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Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #18
Death of a Tom Turkey
Thanksgiving season brings murder most fowl to Bar Harbor, Maine, as food writer and restaurateur Hayley Powell investigates a farmer felled at a turkey shoot . . .
The relationships between bad-tempered Tom Farley and his neighbors are as bitter as a bowl of raw cranberries, but would one of them have taken it far enough to replace birdshot with a real bullet and make him a target at a shooting competition? That’s what the injured turkey farmer is claiming from his hospital bed—in between terrorizing the nurses—and he insists it’s because a property developer is looking to buy them all out for big money. But Tom says he was born on that land, and he intends to die on it. Sadly, that happens sooner than he expects.
Now an inquisitive Hayley has a cornucopia of suspects to consider, from an agoraphobic therapist to an ex-Army sniper, while also preparing for Thanksgiving. But with the strange twists and dark secrets still to be revealed, this case will not be as easy as pie . . .
Includes delectable recipes from Hayley’s kitchen!
The relationships between bad-tempered Tom Farley and his neighbors are as bitter as a bowl of raw cranberries, but would one of them have taken it far enough to replace birdshot with a real bullet and make him a target at a shooting competition? That’s what the injured turkey farmer is claiming from his hospital bed—in between terrorizing the nurses—and he insists it’s because a property developer is looking to buy them all out for big money. But Tom says he was born on that land, and he intends to die on it. Sadly, that happens sooner than he expects.
Now an inquisitive Hayley has a cornucopia of suspects to consider, from an agoraphobic therapist to an ex-Army sniper, while also preparing for Thanksgiving. But with the strange twists and dark secrets still to be revealed, this case will not be as easy as pie . . .
Includes delectable recipes from Hayley’s kitchen!
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
48 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hollis
52 books821 followersLee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 23, 2025
Oh, the trio of investigators with a backdrop of Thanksgiving was a perfect seasonal read. Watching the ladies grow up, learn to let go, and still drive hard to find a murderer even when they are warned to stay out of it - makes for a good story! Classic story where an older, not very liked man is killed, and we know it's not the obvious suspect... but who actually did it? Someone surprising in his will. Family connections. And the side stories continue with new relationships taking flight. A good installment.
September 18, 2025
This is probably my last book in this series. The last one left me lacking but this one was just bad. It obliterates all of the small town charm and banter that I love in these cozies and instead reads like a bad Law and Order script.
In a nutshell, the plot involves real estate, a big developer, a group of angry surrounding neighbors and a lone hold out. No one appears to like the hold out and when he turns up dead the vultures circle on his property.
I am sad because I really used to like this author but these books are becoming thin plotted and at some points just ridiculous. I looked forward to new books in the Hayley Powell series yearly but I think I'm done after this one. Even the last short story collection with Hayley was bad
Thank you to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
In a nutshell, the plot involves real estate, a big developer, a group of angry surrounding neighbors and a lone hold out. No one appears to like the hold out and when he turns up dead the vultures circle on his property.
I am sad because I really used to like this author but these books are becoming thin plotted and at some points just ridiculous. I looked forward to new books in the Hayley Powell series yearly but I think I'm done after this one. Even the last short story collection with Hayley was bad
Thank you to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
October 13, 2025
I always enjoy the time I get to spend in Bar Harbor with Hayley and her friends. This one was a little different as we actually got to witness the trial and it was interesting to see how this was portrayed within the mystery. The conclusion to the investigation was fitting (and restored my faith in humanity a little as the crime itself was so gruesome) and I look forward to more adventures and laughs with Hayley and her friends.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 22, 2025
"Death of a Tom Turkey (Haley Powell Food & Cocktails Mystery #18)" by Lee Hollis is set around Thanksgiving time. There's lots of little blurbs about past Thanksgiving Days and Thanksgiving related recipes sprinkled throughout the story that I honestly started to skip over. That's just my preference as they tend to distract and pull me out of the story when they're mixed in. They're entertaining enough but really only tie in because of the holiday theme. I know this series has always done this I just point it out for those who like to skip them and go back to them when they're done with the main story so they know they aren't missing key info for the main story.
The local turkey farmer is at odds with his neighbors over a land deal that seems to need all of them willing to sell. This leads to him first be injured then being Fargo'd. Those who know will know. I don't want to give an obvious spoiler. Things get even more heated with the neighbors just to end up with an unusual ending.
The local turkey farmer is at odds with his neighbors over a land deal that seems to need all of them willing to sell. This leads to him first be injured then being Fargo'd. Those who know will know. I don't want to give an obvious spoiler. Things get even more heated with the neighbors just to end up with an unusual ending.
May 8, 2025
I was very disappointed with this book. I don't think this was written by Lee Hollis! The characters are the same and the setting is the same, but everything else is different. Hayley's columns are much shorter and are simple little stories ending with recipes that are basically different ways to use leftovers, not funny escapades capped with delicious-sounding recipes for unique dishes to make from scratch. By chapter 12, Hayley has already contaminated two major pieces of evidence in the case by picking them up and handling them and then transporting them herself rather than having the police come and collect them. In Chapter 12, Hayley and Bruce take a piece of said contaminated evidence and Sergio jumps out of his chair and goes and arrests someone, without a warrant and without evidence that will be admissible in court. Lee Hollis doesn't make these kinds of mistakes in his books. Each chapter is also ending with a "but things were about to get much worse" type of cheesy faux cliffhanger.
The court scenes (which comprised the last 1/4 or so of the book) were factually problematic. Instead of trying the defendant, they were trying to prove other people committed the crime and basically trying them in the court proceeding instead of trying the person who was actually being charged. There were other things as well that didn't jive with what I know of the court system but since I'm not legally trained I presume I could be mistaken.
But it was still a Hayley Powell book and I still liked it. Mona had her chance to shine and Liddy was a true friend. I would just suggest that anyone who reads the series out of order doesn't judge the series by this book.
Thank you to Lee Hollis, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
The court scenes (which comprised the last 1/4 or so of the book) were factually problematic. Instead of trying the defendant, they were trying to prove other people committed the crime and basically trying them in the court proceeding instead of trying the person who was actually being charged. There were other things as well that didn't jive with what I know of the court system but since I'm not legally trained I presume I could be mistaken.
But it was still a Hayley Powell book and I still liked it. Mona had her chance to shine and Liddy was a true friend. I would just suggest that anyone who reads the series out of order doesn't judge the series by this book.
Thank you to Lee Hollis, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
December 28, 2025
I'll have to come back later and add to this review. Just doing a quick one for now.
A major disappointment. Haley is super annoying. The pacing is off. There are a lot of editing errors, some of which make it hard to understand what is happening. It should have been a lot shorter. Basically, it doesn't feel like a normal Hayley Powell mystery.
A major disappointment. Haley is super annoying. The pacing is off. There are a lot of editing errors, some of which make it hard to understand what is happening. It should have been a lot shorter. Basically, it doesn't feel like a normal Hayley Powell mystery.
June 9, 2025
Bar Harbor is holding its turkey shoot just in time for the prizes to grace the Thanksgiving tables of local residents and restaurants alike. Unfortunately, one competitor wasn't using the bean bag bullets and had a different target in mind. The local police are soon on the case, as is local restaurateur and food writer Hayley Powell. The victim was unpopular, his turkeys roamed freely, and although the bullet didn't kill him, his return home was short-lived, as was he! Now it's a murder investigation, and Hayley has a big job ahead of her sifting through the many suspects.
