother, and Cokey, Mac’s niece, stopped to see Mac. They were visiting the stores on Main Street, where children could receive Halloween treats that afternoon. The new costume shop had a human-size skeleton with a freaky expression on its skull in their window. Cokey, the most fearless child Mac has ever seen, was so frightened that she refused to go in for candy.
Later, Mac stopped in to see the skeleton. Cape Costumers sold professionally-made, high quality costumes rather than mass produced offerings. Mac met one of the two owners, Shelly, who said that a friend of hers had tried on the skeleton costume and danced around in it. Mac felt as Cokey did, however, when she saw the leering skull head cover. The shop included a section of dance attire overseen by Shelly’s partner, Harini. Shelly had been a professional costumer on Broadway, in New York City, and Harini had been a professional ballerina.
The following day, Mac sold a three-wheel adult tricycle to Enzo, an acquaintance of her grandmother, Reba. An older, cheerful, man, he paid in cash and would pick up the tricycle when her service person did a final safety and working check on it.
Mac’s husband, Tim, is the owner of the bakery, Greta’s Grains. He was picking up his sister and her two youngest children at Logan Airport for their first visit to Mac and Tim. Jamie’s older children stayed with their father, but her two younger children, Luca, several weeks old, and Ella, 3 ½, would be with her. Mac genuinely looked forward to getting to know Jamie despite her history of addictions and mental health challenges. She is Tim’s only sibling, and he wishes she lived closer to them so he could help them when needed.
That weekend, Mac, Tim, Jamie, and her two children went to Mac’s family dinner. Jamie had been withdrawn the evening before, probably exhausted from travel. Mac’s family welcomed Jamie, and Ella was quickly befriended by six-year-old Cokey and Luca was snuggled close by Mac’s mother and grandmother.
The day after Halloween, a man was found dead on the balcony of his condo. He was wearing that eerie ghost costume from Cape Costumers. The man wearing the costume was, sadly, Enzo, Reba’s friend who had purchased the adult tricycle, and his death was considered a homicide.
That evening, Jamie went to meet a friend for dinner she said had moved to the area. She did not return. Tim finally drove to the restaurant, learned from the bartender that Jamie had been there alone, at the bar. The bartender had stopped serving her by nine, and she left. Ella, wanting her mother, was very upset. Tim and Mac settled Ella and Luca in for the evening, calming Ella and caring for Luca. Tim filed a missing person’s report the next night when they couldn’t find her.
Mac and her book group friends, the Cozy Capers, had begun to discuss Enzo’s murder and discovered several interesting leads. Mac shared those leads with Lincoln Hoskins, a state detective working locally, and looked into a few of them herself. Mac and her book club friends also looked into Jamie’s disappearance. Tim, Mac, and Mac’s parents searched and cared for the children.
This well-written mystery was compelling, and I appreciated having a low-key, Halloween-related mystery. Mac’s family continues to grow and welcome new members, with her new sister-in-law, Neli, plus Jamie and her children. I especially enjoyed Mac and Reba’s relationship. For the difference in their ages, they are very close, and can talk about almost everything. Mac’s family is unique with her father, a pastor, and mom, an astrologer; it has always been a home filled with love. Both mysteries were all-consuming. Enzo’s murder gained several suspects, but Jamie didn’t know anyone there. With Mac’s experience, I thought her questions might have been more blunt than usual. Some of Harini and Shelly’s annoyance may have been from living in New York City for many years, where one avoids personal questions from strangers, but one of the men became downright angry. I was surprisingly disappointed in the way both mysteries ended, a first for me for this series. I do recommend this mystery and series to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with the beautiful east coast setting and close-knit families.