I struggled with the second half of this book even though I had enjoyed the beginning and had no idea whodunnit. There were errors I can only hope will be eliminated before publication, especially as one of the suspects was in jail when the victim was killed, which no one seems to remember, including the suspect themselves! Add to that Hayley contaminating evidence, nurses behaving extremely unprofessionally, a court case which was confusing to say the least, and a police chief who takes Hayley and her husband with him to arrest someone and this tale was patchy in the extreme! There are some very good books in this series, unfortunately this isn't one of them.
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. I hate to give negative feedback but overall this was a disappointment, there are, however 18 titles in this series so far, and I'm very hopeful the next book will be an improvement on this one. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
I struggled with the second half of this book even though I had enjoyed the beginning and had no idea whodunnit. There were errors I can only hope will be eliminated before publication, especially as one of the suspects was in jail when the victim was killed, which no one seems to remember, including the suspect themselves! Add to that Hayley contaminating evidence, nurses behaving extremely unprofessionally, a court case which was confusing to say the least, and a police chief who takes Hayley and her husband with him to arrest someone and this tale was patchy in the extreme! There are some very good books in this series, unfortunately this isn't one of them.
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. I hate to give negative feedback but overall this was a disappointment, there are, however 18 titles in this series so far, and I'm very hopeful the next book will be an improvement on this one. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
December 2, 2025
Death of a Tom Turkey (Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery, #18) by Lee Hollis opens with Tom Farley and his neighbors in a snit because he's the last holdout to sell his house to a property developer who wants to build a resort. When Tom is shot at a pre-Thanksgiving community gathering and hospitalized, Hayley Powell puts her amateur sleuthing skills to good use.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this cozy mystery. I received a copy of this book for free in exchange of my honest opinion and review of the story.
I loved the fact that this latest installment of the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series had a theme around the Thanksgiving holiday and included live turkeys in the plot. It was good to visit some familiar characters. Since this is the eighteenth installment in the series, Lee Hollis didn't go into much detail of the background of those reoccurring characters; however, she did provide some cursory details for those who may not have read any of the previous installments in the series. With that being said, there were more details given about new characters featured in Death of a Tom Turkey. There were lots of red herrings and motives of who would've wanted to harm Tom, but I couldn't figure out who the culprit, or culprits, were.
As much as I enjoy this particular cozy mystery series, I just wasn't feeling this one. It was well written with a few twists and turns and a big courtroom trial. With that being said, it was slower paced than I would have liked with very little clues given along the way. Some of the clues and twists given seemed convenient or appeared abruptly.
Three out of five stars is what I rated Death of a Tom Turkey (Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery, #18) by Lee Hollis. Where this may not have been my favorite installment, it may be one of your favorites, so give it a read. This book was published on September 30, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this cozy mystery. I received a copy of this book for free in exchange of my honest opinion and review of the story.
I loved the fact that this latest installment of the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series had a theme around the Thanksgiving holiday and included live turkeys in the plot. It was good to visit some familiar characters. Since this is the eighteenth installment in the series, Lee Hollis didn't go into much detail of the background of those reoccurring characters; however, she did provide some cursory details for those who may not have read any of the previous installments in the series. With that being said, there were more details given about new characters featured in Death of a Tom Turkey. There were lots of red herrings and motives of who would've wanted to harm Tom, but I couldn't figure out who the culprit, or culprits, were.
As much as I enjoy this particular cozy mystery series, I just wasn't feeling this one. It was well written with a few twists and turns and a big courtroom trial. With that being said, it was slower paced than I would have liked with very little clues given along the way. Some of the clues and twists given seemed convenient or appeared abruptly.
Three out of five stars is what I rated Death of a Tom Turkey (Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery, #18) by Lee Hollis. Where this may not have been my favorite installment, it may be one of your favorites, so give it a read. This book was published on September 30, 2025.
August 28, 2025
Death Of A Tom Turkey is the 18th book in the Haley Powell food and cocktail mysteries by Lee Hollis, in this book Haley will be run ragged trying to find the murderer of a man stuffed to his wood chipper he was the turkey farmer Tom who although not liked by many didn’t deserve to die such a cruel depth. There were many people in town as well as all of his neighbors who had a reason to want him dead Like being the one hold out for a big cash grab and all of his neighbors were in and he refused to sign. While investigating Haley will run across someone who more than once tried to get Bruce to leave Haley and be with her. I really like the Haley Powell food and cocktail mysteries but I found this one to be really good there is even a well done court case at the end not to mention the recipes and drink mixes throughout the book and does this one is themed Thanksgiving she gives you ideas on what to do with the leftovers and even what to do for the main course. Love these books and definitely one I recommend. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #LeeHollis, #DeathOfATomTurkey,
November 30, 2025
I don't know what it is but this particular book in the series did not sit well with me. Once the culprit was arrested for suspicion of murder, the trial starts in the next chapter. We all know that is not how it happens in real life. It takes months to go to trial. Also, the similarities between the Murdock family in this story to the real life Murdaughs was tasteless.
I usually love this series, but this one really missed the mark with me. I just didn't care for the story. I suspect it might have been the narrator Randye Kaye whom I do not care for. Seems like her voice is getting deeper and more rough as time marches on. Since they've switched narrators from Tara Ochs to Randye Kaye midway in the series, I haven't enjoyed the books as much.
Ever since Hayley quit the newspaper and started her restaurant business and got married, the plots seemed to have become duller. Maybe it's me, who knows. Of course I will continue on until one of them just totally annoys me where I decide to hang up my shoes.
I usually love this series, but this one really missed the mark with me. I just didn't care for the story. I suspect it might have been the narrator Randye Kaye whom I do not care for. Seems like her voice is getting deeper and more rough as time marches on. Since they've switched narrators from Tara Ochs to Randye Kaye midway in the series, I haven't enjoyed the books as much.
Ever since Hayley quit the newspaper and started her restaurant business and got married, the plots seemed to have become duller. Maybe it's me, who knows. Of course I will continue on until one of them just totally annoys me where I decide to hang up my shoes.
October 11, 2025
This series is a favorite of mine. The characters are like friends in a town that you would love to visit. There were so many possibilities in this mystery and I would never have guessed what actually happened. As always well written with funny dialogue and great recipes. Read this series in order . Lots of character development .
November 11, 2025
I like this series, but this one wouldn’t hold my interest. I didn’t like the whole courtroom section of the story. How did the trial occur so soon after the murder? Don’t murder trials take weeks to go to court? I also thought Hayley was rather pushy this time around, butting in on things that weren’t her business. I was disappointed in this book.
April 15, 2025
#DeathofaTomTurkey #NetGalley is the latest book in this long running series.
Hayley and her husband Bruce become involved in the investigation of the death of a local turkey farmer.
There are plenty of suspects, including Bruce's ex girlfriend, which adds plenty of stress for Hayley.
The story itself is good, it revolves around
a community who want to sell their land, but the lone turkey farmer is holding it up.
I thought the book was good, but not as good as the others.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Hayley and her husband Bruce become involved in the investigation of the death of a local turkey farmer.
There are plenty of suspects, including Bruce's ex girlfriend, which adds plenty of stress for Hayley.
The story itself is good, it revolves around
a community who want to sell their land, but the lone turkey farmer is holding it up.
I thought the book was good, but not as good as the others.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 12, 2025
Book Review – Lee Hollis’ Death of a Tom Turkey
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Death of a Tom Turkey by Lee Hollis is the 18th book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mystery series, and it still feels fresh, fun, and right at home in its cozy Bar Harbor setting. As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve come to rely on these books for their perfect blend of humor, heart, and murder—and this Thanksgiving-themed installment hits all those notes. Hayley Powell is back in the middle of a classic small-town scandal, and this time, it starts with a turkey shoot and ends with a dead man. In between? Plenty of gossip, secrets, recipes, and more than a few twists.
It all begins with Tom Farley, a turkey farmer so cranky and difficult he seems to go out of his way to make enemies. When Tom gets shot—during a turkey shoot, no less—he claims someone swapped out the beanbag ammo for a live round on purpose. He survives the initial incident, but not for long. Days later, he’s dead in a far more gruesome and suspicious way. And while Tom once declared, “I was born on this land and I’m gonna die on it,” I don’t think even he expected that to come true so literally.
From there, the book launches into a classic whodunnit, but with all the holiday flavor and personal entanglements that make this series so addictive. The town is split over a high-dollar real estate deal that would see their rural properties turned into a resort. Everyone wants the payout—except Tom, who refused to sell. That put a target on his back, both metaphorically and apparently literally. Hayley can’t help but get pulled into the investigation, especially when the suspect list keeps growing and her own friends and neighbors might be involved.
What I’ve always appreciated about this series is Hayley’s relatability. She’s not a professional detective—she’s a food columnist who tends to stumble into trouble. She’s nosy, impulsive, and sometimes careless (yes, she picks up evidence she shouldn’t, and yes, she definitely interferes in ways that would get a real person arrested). But she’s also passionate, loyal, and willing to get her hands dirty to protect her community. I mean, this is a woman who can go from stirring gravy to questioning suspects without missing a beat.
The banter is sharp, especially between Hayley and Bruce, her husband and investigative partner-in-crime-solving. Their chemistry continues to be one of the emotional anchors of the series. That said, Bruce’s ex showing up and throwing a wrench in their routine adds a nice bit of tension and some jealousy-fueled comedy. Mona and Liddy, as always, provide excellent backup and emotional support, and their antics are some of the funniest moments in the book.
Plot-wise, the mystery has plenty of moving pieces. There’s an agoraphobic therapist, an ex-Army sniper, disgruntled neighbors, shady developers, and more than one person with a motive to take Tom out. And while some clues are a little too conveniently discovered or overlooked (especially by the actual police), the final reveal is satisfying and fits the story’s tone. Hayley, with help from some unlikely sources, unravels it all just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
A standout feature of the Hayley Powell books has always been her columns from the Island Times. In this one, they’re filled with Thanksgiving humor, personal anecdotes, and some surprisingly useful recipes. One quote from a column that really stuck with me was, “Tom may have been a pain in the drumstick, but nobody deserves to be carved up like the main course.” That’s classic Hayley: punchy, punny, and a little bit dark—but always with heart. These columns are part of what give the series its unique flavor. They’re more than filler—they ground the story in Hayley’s voice and bring a kind of warmth that balances out the murder.
The courtroom scenes near the end stretch the bounds of believability, and some readers may roll their eyes at the legal liberties taken. But again, this is a cozy mystery. It’s not trying to be Law & Order. It’s aiming for entertainment and comfort with a murder mystery at its core, and on that front, it delivers. There’s a lot of action, plenty of suspects, a few red herrings, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.
If you’re already a fan of the series, this one will feel like a return home—albeit with a murder at the center of the table. If you’re new to Hayley Powell, you could jump in here, but it’s even better if you’ve read a few of the earlier books to appreciate how much these characters have grown. Hayley has evolved from a newly single mom trying to find her voice to a confident, competent amateur sleuth with a full life, a restaurant, and a husband who supports her through all her wild detours.
Death of a Tom Turkey is exactly what I want in a holiday-themed cozy: funny, a little twisty, character-driven, and full of seasonal spirit. It’s not the most intricate mystery of the series, and it plays a bit fast and loose with the legal side of things, but none of that takes away from the fun. This is comfort reading at its finest, with just enough edge to keep it interesting. Hayley Powell proves once again that murder and mashed potatoes are a perfectly acceptable combination in the world of cozy crime.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Death of a Tom Turkey by Lee Hollis is the 18th book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mystery series, and it still feels fresh, fun, and right at home in its cozy Bar Harbor setting. As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve come to rely on these books for their perfect blend of humor, heart, and murder—and this Thanksgiving-themed installment hits all those notes. Hayley Powell is back in the middle of a classic small-town scandal, and this time, it starts with a turkey shoot and ends with a dead man. In between? Plenty of gossip, secrets, recipes, and more than a few twists.
It all begins with Tom Farley, a turkey farmer so cranky and difficult he seems to go out of his way to make enemies. When Tom gets shot—during a turkey shoot, no less—he claims someone swapped out the beanbag ammo for a live round on purpose. He survives the initial incident, but not for long. Days later, he’s dead in a far more gruesome and suspicious way. And while Tom once declared, “I was born on this land and I’m gonna die on it,” I don’t think even he expected that to come true so literally.
From there, the book launches into a classic whodunnit, but with all the holiday flavor and personal entanglements that make this series so addictive. The town is split over a high-dollar real estate deal that would see their rural properties turned into a resort. Everyone wants the payout—except Tom, who refused to sell. That put a target on his back, both metaphorically and apparently literally. Hayley can’t help but get pulled into the investigation, especially when the suspect list keeps growing and her own friends and neighbors might be involved.
What I’ve always appreciated about this series is Hayley’s relatability. She’s not a professional detective—she’s a food columnist who tends to stumble into trouble. She’s nosy, impulsive, and sometimes careless (yes, she picks up evidence she shouldn’t, and yes, she definitely interferes in ways that would get a real person arrested). But she’s also passionate, loyal, and willing to get her hands dirty to protect her community. I mean, this is a woman who can go from stirring gravy to questioning suspects without missing a beat.
The banter is sharp, especially between Hayley and Bruce, her husband and investigative partner-in-crime-solving. Their chemistry continues to be one of the emotional anchors of the series. That said, Bruce’s ex showing up and throwing a wrench in their routine adds a nice bit of tension and some jealousy-fueled comedy. Mona and Liddy, as always, provide excellent backup and emotional support, and their antics are some of the funniest moments in the book.
Plot-wise, the mystery has plenty of moving pieces. There’s an agoraphobic therapist, an ex-Army sniper, disgruntled neighbors, shady developers, and more than one person with a motive to take Tom out. And while some clues are a little too conveniently discovered or overlooked (especially by the actual police), the final reveal is satisfying and fits the story’s tone. Hayley, with help from some unlikely sources, unravels it all just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.
A standout feature of the Hayley Powell books has always been her columns from the Island Times. In this one, they’re filled with Thanksgiving humor, personal anecdotes, and some surprisingly useful recipes. One quote from a column that really stuck with me was, “Tom may have been a pain in the drumstick, but nobody deserves to be carved up like the main course.” That’s classic Hayley: punchy, punny, and a little bit dark—but always with heart. These columns are part of what give the series its unique flavor. They’re more than filler—they ground the story in Hayley’s voice and bring a kind of warmth that balances out the murder.
The courtroom scenes near the end stretch the bounds of believability, and some readers may roll their eyes at the legal liberties taken. But again, this is a cozy mystery. It’s not trying to be Law & Order. It’s aiming for entertainment and comfort with a murder mystery at its core, and on that front, it delivers. There’s a lot of action, plenty of suspects, a few red herrings, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.