June 7, 2025
To be honest, I think I was far more invested in the situation involving Tim's sister Jaime's disappearance than the murder. Her two children, baby Luca and the seems older than her years Ella, are adorable and became real in my eyes. While Jamie obviously gave her all to her children, she is still suffering from substance abuse and stress. Tim, main character Mackenzie/Mac's husband's love and concern for his sister is obvious. While not a blood relative and not knowing Jamie well, Mac is doubly concerned, once for Jamie and again for the burden of worry Tim is carrying. In the midst of all this worry there's a murder. Mac, being Mac, distracted as she is with worry, can't help looking into it. That translates to asking question after question of possible suspects, enough questions that a call goes in to the police about her questioning.
Fortunately, the Cozy Capers Book Club has her back, as does her family. Even her African Grey Parrot, Belle, seems to have something to say about, well, just about everything. Belle is an amazing mimic, too, though her impression of Jamie's voice only adds worry, unfortunately. The thing that always impresses me about this group, however, is not just their tightness and genuine caring for each other, but the organization and efficiency of their investigation tactics. As they've learned from past experiences, even the most minute clue might be important. Kudos to Mac and the rest for not hoarding information, too. They are quick to share info, either in person of via text, with the police. I always roll my eyes when an amateur sleuth finds a clue and decides it isn't important or to wait until they've looked into it further before sharing it with the authorities, often in some imaginary effort to prove their own value. It tends to backfire. Kudos for Mac, too, for not being TSTL (To Stupid To Live). I liked that she thought first rather than rushing into potentially dangerous situations, doing what she could to be sure someone had her back. And, of course, she does manage to find danger. That's just part of the fun. Seeing how our amateur sleuth manages to escape.
Bottom line, I like these characters. Mac's friends and family are realistic and could be our own friends and neighbors. Each is a unique character and they tend to show growth and change as the series has gone along. Heck, even in the midst of all the turmoil and a murder, romance is in the air. Thus, while weirdly unconcerned about whodunit, I enjoyed spending some time with everyone. I'm always drawn to character driven books and this series and this book in particular had that. Heck, Mac even manages to seemingly win over a not-usually-sympathetic police officer this go-round, so things are looking up. Change is in the air, that's for sure. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this early peek at life with Mac and her family and friends. I'm looking forward big time to the next book.
Fortunately, the Cozy Capers Book Club has her back, as does her family. Even her African Grey Parrot, Belle, seems to have something to say about, well, just about everything. Belle is an amazing mimic, too, though her impression of Jamie's voice only adds worry, unfortunately. The thing that always impresses me about this group, however, is not just their tightness and genuine caring for each other, but the organization and efficiency of their investigation tactics. As they've learned from past experiences, even the most minute clue might be important. Kudos to Mac and the rest for not hoarding information, too. They are quick to share info, either in person of via text, with the police. I always roll my eyes when an amateur sleuth finds a clue and decides it isn't important or to wait until they've looked into it further before sharing it with the authorities, often in some imaginary effort to prove their own value. It tends to backfire. Kudos for Mac, too, for not being TSTL (To Stupid To Live). I liked that she thought first rather than rushing into potentially dangerous situations, doing what she could to be sure someone had her back. And, of course, she does manage to find danger. That's just part of the fun. Seeing how our amateur sleuth manages to escape.
Bottom line, I like these characters. Mac's friends and family are realistic and could be our own friends and neighbors. Each is a unique character and they tend to show growth and change as the series has gone along. Heck, even in the midst of all the turmoil and a murder, romance is in the air. Thus, while weirdly unconcerned about whodunit, I enjoyed spending some time with everyone. I'm always drawn to character driven books and this series and this book in particular had that. Heck, Mac even manages to seemingly win over a not-usually-sympathetic police officer this go-round, so things are looking up. Change is in the air, that's for sure. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for allowing me this early peek at life with Mac and her family and friends. I'm looking forward big time to the next book.
September 10, 2025
MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS by Maddie Day is an absolutely amazing cozy mystery! MacKenzie “Mac” Almeida is the owner of Mac’s Bikes and married to Tim. Here at Halloween, Mac finds herself juggling her normal work and home life along with entertaining house guests (Tim’s sister and her two small children) and using her amateur sleuthing skills to help the police figure out who killed an elderly man in a lifelike skeleton costume.