If you’re already a fan of the series, this one will feel like a return home—albeit with a murder at the center of the table. If you’re new to Hayley Powell, you could jump in here, but it’s even better if you’ve read a few of the earlier books to appreciate how much these characters have grown. Hayley has evolved from a newly single mom trying to find her voice to a confident, competent amateur sleuth with a full life, a restaurant, and a husband who supports her through all her wild detours.
Death of a Tom Turkey is exactly what I want in a holiday-themed cozy: funny, a little twisty, character-driven, and full of seasonal spirit. It’s not the most intricate mystery of the series, and it plays a bit fast and loose with the legal side of things, but none of that takes away from the fun. This is comfort reading at its finest, with just enough edge to keep it interesting. Hayley Powell proves once again that murder and mashed potatoes are a perfectly acceptable combination in the world of cozy crime.
November 10, 2025
Tom Farley is a difficult man who didn't have many fans, but it's a shock to the community when someone shoots him, with an actual bullet, at their annual Turkey Shoot. Tom claims it's because he's the only person in their neighbourhood who won't sell his property to a property developer and someone's intimidating him to sell. Soon afterwards, Tom is found dead and neighbours quickly point fingers at one another.
This is going to sound like an insult, but I mean this in the most neutral way possible: there were moments where I wondered if this was ghost-written. The writing quality was very good, the characters seem more grounded and realistic, and there wasn't even one mention of Lee Hollis' favourite dialogue tag, "wailed". Granted, there are still books in this series I haven't read yet, but this is the first book that has heavily featured a court case. Everything just seemed so different. Maybe it's because this is the 18th (!) book in this series so Lee Hollis had to keep it fresh and interesting somehow? Especially with that plot twist. But more on that later...
Don't get me wrong, there are certain staples of the book that will never go away like Randy's bar, Drinks like a Fish. Or Mona's brutishness versus Liddy's self-absorbed ego. I think my favourite moment was during one of Sergio's malapropisms. When Hayley and Bruce find evidence, Sergio says, "I have to say, I'm impressed. You two really knocked it out of the shark. [...] Yes. Shark. You got the shark to spit out the answer. It's a well-known phase. You haven't heard it before" (Chapter 12)?
And yes, Sergio said "phase" instead of "phrase" because he made another mistake. But I digress, it was so funny because Hayley and Bruce corrected him, stating the phrase is, "You hit it out of the park" because it's a baseball reference. And Sergio responds that he doesn't know baseball, but he's from Brazil and there are sharks in Brazil. This malapropism got to me in a way that none of his other malapropisms have for some reason.
Unfortunately, other staples in this book that were included was Hayley touching evidence despite being involved in more than a dozen murder cases at this point. She's the one to find the bullet casing that hit Tom and she just grabs it with her bare fingers. And when she and Bruce go deliver other evidence to Sergio, they do have the forethought to wrap it up in a blanket to avoid tampering with evidence, but why not call the police rather than bring it to the police directly?
This murder mystery felt eclipsed by the court room drama in the end. It was odd because it truly didn't feel like any of the neighbours were viable suspects. Reid Norton had a temper and Lex Murdock was so despicable that you wanted it to be him, but none of the suspects seemed right. Then the book seemed to wrap up at a lightening pace and all of the drama diffused because I was right and none of the neighbours murdered Tom. In a way, it was shocking. It was also a let-down.
This book had a very strong beginning and middle. The ending got muddled and I'm still not sure how I feel about that reveal. Still a decent and entertaining read and that's all I want in the end.
This is going to sound like an insult, but I mean this in the most neutral way possible: there were moments where I wondered if this was ghost-written. The writing quality was very good, the characters seem more grounded and realistic, and there wasn't even one mention of Lee Hollis' favourite dialogue tag, "wailed". Granted, there are still books in this series I haven't read yet, but this is the first book that has heavily featured a court case. Everything just seemed so different. Maybe it's because this is the 18th (!) book in this series so Lee Hollis had to keep it fresh and interesting somehow? Especially with that plot twist. But more on that later...
Don't get me wrong, there are certain staples of the book that will never go away like Randy's bar, Drinks like a Fish. Or Mona's brutishness versus Liddy's self-absorbed ego. I think my favourite moment was during one of Sergio's malapropisms. When Hayley and Bruce find evidence, Sergio says, "I have to say, I'm impressed. You two really knocked it out of the shark. [...] Yes. Shark. You got the shark to spit out the answer. It's a well-known phase. You haven't heard it before" (Chapter 12)?
And yes, Sergio said "phase" instead of "phrase" because he made another mistake. But I digress, it was so funny because Hayley and Bruce corrected him, stating the phrase is, "You hit it out of the park" because it's a baseball reference. And Sergio responds that he doesn't know baseball, but he's from Brazil and there are sharks in Brazil. This malapropism got to me in a way that none of his other malapropisms have for some reason.
Unfortunately, other staples in this book that were included was Hayley touching evidence despite being involved in more than a dozen murder cases at this point. She's the one to find the bullet casing that hit Tom and she just grabs it with her bare fingers. And when she and Bruce go deliver other evidence to Sergio, they do have the forethought to wrap it up in a blanket to avoid tampering with evidence, but why not call the police rather than bring it to the police directly?
This murder mystery felt eclipsed by the court room drama in the end. It was odd because it truly didn't feel like any of the neighbours were viable suspects. Reid Norton had a temper and Lex Murdock was so despicable that you wanted it to be him, but none of the suspects seemed right. Then the book seemed to wrap up at a lightening pace and all of the drama diffused because I was right and none of the neighbours murdered Tom. In a way, it was shocking. It was also a let-down.
This book had a very strong beginning and middle. The ending got muddled and I'm still not sure how I feel about that reveal. Still a decent and entertaining read and that's all I want in the end.
October 1, 2025
Carve the turkey and the murder suspects, Death of a Tom Turkey hits shelves this week with Thanksgiving chaos, small-town drama, and one wood chipper too many.
Thanksgiving in Bar Harbor was already tense. You’ve got gravy drama, table seating warfare, and someone always forgets the cranberry sauce. But then Tom Farley, human embodiment of a chest freezer full of raw rage, ends up dead after getting non-lethally shot and then literally Fargo’d via wood chipper? That’s not stuffing, babes. That’s murder.
Death of a Tom Turkey is the 18th entry in the Hayley Powell series and yes, the murder weapon is “upsettingly festive.” We’ve got a turkey shoot turned sniper showdown, a land development plot hotter than an overcooked pumpkin pie, and Hayley, our favorite food columnist/sleuth/chaos magnet, juggling suspects and side dishes like it’s a sport. And it is. It’s called cozy mystery athleticism, and Hayley’s in the damn Olympics.
Tom Farley was the kind of man who could ruin a block party with a single eyebrow raise. His neighbors hated him. The nurses definitely hated him. And the developers trying to buy up land around him were offering big bucks that Tom very loudly refused. “I was born on this land and I’m gonna die on it,” he said and baby, the universe said bet.
Hayley, naturally, lands ass-first into the middle of it all. She’s trying to solve a murder between turkey brines, wine pairings, and emotional landmine conversations with Bruce’s ex, who waltzes back into town with Botox and a bulldozer. This book really said “what if a Hallmark Thanksgiving special had a felony subplot,” and I respect that. The suspects are unhinged. There’s an agoraphobic therapist. An ex-Army sniper. A few developers who make Elon Musk look emotionally well-adjusted. Honestly, it’s easier to list who didn’t want Tom dead.