Married last year, Mac and Tim have been unsuccessful so far in making it a family of three. Maybe having two small children visiting will be like practice. After the disappearing of Jamie, it definitely becomes hands on learning-including needing help from family members. But who wouldn’t love an adorable three-and-a-half-year-old little boy and the sweetest newborn little girl? Where could Jamie have gone and when will she be back? It’s a good thing Tim had taken off work to be home for his sister’s visit and that Mac has excellent employees.
When Enzo Lawrence turns up killed the day after Halloween still wearing his skeleton costume, will it be the clues the police find or those that Mac and the Cozy Capers Book Group members find that figure out whodunit – or maybe a combination of both? Who would want this elderly, quiet spoken man dead? What’s with his relative showing up and not even acknowledging his kinship or showing any emotions about his death? Who in town had connections to the deceased? Was it a crime of passion or greed? Will Mac’s sleuthing put her once again in the crosshairs of danger?
MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is an amazing cozy mystery that will take you hunting for clues to mysterious, murderous events right alongside Mac and her friends. Whether this is your first book by Maddie Day or, like me, one of many you have loved reading, you are bound to fall in love with Westham and its residents - some become acquaintances, some old friends and others family by choice. I can imagine the town and event by the author’s fabulous visual descriptions. Being a fictional town, I have to be satisfied with visits via Maddie’s books and be a bug on the wall when the Cozy Capers Book Group meets. Maddie Day gives us a cozy mystery full of suspense, clue hunting while trying to figure out truth from fiction, family, where answers to dreams may come in a different form than expected, loss, danger, Halloween traditions and expertly weaves it all within Mac’s Bikes, the book club and Halloween. MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is absolutely a FIVE STAR story and I recommend it to everyone – Halloween or any time of the year!
MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is the 7th book in the A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series, but can most definitely be read as a standalone book.
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#MurderatCapeCostumers #ACozyCpersBookGroupMystery #MaddieDay
#CozyMystery
Married last year, Mac and Tim have been unsuccessful so far in making it a family of three. Maybe having two small children visiting will be like practice. After the disappearing of Jamie, it definitely becomes hands on learning-including needing help from family members. But who wouldn’t love an adorable three-and-a-half-year-old little boy and the sweetest newborn little girl? Where could Jamie have gone and when will she be back? It’s a good thing Tim had taken off work to be home for his sister’s visit and that Mac has excellent employees.
When Enzo Lawrence turns up killed the day after Halloween still wearing his skeleton costume, will it be the clues the police find or those that Mac and the Cozy Capers Book Group members find that figure out whodunit – or maybe a combination of both? Who would want this elderly, quiet spoken man dead? What’s with his relative showing up and not even acknowledging his kinship or showing any emotions about his death? Who in town had connections to the deceased? Was it a crime of passion or greed? Will Mac’s sleuthing put her once again in the crosshairs of danger?
MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is an amazing cozy mystery that will take you hunting for clues to mysterious, murderous events right alongside Mac and her friends. Whether this is your first book by Maddie Day or, like me, one of many you have loved reading, you are bound to fall in love with Westham and its residents - some become acquaintances, some old friends and others family by choice. I can imagine the town and event by the author’s fabulous visual descriptions. Being a fictional town, I have to be satisfied with visits via Maddie’s books and be a bug on the wall when the Cozy Capers Book Group meets. Maddie Day gives us a cozy mystery full of suspense, clue hunting while trying to figure out truth from fiction, family, where answers to dreams may come in a different form than expected, loss, danger, Halloween traditions and expertly weaves it all within Mac’s Bikes, the book club and Halloween. MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is absolutely a FIVE STAR story and I recommend it to everyone – Halloween or any time of the year!
MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is the 7th book in the A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series, but can most definitely be read as a standalone book.
I receive a copy of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#MurderatCapeCostumers #ACozyCpersBookGroupMystery #MaddieDay
#CozyMystery
December 9, 2025
Maddie Day once again gives us a cozy with real life situations that challenge the reader to redefine the term "cozy." Mac/Mackenzie Almeida, our sleuth is the owner of Mac's Bikes, wife to Tim of Greta’s Grains Bakery and a member of the Cozy Capers Book Group. Mac has a knack for getting involved in murder investigations and this time is no different and as always, she has the book club to help her collect clues and work together like a well-oiled machine. The victim, a recent transplant and former Broadway actor, is the unfortunate victim. Enzo was found the day after Halloween and still in his skeleton costume. Was it love’s cruel sting that did him in or maybe plain and simple greed.
Mac is going to need all the help she can get because this time around, the subplot includes a visit from Tim’s sister, Jamie who is a recovering alcoholic, and her two young children. The plot twist is that Jamie goes missing. Small spoiler alert, this is a hard topic to read about as alcohol addiction and recovery is not fiction and the emotions created by this story can be challenging. I found myself tearing up more often than chuckling. One might even go as far as to say that the murder is a good distraction for Mac and the reader. Mac does not like messy, she is a bit of an OCD personality so taking care of precocious five-year-old Ella, baby Luca, could be considered a challenge. Fortunately, Mack loves kids and would do anything to help Tim. Mac’s family is just as helpful as they do their part to pitch in and help with Ella and Luca when needed.
This mystery was well plotted and the clues kept me guessing and questioning my suppositions. I am always impressed by how meticulous the books group members are when it comes to doling out tasks and reporting back to the group text thread. I also found it entertaining that several of Mac's friends were involved in a pickleball league, with some competitive players who may or may not be suspects. The only thing that I felt sure of was the support and love that Mac’s friends and families show to each other and that regardless of how everything turned out, Belle the bird was still going to want snacks (LOL). Speaking of food, there are some great recipes at the end of the story including a recipe for Halloween Muffins that are healthy little pumpkin cakes that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Mac is going to need all the help she can get because this time around, the subplot includes a visit from Tim’s sister, Jamie who is a recovering alcoholic, and her two young children. The plot twist is that Jamie goes missing. Small spoiler alert, this is a hard topic to read about as alcohol addiction and recovery is not fiction and the emotions created by this story can be challenging. I found myself tearing up more often than chuckling. One might even go as far as to say that the murder is a good distraction for Mac and the reader. Mac does not like messy, she is a bit of an OCD personality so taking care of precocious five-year-old Ella, baby Luca, could be considered a challenge. Fortunately, Mack loves kids and would do anything to help Tim. Mac’s family is just as helpful as they do their part to pitch in and help with Ella and Luca when needed.
This mystery was well plotted and the clues kept me guessing and questioning my suppositions. I am always impressed by how meticulous the books group members are when it comes to doling out tasks and reporting back to the group text thread. I also found it entertaining that several of Mac's friends were involved in a pickleball league, with some competitive players who may or may not be suspects. The only thing that I felt sure of was the support and love that Mac’s friends and families show to each other and that regardless of how everything turned out, Belle the bird was still going to want snacks (LOL). Speaking of food, there are some great recipes at the end of the story including a recipe for Halloween Muffins that are healthy little pumpkin cakes that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
September 4, 2025
MURDER AT CAPE COSTUMERS is the seventh book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries by Maddie Day. I’m always drawn toward character-driven stories, and over the course of this series the author has brought the characters in spades. This newest release has ended up being my favorite of the bunch with the appearance of protagonist Mac Almeida’s niece and nephew, on her husband Tim’s side. The emotional level of the book ramped up, as did my investment in finding out what happens next, with the subplot of the disappearance of Mac’s sister-in-law. Especially when Mac and Tim are left taking on the care of her children while they search for her. Mac, her friends, and family members have always been tight knit but with the kids brought into the mix, they join together even more, giving encouragement and practical support. This made the storyline and the characters all the more realistic as Mac and her husband try to juggle their businesses (she runs Mac’s Bikes, and he runs a bakery) and care for the two children. Ms. Day captures both the anxiety of the situation and the joy of having family and friends around.