The tone stays delightfully unhinged. One minute, Hayley’s investigating in a pigsty. The next, she’s accidentally contaminating evidence like it’s part of a holiday scavenger hunt. There’s courtroom chaos in the third act that felt like a mashup of Legally Blonde and Night Court written by someone who watched a single episode of Law & Order while drunk on mulled wine. Do I care? No. I was entertained and slightly buzzed on peppermint schnapps reading this, and that’s the correct vibe.
Is the police work nonsense? Yes. Are people arrested on vibes and vibes alone? Correct. Does Hayley bulldoze through due process like she’s late for her shift at the Island Times? Absolutely. But that’s what makes her Hayley: she’s messy, she’s determined, and she will make sure you get justice with a cocktail garnish on top.
Also, shoutout to Mona and Liddy, who are in top-tier gossip gremlin mode, and Bruce, who continues to be a husband-shaped cinnamon roll, even when his ex is trying to eat Hayley alive with her eyes. The book gets emotional in the weirdest, most effective ways, like when Hayley realizes she might not be able to solve this one before the stuffing burns, and you suddenly remember she’s just a woman doing her best in a town where murder happens slightly more often than PTA meetings.
It’s not the most polished book in the series, but it delivers exactly what it promises: small-town chaos, suspicious side-eyes over mashed potatoes, and a solid mystery that ends with a Thanksgiving menu and a full stomach. 3.5 stars, served medium rare.
Whodunity Award: For Baking a Murder Plot Right Into the Holiday Spread
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all really said “murder, but make it seasonal” and I said “pass the pie and the police report.”
Thanksgiving in Bar Harbor was already tense. You’ve got gravy drama, table seating warfare, and someone always forgets the cranberry sauce. But then Tom Farley, human embodiment of a chest freezer full of raw rage, ends up dead after getting non-lethally shot and then literally Fargo’d via wood chipper? That’s not stuffing, babes. That’s murder.
Death of a Tom Turkey is the 18th entry in the Hayley Powell series and yes, the murder weapon is “upsettingly festive.” We’ve got a turkey shoot turned sniper showdown, a land development plot hotter than an overcooked pumpkin pie, and Hayley, our favorite food columnist/sleuth/chaos magnet, juggling suspects and side dishes like it’s a sport. And it is. It’s called cozy mystery athleticism, and Hayley’s in the damn Olympics.
Tom Farley was the kind of man who could ruin a block party with a single eyebrow raise. His neighbors hated him. The nurses definitely hated him. And the developers trying to buy up land around him were offering big bucks that Tom very loudly refused. “I was born on this land and I’m gonna die on it,” he said and baby, the universe said bet.
Hayley, naturally, lands ass-first into the middle of it all. She’s trying to solve a murder between turkey brines, wine pairings, and emotional landmine conversations with Bruce’s ex, who waltzes back into town with Botox and a bulldozer. This book really said “what if a Hallmark Thanksgiving special had a felony subplot,” and I respect that. The suspects are unhinged. There’s an agoraphobic therapist. An ex-Army sniper. A few developers who make Elon Musk look emotionally well-adjusted. Honestly, it’s easier to list who didn’t want Tom dead.
The tone stays delightfully unhinged. One minute, Hayley’s investigating in a pigsty. The next, she’s accidentally contaminating evidence like it’s part of a holiday scavenger hunt. There’s courtroom chaos in the third act that felt like a mashup of Legally Blonde and Night Court written by someone who watched a single episode of Law & Order while drunk on mulled wine. Do I care? No. I was entertained and slightly buzzed on peppermint schnapps reading this, and that’s the correct vibe.
Is the police work nonsense? Yes. Are people arrested on vibes and vibes alone? Correct. Does Hayley bulldoze through due process like she’s late for her shift at the Island Times? Absolutely. But that’s what makes her Hayley: she’s messy, she’s determined, and she will make sure you get justice with a cocktail garnish on top.
Also, shoutout to Mona and Liddy, who are in top-tier gossip gremlin mode, and Bruce, who continues to be a husband-shaped cinnamon roll, even when his ex is trying to eat Hayley alive with her eyes. The book gets emotional in the weirdest, most effective ways, like when Hayley realizes she might not be able to solve this one before the stuffing burns, and you suddenly remember she’s just a woman doing her best in a town where murder happens slightly more often than PTA meetings.
It’s not the most polished book in the series, but it delivers exactly what it promises: small-town chaos, suspicious side-eyes over mashed potatoes, and a solid mystery that ends with a Thanksgiving menu and a full stomach. 3.5 stars, served medium rare.
Whodunity Award: For Baking a Murder Plot Right Into the Holiday Spread
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all really said “murder, but make it seasonal” and I said “pass the pie and the police report.”
April 23, 2025
Hailey Powell, along with her husband Bruce, is attending a local turkey shoot. Everyone who entered has a chance to win, and Hailey is pleased (so is Bruce) with her results. But sometime during the event, a local curmudgeon, Tom Farley, is shot. While the bullet isn't fatal, and he has a lot of enemies, Hailey wonders who wanted him dead.
But it's not as easy as that. Tom is the lone holdout to a company that wants to purchase his land to build and is willing to pay top dollar. Of course, his neighbors are unhappy, but are they unhappy enough to kill him? Hailey questions him in the hospital, but the ornery man doesn't have the answers she wants.
Unfortunately, neither do the neighbors. They don't like her questions, and they want her to go away. So how is she supposed to find out who shot him? Soon enough, it doesn't matter when Tom turns up dead and now there's a murder investigation. In between trying to serve people Thanksgiving dinner at her restaurant, dealing with her friends Liddy and Mona, who have problems of their own, and enjoying her own Thanksgiving meal at her brother's home, Hailey's life is full. But is it so full she can't find out the truth?...
This is the 18th book in the series, and I have read them all. I love how Hailey has evolved. In the first book, I was not enthused by her, and almost called an end to the series right there. But she's changed, she's gotten stronger and better. She's a great character who's actually in a happy marriage (sorry, single sleuths). It's pleasant and refreshing. Especially to know that Bruce loves her as much as she loves him. Even when an old flame comes to town. Oh, did I forget to mention that? Yeah, Hailey has to deal with that, too.
But there is a lot going on. A lot of suspects, a lot of action, and a lot of questions. Especially about the gruesome way in which Tom Farley died (read the book). Yet Hailey perseveres, and eventually, with the help of one unexpected person, she discovers the truth. And while not pleasant, it leaves a very good epilogue that I hope will lead us into the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
But it's not as easy as that. Tom is the lone holdout to a company that wants to purchase his land to build and is willing to pay top dollar. Of course, his neighbors are unhappy, but are they unhappy enough to kill him? Hailey questions him in the hospital, but the ornery man doesn't have the answers she wants.
Unfortunately, neither do the neighbors. They don't like her questions, and they want her to go away. So how is she supposed to find out who shot him? Soon enough, it doesn't matter when Tom turns up dead and now there's a murder investigation. In between trying to serve people Thanksgiving dinner at her restaurant, dealing with her friends Liddy and Mona, who have problems of their own, and enjoying her own Thanksgiving meal at her brother's home, Hailey's life is full. But is it so full she can't find out the truth?...