While the disappearance of the young mother is a subplot, there is a murder to solve for Mac and the Cozy Capers Book Group. I adore that the sleuthing is a group effort, with each of the members assigned an action item, and as they track down clues, they share them on a text thread if they can’t do so in person. Mac is also quick to share the clues discovered with the investigating detective, and it was nice to see how he is finally appreciating the group’s insights into the crimes committed. With Halloween happening, there are costumes galore and festivities occurring, the book has a fun, spooky ambiance. I loved how the intriguing murder mystery fit the theme of the book. There are clues to follow, with twists and turns to puzzle the reader. In the nail-biting reveal, Mac once again proves her indomitable spirit and leaves me wanting to find out what happens next!
While the disappearance of the young mother is a subplot, there is a murder to solve for Mac and the Cozy Capers Book Group. I adore that the sleuthing is a group effort, with each of the members assigned an action item, and as they track down clues, they share them on a text thread if they can’t do so in person. Mac is also quick to share the clues discovered with the investigating detective, and it was nice to see how he is finally appreciating the group’s insights into the crimes committed. With Halloween happening, there are costumes galore and festivities occurring, the book has a fun, spooky ambiance. I loved how the intriguing murder mystery fit the theme of the book. There are clues to follow, with twists and turns to puzzle the reader. In the nail-biting reveal, Mac once again proves her indomitable spirit and leaves me wanting to find out what happens next!
August 6, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
Murder at Cape Costumers by Maddie Day is a phenomenal cozy mystery. The book is the 7th in a series that follows bike store owner Mac Almeida but it can be read independently. Mac has several things going on at once: 1. her flighty sister-in-law is visiting with her children and mysteriously goes missing leaving her children so she must help her find it, 2. there is a murder in her town and she decides that her book group is going to solve it, and 3. she is having a busy season during her slower seasons so she's trying to make her store stay afloat.
What did I like? I already like the settings and the characters plus I enjoyed the mystery a lot. I thought it was full of showing rather than telling which I enjoyed a lot. I liked the kids characters a lot, I thought they were well done. I also love Tim (Mac's partner) he's such a sweet man, he reminds me of my husband so of course I love him. I also love the grandma. I enjoyed that the person who has been a little bit of an antagonist seems to be coming around, I really liked that! Now my favorite part was the critiques of pickleball which I thought were so funny, as a lover of tennis I had to take the anti-pickleball side lol.
Why isn't it 5 stars? Mac was so rude sometimes!! She wouldn't be very tactful which is a criticism that I've had of these books before. I know she wants to get information but dang! LOL I would have been peeved if someone just popped in and started interrogating me.
Overall I recommend this book for anyone looking for a cozy mystery or a quick palate cleanser. This book is so lovely if you can overlook Mac being a little rude sometimes LOL. I do not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thriller or anything with spice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies, and Maddie Day for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Murder at Cape Costumers by Maddie Day is a phenomenal cozy mystery. The book is the 7th in a series that follows bike store owner Mac Almeida but it can be read independently. Mac has several things going on at once: 1. her flighty sister-in-law is visiting with her children and mysteriously goes missing leaving her children so she must help her find it, 2. there is a murder in her town and she decides that her book group is going to solve it, and 3. she is having a busy season during her slower seasons so she's trying to make her store stay afloat.
What did I like? I already like the settings and the characters plus I enjoyed the mystery a lot. I thought it was full of showing rather than telling which I enjoyed a lot. I liked the kids characters a lot, I thought they were well done. I also love Tim (Mac's partner) he's such a sweet man, he reminds me of my husband so of course I love him. I also love the grandma. I enjoyed that the person who has been a little bit of an antagonist seems to be coming around, I really liked that! Now my favorite part was the critiques of pickleball which I thought were so funny, as a lover of tennis I had to take the anti-pickleball side lol.