This is the 18th book in the series, and I have read them all. I love how Hailey has evolved. In the first book, I was not enthused by her, and almost called an end to the series right there. But she's changed, she's gotten stronger and better. She's a great character who's actually in a happy marriage (sorry, single sleuths). It's pleasant and refreshing. Especially to know that Bruce loves her as much as she loves him. Even when an old flame comes to town. Oh, did I forget to mention that? Yeah, Hailey has to deal with that, too.
But there is a lot going on. A lot of suspects, a lot of action, and a lot of questions. Especially about the gruesome way in which Tom Farley died (read the book). Yet Hailey perseveres, and eventually, with the help of one unexpected person, she discovers the truth. And while not pleasant, it leaves a very good epilogue that I hope will lead us into the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
July 26, 2025
Bar Harbor is holding the annual Thanksgiving turkey shoot celebration and Hayley even wins a turkey. Things grind to a halt, however, when local Tom Farley is shot. Not with the specially created non-lethal bullets used in the competition but by a real bullet. Given Tom's cantankerous reputation and behavior, there's a long list of suspects. Fortunately, however, he survives. Well, sorta. Guess who is the dead body late discovered by Hayley and husband when they visit his turkey farm? And, this not long after the hospital staff was discovered having a celebration of sorts after his very alive discharge. Let's just say, he wasn't the best of patients.
I don't want to give away much more of the story but will say that resident squabbles over land and a blocked land deal, family squabbles, and more play a role. Maybe it was just the timing, but I wasn't as taken with this one as I'd expected. Most likely just me. The usual gang is there and there are some downright hilarious scenes to visualize (a pig sty is involved in one), but it just seemed like the pluses and minuses equaled out for me. My biggest eye rolls were over not just the mishandling of evidence, likely making it inadmissible in any court, but the rush by the police to arrest a suspect without verifying the evidence as part of the crime. Seemed very out of character for police chief Sergio.
That said, I did enjoy the humor and banter between the usual cast of characters, so while I wasn't loving the book, I didn't dislike it, either. Mona's on again, off again relationship with Sergeant Earl was fun, And there's a new young couple in town. They should be a fun addition, well, if they aren't murderers. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for this early peek at Hayley's Thanksgiving. Hopefully I'll be in the right frame of mind for the next one as I really do enjoy the characters and occasionally zany events.
I don't want to give away much more of the story but will say that resident squabbles over land and a blocked land deal, family squabbles, and more play a role. Maybe it was just the timing, but I wasn't as taken with this one as I'd expected. Most likely just me. The usual gang is there and there are some downright hilarious scenes to visualize (a pig sty is involved in one), but it just seemed like the pluses and minuses equaled out for me. My biggest eye rolls were over not just the mishandling of evidence, likely making it inadmissible in any court, but the rush by the police to arrest a suspect without verifying the evidence as part of the crime. Seemed very out of character for police chief Sergio.
That said, I did enjoy the humor and banter between the usual cast of characters, so while I wasn't loving the book, I didn't dislike it, either. Mona's on again, off again relationship with Sergeant Earl was fun, And there's a new young couple in town. They should be a fun addition, well, if they aren't murderers. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing for this early peek at Hayley's Thanksgiving. Hopefully I'll be in the right frame of mind for the next one as I really do enjoy the characters and occasionally zany events.
September 30, 2025
DEATH OF A TOM TURKEY is the eighteenth book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries by Lee Hollis. Thanksgiving can be chaotic all on its own, but even more so for protagonist Hayley Powell. She’s juggling a restaurant, writing a column for the local newspaper, attending the local turkey shoot, and trying to find out who non-lethally shot local curmudgeon Tom Farley. Throw in some greedy land developers, an agoraphobic therapist, an ex-Army sniper, a flock of roaming turkeys, two zany best friends, her husband’s ex, and a wood chipper and you’ve got yourself a plot that had me laughing out loud and turning pages to find out what happens next. The characters keep me coming back for each new book in the series. Hayley isn’t a sophisticated amateur sleuth, yet her bumbling charm only adds delight to the storyline. Surrounded by her family and best friends, you can’t help but enjoy not only their banter but also admire their close and caring relationships. Hayley knows she can count on them whenever she needs it.
From the very beginning of the book, the plot moves at a fast pace. There is always something happening, and I didn’t want to put the book down until I’d read to the end. When you’ve got a victim who’s as mean as a junkyard dog (even the nurses throw a party when he’s released from the hospital after the first attempt on his life) you know there are going to be suspects galore as Hayley starts asking questions and digging for answers. There are several twists that caught me by surprise, some emotional moments, and lots of Lee Hollis’ trademark humor to lighten the book. If you enjoy holiday-themed cozy mysteries, then you’ll enjoy Death of a Tom Turkey! It has all the right ingredients to evoke the feeling of Thanksgiving while providing a prickly mystery to solve.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
From the very beginning of the book, the plot moves at a fast pace. There is always something happening, and I didn’t want to put the book down until I’d read to the end. When you’ve got a victim who’s as mean as a junkyard dog (even the nurses throw a party when he’s released from the hospital after the first attempt on his life) you know there are going to be suspects galore as Hayley starts asking questions and digging for answers. There are several twists that caught me by surprise, some emotional moments, and lots of Lee Hollis’ trademark humor to lighten the book. If you enjoy holiday-themed cozy mysteries, then you’ll enjoy Death of a Tom Turkey! It has all the right ingredients to evoke the feeling of Thanksgiving while providing a prickly mystery to solve.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
"Death Of A Tom Turkey" is book #18 in the "Hayley Powell Food And Cocktails Mystery" series by Lee Hollis.
Thanksgiving in Bar Harbor. Feathers are flying and tempers are flaring. A potential windfall for a group of neighbours hoping to sell their properties to a developer are frustrated that local turkey farmer, Tom Farley refuses to sell his land. Did one of them kill him or was there more going on?
Hayley Powell senses there is a lot more going on than just the potential land deal and angry neighbours. Finding out the truth takes some cautious questioning and a bit of research. Her hubby, Bruce, and her BFF's Liddy and Mona also provide some interesting details and backup.
The case itself was interesting as Tom was first injured then later killed. Of course the neighbours were suspects as well as the developer and a couple others.
For me, it seemed a bit strange how quickly the case went to trial as the case seemed more circumstantial. Details did come out that changed things a few times but I still wasn't convinced of who did it. I thought I had figured out who the culprit was until a shocking twist revealed the truth!
I do like the core characters of this series. Regardless of what the mystery is you can always count on this gang to keep it entertaining. As always, there are a few of Hayley's columns and recipes.
The Kindle edition of this book contained over a dozen typos. They were almost all two syllable (or more) words that were split into separate words. The most common was splitting "Hayley" into "Hay Ley" This may have happened when the manuscript was converted but a decent proof read of the Kindle edition would presumably have caught that.
Overall, a fun cozy mystery read but I'm deducting a star for the typos. JMO.
Thanksgiving in Bar Harbor. Feathers are flying and tempers are flaring. A potential windfall for a group of neighbours hoping to sell their properties to a developer are frustrated that local turkey farmer, Tom Farley refuses to sell his land. Did one of them kill him or was there more going on?
Hayley Powell senses there is a lot more going on than just the potential land deal and angry neighbours. Finding out the truth takes some cautious questioning and a bit of research. Her hubby, Bruce, and her BFF's Liddy and Mona also provide some interesting details and backup.
The case itself was interesting as Tom was first injured then later killed. Of course the neighbours were suspects as well as the developer and a couple others.
For me, it seemed a bit strange how quickly the case went to trial as the case seemed more circumstantial. Details did come out that changed things a few times but I still wasn't convinced of who did it. I thought I had figured out who the culprit was until a shocking twist revealed the truth!
I do like the core characters of this series. Regardless of what the mystery is you can always count on this gang to keep it entertaining. As always, there are a few of Hayley's columns and recipes.
The Kindle edition of this book contained over a dozen typos. They were almost all two syllable (or more) words that were split into separate words. The most common was splitting "Hayley" into "Hay Ley" This may have happened when the manuscript was converted but a decent proof read of the Kindle edition would presumably have caught that.
Overall, a fun cozy mystery read but I'm deducting a star for the typos. JMO.
October 14, 2025
“Death of a Tom Turkey” is the very humorous, at times over the top, eighteenth book in Lee Hollis’ Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail cozy mystery series. The book (and series) is full of memorable characters starting with Hayley (a food writer and restaurateur), her crime reporter husband Bruce, best friends Liddy and Mona, brother Randy and his husband, police chief Sergio who, because English is not his native language sometimes mangles his words, and more. All of these characters add to the humor in the book (mixed in with the humor are excerpts from Hayley’s food column and food and cocktail recipes – since this book is set at Thanksgiving time the recipes mostly center around turkey and turkey leftovers). There is also a fairly decent mystery – a turkey farmer is shot at a turkey shoot and then later turns up dead in what looks to be a murder. The solution to the death is well done and quite a surprise. You do have to suspend belief while reading this book – there is a very funny hospital scene that I doubt would happen in real life, Hayley questions suspects more thoroughly than the police do (and the police don’t seem to mind), she also interferes with people’s personal lives and again they don’t seem to mind, the book has the quickest turnaround time to a trial ever, and someone just hands over a vital clue to Hayley in the nick of time. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the mystery – I did – if you are looking for humorous mysteries this is the perfect book for you but if you are looking for realistic mysteries you may want to look elsewhere.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
November 4, 2025
This was a very good book. It's a great Thanksgiving time cozy read. It's very well written and so much fun! This is the eighteenth book a series but I was able to read it without issue and I've never read any others in the series. I actually didn't realize it was the 18th book, I just really loved the name! I'll be careful doing my review here because, having not read the first 17 books, I'm not really sure if some things could be spoilers or not.
Hayley Powell is a food writer and restaurateur and now she is also an amateur sleuth as she goes about looking into the shooting of a man called Tom Farley who isn't very well liked by, well, anybody! He was shot by a real bullet at a shooting competition in which real bullets weren't supposed to be used. It would seem, though, someone decided to replace birdshot with a really real bullet and Tom got the brunt of it.
From his hospital bed, Tom gives all the nurses grief and swears that this shooting was done because a big developer has been after his land and he has been the last hold out. He says he was born on that land and he will die on that land. Well, there has to be a death since it's in the title, doesn't there?
The suspect list is longer than Santa's naughty list, of which Tom was most definitely on, and Hayley is determined to discover who the culprit or culprits are.
This was a fun well written book that I really enjoyed reading. The characters were fantastic and the story progressed nicely drawing me in more and more as it went on. I definitely recommend this book!
Hayley Powell is a food writer and restaurateur and now she is also an amateur sleuth as she goes about looking into the shooting of a man called Tom Farley who isn't very well liked by, well, anybody! He was shot by a real bullet at a shooting competition in which real bullets weren't supposed to be used. It would seem, though, someone decided to replace birdshot with a really real bullet and Tom got the brunt of it.
From his hospital bed, Tom gives all the nurses grief and swears that this shooting was done because a big developer has been after his land and he has been the last hold out. He says he was born on that land and he will die on that land. Well, there has to be a death since it's in the title, doesn't there?
The suspect list is longer than Santa's naughty list, of which Tom was most definitely on, and Hayley is determined to discover who the culprit or culprits are.
This was a fun well written book that I really enjoyed reading. The characters were fantastic and the story progressed nicely drawing me in more and more as it went on. I definitely recommend this book!
January 15, 2026
JUST...BAD... I'M SORRY TO SAY IT TOO AS I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH... BUT THIS ONE...I HAD ISSUES.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Hayley Powell, a former food and cocktails columnist from Bar Harbor, Maine.
In this book: During an annual Turkey hitting competition (guns loaded with beanbags), Tom, a farmer no one likes is shot with an actual bullet. Fortunately he will survive, but Hayley is on the case to find out what happened. After Tom gets out of hospital he doesn't last much longer as a woodchipper claims his life. So who is behind it all?
THOUGHTS: This was the single worst Hayley Powell book I have ever read! Hayley didn't seem to care about anyone, or anything else, other than catching the killer. Normally this would be fine, but this is book 18 and that's not who Hayley is as a character.
Also her apathetic nature carries on throughout the course of the book when speaking to suspects and even friends. There is a court room scene that lasts many chapters and I did love that, and I will always love the mixed media columns. But Hayleys lack of emotion was very tough to deal with. Also the reveal SPOILER: was a very big let down.
I will read book 19 in the hopes it improves but for this one a very disappointing...
2 Stars.
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Hayley Powell, a former food and cocktails columnist from Bar Harbor, Maine.
In this book: During an annual Turkey hitting competition (guns loaded with beanbags), Tom, a farmer no one likes is shot with an actual bullet. Fortunately he will survive, but Hayley is on the case to find out what happened. After Tom gets out of hospital he doesn't last much longer as a woodchipper claims his life. So who is behind it all?
THOUGHTS: This was the single worst Hayley Powell book I have ever read! Hayley didn't seem to care about anyone, or anything else, other than catching the killer. Normally this would be fine, but this is book 18 and that's not who Hayley is as a character.
Also her apathetic nature carries on throughout the course of the book when speaking to suspects and even friends. There is a court room scene that lasts many chapters and I did love that, and I will always love the mixed media columns. But Hayleys lack of emotion was very tough to deal with. Also the reveal SPOILER: was a very big let down.
I will read book 19 in the hopes it improves but for this one a very disappointing...
2 Stars.
xoxo.
November 16, 2025
I love this series, and am always excited when a new one is announced. It’s a great series with great characters, and a great who-done-it.
Unfortunately, “Death of a Tom Turkey” is definitely the exception, not the rule.
The writing is amateurish, not at all like the rest of the series. It’s extremely repetitive, to the point of being annoying at times. Haley Powell’s columns, usually a highlight of the series at chapter-length, are cut to a couple of pages. Honestly, it feels like the first draft that never even made its way to an editor.
It doesn’t even feel like a part of this series. It doesn’t even read like it’s been written by the same author. This is the 18th book in the series (excluding the many novellas) but it feels like it should be the first or second (both are, I assure you much better than this). I wasn’t able to read a lot at a time, barely reading a couple of chapters at a time before getting frustrated and putting it down.
I hoped by the ending, the book would redeem itself, but the ‘big reveal,’ and the chapter which followed were atrocious, making the events of the novel completely pointless.
For the first time since discovering this series, I find myself wondering whether I’m going to even bother reading the next one, which saddens me.
Unfortunately, “Death of a Tom Turkey” is definitely the exception, not the rule.
The writing is amateurish, not at all like the rest of the series. It’s extremely repetitive, to the point of being annoying at times. Haley Powell’s columns, usually a highlight of the series at chapter-length, are cut to a couple of pages. Honestly, it feels like the first draft that never even made its way to an editor.