Why isn't it 5 stars? Mac was so rude sometimes!! She wouldn't be very tactful which is a criticism that I've had of these books before. I know she wants to get information but dang! LOL I would have been peeved if someone just popped in and started interrogating me.
Overall I recommend this book for anyone looking for a cozy mystery or a quick palate cleanser. This book is so lovely if you can overlook Mac being a little rude sometimes LOL. I do not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thriller or anything with spice.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies, and Maddie Day for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 1, 2025
Murder at Cape Costumers, the seventh book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series, has multiple stories to follow which will keep you reading for sure.
If you've read any or all of the previous books in this series by Maddie Day, you know that main character Mac cannot stay out of trouble. When there is a murder, whether she knew the victim or the suspects, she will begin investigating ... but don't worry, she has the Cozy Capers book club watching her back .... hopefully.
On the morning after Halloween Enzo, a gentlemen that was a recent customer at Mac's Bike's is found dead on his deck still wearing his skeleton costume. Before the death is determined to be murder or natural causes, Mac is already looking into things.
In Murder at Cape Costumers not only is Mac looking into Enzo's murder but her sister-in-law and two small children are visiting. Unfortunately Jamie, Tim's sister, goes out one night claiming to be meeting a friend for dinner and never returns. This leaves Mac and Tim looking after Ella and Luca. Luckily Ella and Mac's niece Cokey become fast, best friends and Mac's family is there to help until Jamie returns. Tim and Mac, both being business owners try to settle into their new home life but, of course, Mac needs to make sure her hometown and it's residents are safe .... so until she knows who killed Enzo and they are arrested, she will still stick her neck out .....
Murder at Cape Costumers, in my opinion, is different than the others as it digs deeper into the family aspect and has a storyline that draws from that. Not only are we working on a murder but a missing loved one as well. I personally got emotional with Jamie's disappearance and that could be because after six books, Tim is fictional family.
Regardless as to what drew you into this series or what draws you in, I know you will enjoy your time spent with Mac, Tim and the rest of the town of Westham.
If you've read any or all of the previous books in this series by Maddie Day, you know that main character Mac cannot stay out of trouble. When there is a murder, whether she knew the victim or the suspects, she will begin investigating ... but don't worry, she has the Cozy Capers book club watching her back .... hopefully.
On the morning after Halloween Enzo, a gentlemen that was a recent customer at Mac's Bike's is found dead on his deck still wearing his skeleton costume. Before the death is determined to be murder or natural causes, Mac is already looking into things.
In Murder at Cape Costumers not only is Mac looking into Enzo's murder but her sister-in-law and two small children are visiting. Unfortunately Jamie, Tim's sister, goes out one night claiming to be meeting a friend for dinner and never returns. This leaves Mac and Tim looking after Ella and Luca. Luckily Ella and Mac's niece Cokey become fast, best friends and Mac's family is there to help until Jamie returns. Tim and Mac, both being business owners try to settle into their new home life but, of course, Mac needs to make sure her hometown and it's residents are safe .... so until she knows who killed Enzo and they are arrested, she will still stick her neck out .....
Murder at Cape Costumers, in my opinion, is different than the others as it digs deeper into the family aspect and has a storyline that draws from that. Not only are we working on a murder but a missing loved one as well. I personally got emotional with Jamie's disappearance and that could be because after six books, Tim is fictional family.
Regardless as to what drew you into this series or what draws you in, I know you will enjoy your time spent with Mac, Tim and the rest of the town of Westham.