It doesn’t even feel like a part of this series. It doesn’t even read like it’s been written by the same author. This is the 18th book in the series (excluding the many novellas) but it feels like it should be the first or second (both are, I assure you much better than this). I wasn’t able to read a lot at a time, barely reading a couple of chapters at a time before getting frustrated and putting it down.
I hoped by the ending, the book would redeem itself, but the ‘big reveal,’ and the chapter which followed were atrocious, making the events of the novel completely pointless.
For the first time since discovering this series, I find myself wondering whether I’m going to even bother reading the next one, which saddens me.
November 24, 2025
I always look forward to the newest title in this series. It is one of my all time favorite series. However, for me, this was the worst one in the entire series. If you are new to the series, don’t start with this book.
Hayley’s escapades are usually a bit zany but they were over the top in this book. The first part of the book was good. However, the second part of the book was mostly courtroom drama and none of it was believable. Also, Hayley accompanies the chief of police on arrests. I don’t remember that being a thing in the past. While cozies have a little element of the MC having access to LE than the normal person, this went way past that in this book.
The previous books focused on relationships (her BFF’s, her brother Randy and Sergio and family). There is also small-town charm in the books. All of that was pretty much missing in this book. The book was loosely held together from one mad dash to another.
The best parts of the book were Hayley’s reminisces of Thanksgivings past as part of her column for the paper.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eArc in exchange for a review.
Hayley’s escapades are usually a bit zany but they were over the top in this book. The first part of the book was good. However, the second part of the book was mostly courtroom drama and none of it was believable. Also, Hayley accompanies the chief of police on arrests. I don’t remember that being a thing in the past. While cozies have a little element of the MC having access to LE than the normal person, this went way past that in this book.
The previous books focused on relationships (her BFF’s, her brother Randy and Sergio and family). There is also small-town charm in the books. All of that was pretty much missing in this book. The book was loosely held together from one mad dash to another.
The best parts of the book were Hayley’s reminisces of Thanksgivings past as part of her column for the paper.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eArc in exchange for a review.
September 3, 2025
The relationships between bad-tempered Tom Farley and his neighbors are as bitter as a bowl of raw cranberries, but would one of them have taken it far enough to replace birdshot with a real bullet and make him a target at a shooting competition? That’s what the injured turkey farmer is claiming from his hospital bed—in between terrorizing the nurses—and he insists it’s because a property developer is looking to buy them all out for big money. But Tom says he was born on that land, and he intends to die on it. Sadly, that happens sooner than he expects.
Now an inquisitive Hayley has a cornucopia of suspects to consider, from an agoraphobic therapist to an ex-Army sniper, while also preparing for Thanksgiving. But with the strange twists and dark secrets still to be revealed, this case will not be as easy as pie . . .
Lee Hollis does it again in this cozy murder mystery that's filled with many twists and turns as their are suspects. And it's all supported by Hayley's delicious food and drinks. It's fast-paced, funny and will keep you guessing until the very end.
Now an inquisitive Hayley has a cornucopia of suspects to consider, from an agoraphobic therapist to an ex-Army sniper, while also preparing for Thanksgiving. But with the strange twists and dark secrets still to be revealed, this case will not be as easy as pie . . .
Lee Hollis does it again in this cozy murder mystery that's filled with many twists and turns as their are suspects. And it's all supported by Hayley's delicious food and drinks. It's fast-paced, funny and will keep you guessing until the very end.
September 1, 2025
I have to say first, that I am a fan of this series. If you've not read it before, you can jump into this one as it's written in a way you can follow, but you are missing some fun so go back and read the rest!
This story is regarding the Thanksgiving time - as in the title - but not heavy on that. It's more about greedy people wanting land and selling of the land. And turkeys. The turkey are used throughout including as ways to upset people when put in their house, on their land and such. This is a hilarious scene with them further in the book.
Of course being a Haley Powell story, this a death. Who did it and why kept me guessing to the end and I have to say I was wrong.
There are also yummy recipes for cooking and drinking. And the usual cast of characters helping Haley along the way. I most enjoyed that she worked with Bruce a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for a fair review.
Enjoy the read!
This story is regarding the Thanksgiving time - as in the title - but not heavy on that. It's more about greedy people wanting land and selling of the land. And turkeys. The turkey are used throughout including as ways to upset people when put in their house, on their land and such. This is a hilarious scene with them further in the book.
Of course being a Haley Powell story, this a death. Who did it and why kept me guessing to the end and I have to say I was wrong.
There are also yummy recipes for cooking and drinking. And the usual cast of characters helping Haley along the way. I most enjoyed that she worked with Bruce a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for a fair review.
Enjoy the read!
November 28, 2025
I was terribly disappointed in this book. Though the series has always been zany and comedic, this book is just ridiculous. It's poorly written and badly edited with giant plot holes. The trial storyline doesn't work at all. Haley does more investigation than the actual police; they didn't even compare footprints found at the crime scene with all their main suspects. The attorneys on both sides would face ethics complaints. I don't need my cozy mysteries to be 100% believable, but I need the authors to do better than this effort.
One of the most noticeable flaws was An editor should have easily caught this error. If the authors want to put in minimal effort in continuing this series, I likely won't continue reading it.
One of the most noticeable flaws was An editor should have easily caught this error. If the authors want to put in minimal effort in continuing this series, I likely won't continue reading it.
November 29, 2025
Death of a Tom Turkey is the perfect seasonal book for Thanksgiving reading though unfortunately I didn't get a chance to finish it on Thanksgiving but the day afterwards.
A very ornery turkey farmer is almost finished off at the annual turkey shoot. In the hospital his miserable ways continue as he gives the nurses all grief.
The second attempt does do him in.
So many suspects as he's the miserable farmer having made many enemies over the years. Just when it looks like we have the suspect down pat we see more evidence against someone else.
As more secrets see the light of day the suspect list just grows longer. Lots of red herrings thrown into the twisted plot and I never could have seen the outcome presented.
Lots of holiday food and drink recipes to try.
A delightful holiday cozy mystery that has me looking out for the next one.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A very ornery turkey farmer is almost finished off at the annual turkey shoot. In the hospital his miserable ways continue as he gives the nurses all grief.
The second attempt does do him in.
So many suspects as he's the miserable farmer having made many enemies over the years. Just when it looks like we have the suspect down pat we see more evidence against someone else.
As more secrets see the light of day the suspect list just grows longer. Lots of red herrings thrown into the twisted plot and I never could have seen the outcome presented.
Lots of holiday food and drink recipes to try.
A delightful holiday cozy mystery that has me looking out for the next one.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 9, 2025
I am so disappointed in this. This is one of my favorite series and I have always loved the character Haley Powell and her exploits, but this latest installment is honestly not worth anyone's time. This reads as though a really bad ghost writer wrote it, or even worse- AI. Each chapter repeats itself over and over and sums up the chapter before it. Hayley suddenly is the only person who can solve crimes in this little town and the town treats her like that and says it's her job, not the police. Suddenly Sergio is no longer needed at all. Hayley does it all folks- She writes a food column, runs an entire restaurant, interrogates subjects, finds clues and criminals, and bakes food for everyone who needs it, even at the last minute. There must be 36 hours in each of her days. Bottom line- this is a terrible end to what was a great cozy mystery series, by two authors I used to love. I will not be picking up the next title in this series.
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