October 5, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder at Cape Costumers is the 7th Book Club cozy by Maddie Day. Released 26th Aug 2025 by Kenzington, it's 352 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a fairly standard village cozy with the requisite cast of eccentric town oddballs hiding things from one another, a moderately large cast of suspects, and the main character, bike shop owner Mackenzie (Mac), and an October/halloween themed mystery with creepy costumes and murder.
It's an enjoyable read, if trope-y (but that's why storefront cozies are such a popular niche genre). It's not at all derivative, and fans of Ellery Adams, Kate Carlisle, and Lynn Cahoon will find a lot to like here.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 10 minutes and is read by series narrator Rachel Dulude. She has a full, well modulated alto voice and does a good job of delineating the characters of a range of ages and both sexes. She has a sort of neutral New England accent which doesn't overpower the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read, for public library acquisition, or for the home library. The mystery is self contained in this volume, however, there are multi-book story arc elements which will be spoiled if read out of order.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder at Cape Costumers is the 7th Book Club cozy by Maddie Day. Released 26th Aug 2025 by Kenzington, it's 352 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audiobook, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a fairly standard village cozy with the requisite cast of eccentric town oddballs hiding things from one another, a moderately large cast of suspects, and the main character, bike shop owner Mackenzie (Mac), and an October/halloween themed mystery with creepy costumes and murder.
It's an enjoyable read, if trope-y (but that's why storefront cozies are such a popular niche genre). It's not at all derivative, and fans of Ellery Adams, Kate Carlisle, and Lynn Cahoon will find a lot to like here.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 10 minutes and is read by series narrator Rachel Dulude. She has a full, well modulated alto voice and does a good job of delineating the characters of a range of ages and both sexes. She has a sort of neutral New England accent which doesn't overpower the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout.
Four stars. It would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read, for public library acquisition, or for the home library. The mystery is self contained in this volume, however, there are multi-book story arc elements which will be spoiled if read out of order.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 5, 2025
Murder at Cape Costumers by Maddie Day featuring Mac Almeida, the owner of a bike shop, and her lovely husband, Tim, who was the chef at a local restaurant. Tim featured prominently because his sister, Jamie, and her toddler and baby had come to stay. Jamie wasn’t warming up to Mac and so it was a little uncomfortable. The kids were awesome, however. Mac and Tim wanted kids of their own but so far, nothing. A lovely old gentleman named Enzo Lawrence came into her shop, mentioning her grandmother, while purchasing an adult three-wheeler and all the accessories. Mac was surprised when he pulled out five one-hundred dollars bills to pay for it all. She was to notify him when he could pick it up. It was Halloween, so everyone was in a flurry! Mac didn’t ever dress in a costume so she could handout candy or something. Instead, she went out with her friends from her book club.
People weren’t being nice to her this time as she asked her questions. In fact, some were downright rude. Jamie had gone out one night to meet a friend and never returned. That was causing major stress at home. She comforted Tim as she was able. It was surprisingly warm for early November and so many were coming in to rent bikes. She managed to hire a part-timer, Delia, which helped with the stress level. Mac has so many friends and family in this small town and she had her parrot, Belle, for comedy. These were a couple of interesting, if sad, deaths, which eventually were solved. The mysteries were interesting. The characters complex and likable. This is a very readable book, no feat really, for Maddie Day.
I was invited to read Murder at Cape Costumers by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #MaddieDay #MurderAtCapeCostumers
People weren’t being nice to her this time as she asked her questions. In fact, some were downright rude. Jamie had gone out one night to meet a friend and never returned. That was causing major stress at home. She comforted Tim as she was able. It was surprisingly warm for early November and so many were coming in to rent bikes. She managed to hire a part-timer, Delia, which helped with the stress level. Mac has so many friends and family in this small town and she had her parrot, Belle, for comedy. These were a couple of interesting, if sad, deaths, which eventually were solved. The mysteries were interesting. The characters complex and likable. This is a very readable book, no feat really, for Maddie Day.
I was invited to read Murder at Cape Costumers by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #MaddieDay #MurderAtCapeCostumers
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews