Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin

Death by Chocolate Mystery #8

by Sarah Graves

One of the sweetest places to visit in Eastport, Maine is Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, The Chocolate Moose, where people treat themselves to the most decadent desserts. But the island town also seems to cater to those with bitter dispositions . . .

Decorations of cobwebs and creatures have blanketed the Eastport’s picaresque houses as the community celebrates Halloween and enjoys the unique confectionaries found only at the Chocolate Moose. Revelers have gathered on the waterfront for a party at local celebrity Hank Browne’s ramshackle mansion known as Stone House. The star of the home repair TV show, Hands On With Hank, and his guests await a devilish dessert delivery from Jake and Ellie—who arrive just in time to witness Hank fall to his death from the house’s widow’s walk.
 
Despite his show’s popularity, Hank was not exactly beloved in Eastport, prompting the police to conduct a homicide investigation. Their number one suspect is the temperamental boyfriend of police chief Lizzie Snow, whom Hank openly hit on during the party. Although he may be hotheaded, Lizzie doesn’t believe her boyfriend is capable of killing anyone.
 
And neither does Jake and Ellie. Plenty of people had motive to want Hank dead—a scorned girlfriend, a school bully, and an estranged wife among them. Did any of them dress up as killer this Halloween, or is there another ghost in Hank’s shady past yet to be revealed?   

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

500 pages, Library Binding

First published April 29, 2025

About the author

Sarah Graves lives with her husband John, a musician and luthier, and their black Labrador Retriever in a house very much like the one Jacobia Tiptree is remodeling in Eastport, Maine. When she's not writing Jake's adventures, Sarah works with her husband on the house and she plays the 5-string banjo.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of this series forever, but this installment just didn’t work for me. I found the plot largely incoherent. Many things didn’t add up, and it felt like, instead of going back and rewriting as she ran into continuity issues, the author just threw more implausible details in the mix and carried on. Bummer.

[Mary-Walker Hall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the descriptions about cooking and the scenery but overall this was sloppily written! Spoiler: They supposedly have their mouths taped shut but then are talking to each other with no mention of the tape being removed. They just hang out in the kitchen getting snacks and then go snoop like it’s nothings with the widow in the house. They chase after the widow loudly after they have been hiding from her. It was hard to follow and none of it really made sense.

[Doris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book. It seemed disjointed. And I’m getting really tired of all the bugs in sex and spiders that Jake encounters. It really wasn’t very believable. I was just thankful it was over.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White have one more catering job before winter comes to Eastport. Local celebrity Hank Rafferty has purchased the thought-to-be-haunted waterfront mansion, Stone House. He has invited people associated with his home repair TV show to show it off and hired the Chocolate Mouse owners to cater a decadent dessert. They arrive to find the host’s body on the driveway. He appears to have fallen from the turret’s balcony.

Surprisingly, Hank Rafferty had quite a few people who could have reason to want him dead and could have facilitated his fall. The jealous, volatile boyfriend of the chief of police, Lizzie Snow, appears to be the prime suspect. Jake and Ellie have other more likely suspects, including Hank’s very unhappy wife.

Who sent Hank for the tragic fall? A ghost or maybe a ghost from his past? Or was it his wife? Jake and Ellie are steadfast in their quest to find the killer, but the killer may have other deadly plans.

It’s always hectic at Jake’s house. The addition to the house is complete for the oldest generation, but the littlest generation likes it too. Jake is unable to spend much time there between the Chocolate Moose and trying to solve a murder with her BFF and business partner, Ellie. I love the chaos at Jake’s house. It is just like our house when the kids and grandkids come to visit. Ours have their own homes, so our chaos ends where Jake is blessed with her tribe 24/7. That is why I love Ms. Graves’ core characters. They are genuinely true to life.

The mystery grabbed my attention, although there was some repetition as Jake and Ellie followed clues. That being said, the girls really get themselves in trouble trying to make a rescue. It evolved into a shocking takedown. A takedown that was not explained exactly truthfully to the authorities. The whole thing turned out to be much more than was imagined. Following the explanation of all the loose ends, something sweet happens, and another important question is answered.

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is filled with fantastic characters, a fine mystery, a spooky setting with a crazy driveway, all set against the background of Eastport, Maine, in the late fall. The takedown will freeze you for a moment or two. Exciting and entertaining, this book was A Perfect Escape.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was rather convoluted.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed earlier books in this series, but there were just too many things in the plot that made zero sense, and continuity within the book was not great, either. When Ephraim calls Jake at the shop and she tells him she’ll be right there, the next chapter starts by saying she came downstairs in the morning, rather than from the shop. So she came home early, but then didn’t bother to address the thing she came home for until the next morning? What?

Then, why would Maggie say Lillian was her mother? Why wouldn’t she just say she’s her niece? And why would Stephen shoot Hank if the reason he was mad is because other people wanted his girlfriend to shoot Hank? Why was Arlene sick, what was that about? Why wouldn’t the state cops believe two eyewitnesses at the Fire who told them who set it? Why wouldn’t they have reported Ellie’s car stolen? If they stopped at Jake’s and gave Punky to Bella, why wouldn’t they have the family be frantically worried about her, wouldn’t she have said where she was going and would be late? And once they knew where all of the suspects were, why on earth wouldn’t they have at least called Lizzie before busting into the house? Zero sense.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Halloween over, and Jake and Ellie's bakery quieter than usual, being hired to cater a new home party by a reality TV star, for a season saving fee, is a welcome relief to their finances! Nothing is as simple as it seems, however, and when they arrive at Stone House, they discover a body! The two main suspects need Jake and Ellie to clear their names, and so once again they are searching for clues and finding more danger than ever! At the same time, at Jake's house, her grandchildren have recently discovered musical instruments, her daughter in law is unwell with suspiciously familiar symptoms, and the place descends regularly into a noisy, unruly chaos! Can the two friends put the clues together, find the killer, and keep the Chocolate Moose running at a profit, or is that just too much to expect of anyone?

Book eight in this series is a great read. Written in the first person, this is laugh out loud funny. It has sympathetic main protagonists, and Jake's home life takes it to another level. There is a recipe for the Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins at the end of the book, too, which looks scrummy!

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 thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly, especially if you like a humorous read.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

November

This story has ghosts, a stone house, a local celebrity, a fire, and a murder. The mystery this time wasn't as interesting as some of the previous ones. I did like the idea of the stone house. It's a shame more wasn't done with it. The rest of the mystery was okay. I didn't like the way it ended. I had hoped it would have gone in a different direction. The family was a bit more involved this book. I didn't like that, but the ending made me happy.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin (Death By Chocolate Mystery #8)" by Sarah Graves takes place shortly after Halloween. Jake's house is bursting at the seems and the Chocolate Moose may have a very generous catering job to set them up well for the slow winter season. A DIY home repair celebrity is moving into a home he inherited on the island and wants to pay them like he pays his L.A. bakery.

Unfortunately, he ends up found after falling from a turret balcony at his new home. Was it a ghost, was he pushed or something far worse? Jake and Ellie get pulled into investigating when their friend, Dylan Hunter, and a friend of Ellie's daughter are both considered suspects. I got very frustrated because it's like Jake and Ellie haven't investigated dozens of other suspicious deaths in the past. They keep making rookie mistakes and have had zero character growth.

As usual with this series there are continuity problems. Dylan Hunter for one. Jake needs to stick to one name for him, especially when talking go Liz. She flips between calling him Dylan and calling him Hunter. She is the worst at this when talking to Liz in the same conversation. There also is some inconsistency in who shot in self defense at the end.

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This is the eighth entry in Grave's Death by Chocolate Mystery series, which is a Culinary Cozy Mystery set in a small Maine village and follows a pair of best friends and chocolate themed bakery owners who find their post-Halloween plans take a turn after they discover an unpopular local celebrity, a home repair TV show star, fall to his death from his ramshackle mansion's widow’s walk; leading to them to turn to sleuths to uncover the killer. With plenty of suspects and too many motives, the duo will have to work fast to unmask the culprit. With plenty of twists and turns, Grave has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Grave's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's a joy to catch up with Jake and Ellie, their friends and family and the charming folks of Eastport. I especially adore Jake and Ellie's friendship and their families, particularly Jake's housekeeper-slash-stepmother, Bella Diamond. Oh and I love Jake and Ellie's bakery, The Chocolate Moose, and all the delicious goodies described throughout the book and you won't want to miss the yummy recipe Grave has included. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake. If you love Jake and Ellie, their sleuthing adventures kicked off with the Home Repair Is Homicide series, which starts with The Dead Cat Bounce. Grave's a longtime favorite author and this entry doesn't miss; Highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves has Ellie bringing Jake to an investigation.

Will Ellie and Jake solve Hank Rafferty's death?

Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree
Jake is the point-of-view character and one of the two sleuths in this series. She lives in an old house with four generations living under one roof. I honestly have no clue how she deals with all of that. Jake co-owns the Chocolate Moose bakery in Eastport with Ellie. When these two aren't on a sleuth mission, they can be found there. Jake seems like a good character.

I had a hard time connecting to Jake.

The Mystery
Ellie accepts a job without talking it over with Jake about delivering some baked goods to Hank Rafferty's house for a party he's hosting. Jake is already unsure about it since Stone House, Hank's house, is supposedly haunted. Ellie wants to investigate to help clear Ellie's daughter's friend's name, and then it spirals down. I had a feeling about who did it and why, and I was right. Didn't expect the accomplices, though.

Three Stars
My rating for Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves is three stars. Reading this book without having read any of the others put me at a disadvantage. I think that this series needs to be read in order to get everything in all of the books.

Ms. Graves has a recipe at the back of the book for Glazed Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin by Sarah Graves.

Until the next time,



Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chocolate and quirky characters make up the most enjoyable parts of this book. Jake's family plays a pretty big role in this story and I did feel not knowing the back story of the characters might have taken a bit of enjoyment out of the story for me. However, one character I thought was awesome was Wade and his willingness of accept and love his family even if the in-laws and his wife's son and the son's family all lived under one roof. Ellie, the BFF and business partner, and Jake had a great working relationship which sustained them through some bumps in the business road making the story feel real. The killer was a bit spot on for me but maybe it was because I disliked that character immensely from the first scene.
However, while the book was fairly good, I couldn't give it more than 3 stars (or 3.3 stars.) The book got a bit tedious for me with all the repetition and lengthy descriptions. There was one scene in particular where the girls where driving to the haunted and spooky house when the drive was detailed. I don't feel like I gained anything from reading about them turning onto this road and that. A terrific example of the repetition was the lengthy descriptions each time they drove up the long steep driveway. OK, I get it the driveway was horrible but how many times do I need to read the same words.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for the opportunity to read this ARC

[Kaitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always drawn into a book with a clever title themed around sweets or if there is an animal on the cover, and this has both! The dog's expression on the cover is hilarious and chocolate pumpkin muffins are delicious. I did enjoy the Halloween theme as it is my favorite time of the year.

I enjoyed the best friend dynamic between Ellie and Jake and I think that the Chocolate Moose is the perfect name for a bakery. They go on quite the adventure together as they explore a haunted house together and find themselves trying to solve a murder.

In my opinion, there were far too many characters. It was a bit difficult to remember everyone from their children to their spouses. A lot of them just didn't add anything to the plot and I felt like it would have been better to just leave some of them out. I understand that it allows for more suspects, but when a character is only mentioned a couple times they usually aren't the culprit. I did have a slight suspicion as to who was the murderer, but there were multiple things going and and multiple twists that did catch me by surprise. Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing, and Sarah Graves for an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is the eighth cozy mystery in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series. It’s Halloween time in Eastport, Maine and The Chocolate Mousse is set to cater a party in Hank Browne’s mansion. He is a local celebrity and in the process of restoring his home back to what it used to be, but when he winds up falling to his death from the widow’s walk there is suspicion surrounding his death. No matter what she tries to do Jake is always pulled into murder investigations in the town, whether she wants to be or not, with her co-owner and best friend, Ellie, by her side. Together they are going to stop at nothing to solve the mysteries surrounding the death, but will the killer get to them first?

I have enjoyed this series since I started it and am always excited when I see a new mystery coming out. This one didn’t disappoint and I was quickly pulled into the mystery. Through the twists and the turns of the mystery I was left guessing until the end at whodunnit. I love Jake and Ellie together and the supporting characters are great as well. This is a fast paced, engaging mystery that was hard to put down. I enjoyed this from start to finish and can’t wait to see if something else comes for the characters in this series!

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been times when reading this series when I rolled my eyes because the two heroines often did some pretty dumb stuff that one would hope grown women would know not to do. While they still get into some tight squeezes, I am happy to report their adventures were exciting and suspenseful but not worthy of membership in the Darwin Society.

They are hired to provide the titular treats for a celebrity who has just taken ownership of a mansion that has seen better days and is rumoured to be haunted. It certainly is the centre of some very suspicious activities including a fire and a murder. It turns out the killer is someone I suspected but not for the reason that it turned out to be. Between the murder and the reveal, there are a lot of shenanigans perpetrated by one of Ellie’s daughter’s friends. Jake and Ellie would have been drawn into investigating on that alone but when a second suspect turns out to be a friend too, there is no stopping them. They have some very scary moments that will keep you flipping forward and the conspiracy behind the murder is far more complex than the reader might think at first. It made for an enjoyable read that will have me returning for more.

Four purrs and two paws up.

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this author through two series of books over the last 27 years! The first series, “home repair is homicide” with the same characters in this book, “a death by chocolate mystery” series. The house that the main character, Jacobia lives in was the house featured in the home repair series. I learned a lot about renovating an old home! The backstory is extensive. The author took a break, and then she came back to write the death by chocolate mystery series.

The Chocolate Moose is a Bakery that Jacobia and her best friend, Ellie own together. They are off to see a client and eventually there’s a couple murders to figure out. The author is known for taking some risks with her characters and getting them in tight situations. I love the setting in Maine along the ocean. The family has grown from a single mom with a troubled teenage son to an adult son with a wife and three children plus her father and stepmother all living together with Jake and her husband, Wade. Things can be chaotic, but it’s enjoyable!

I enjoyed reading the story. I thought the plot was entertaining and engaging. Always something new going on! And there’s a recipe at the end of the book that I’m thinking of making, chocolate pumpkin muffins!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is book #8 in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series by Sarah Graves.

My one regret in this book is that I didn’t jump to the end to get the recipe for the chocolate pumpkin muffins so that I could make a batch and eat them while I was reading. Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose, is catering dessert for a local celebrity’s party, but unfortunately there’s a death which puts a damper on things. The victim was not well liked, so there were plenty of people who had motives to kill him. Jake and Ellie get in on the investigation. As much as I enjoyed the mystery and following along with the investigation, my favorite part is the characters - especially when a series has been going on longer like this one has. You get to see the characters develop along with their relationships and and that’s what keeps me coming back!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Graves is very adept at writing a fast paced, nonstop action mystery and Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is no exception. The action is mainly focused on a creepy old house which is currently owned by a television celebrity of the HGTV variety. The bodies and action mount up, as well as a missing person and various unsavory and unlikable suspicious people. Over the years, Sarah Graves has developed a large and engaging cast of returning characters beginning with Jake Tiptree and Ellie White, whose friendship dates back to when Jake first moved to the remote Maine island town of Eastport. I enjoy the characters so much that on some level, I wish there was a bit less action and a bit more of the characters living their everyday life. I also wish that Jake and Ellie sometimes acted with a bit more common sense when it comes to putting themselves in danger. That said, I enjoyed this book which is quick reading and entertaining. Three and a half stars rounded up to four.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every adventure of Jake and her pal Ellie’s seems to be even more intense and full of mystery than the previous one. This book definitely fit that bill and had me on the edge of the seat at times and laughing at other times. Jake’s first person narrative is always good for some giggles along the way. That woman’s life is seriously chaotic at home but I don’t think she’d have it any other way.

The most epic adventure of this book came toward the end and was definitely nail-biting as Jake (who even rescued a dog in the process), Ellie and Dylan fought for their lives and a teen friend of Lee’s. Of course the good guys came out the winners and the baddies were dealt with. At the end, some friends had a fun thing happen for them, something that surprised everyone. Life’s sure never dull around Jake and Ellie!

I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley , and my opinions are my own.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A home renovation celebrity shows up in Eastport to restore his family’s old mansion. While Hank was dead, set on, restoring the home to the original glory, what he wasn’t on was being dead. But yet he falls to his death from a balcony in the house.

With the police chief’s boyfriend at the prime suspect, Jake and Ellie find themselves not only catering the party and the wake, but also trying to solve a murder and clear their friend. Can the lady solve it without becoming the next one’s being served up dead?

Well, I love the mysteries in the series, I really like Jake and Ellie. They’re so good together. Those are the kind of friends that we all need to have the have each other‘s back, whether it running the business, taking care of their families, we’re solving a murder, they’re always there for each other. And boy, did the murder should get out of hand in some of the stories. Each and every entry has me looking for the next one as soon as I turn that last page.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank Rafferty is a Home Renovation TV personality and he just bought a run down, supposedly haunted mansion. Jakobia "Jake" Tiptree and her friend Ellie White run a pastry shop. They have agreed to furnish desserts for a party at the mansion. Rumors have it that the mansion is haunted and the ghosts do not want any changes. Things disappear, work is undone, etc. An old shed burns to the ground with renovation materials inside. Hank still insists on throwing the party. However, when the party is over, Hank is dead.

Jake and Ellie are pulled into the mystery. Who would want Hank dead? Perhaps his wife who is having an affair, or is it someone else?

Such a fun cozy. I like Jake and Ellie and the story kept me entertained and reading. A nice read for a relaxing break. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and offer my honest review.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the narrator. She did a wonderfully expressive job. Too bad the story was as disjointed and all over the place as it was. There was a lot to work with in this plot, almost too much and it seemed like I was constantly playing catch up to figure out where we were and why we were there.
Celebrity Hank Rafferty inherited a supposedly haunted mansion outside of town. Ellie and Jake are catering muffins for a party there, but when they arrive they find Hank dead. As they attempt to figure out who is to blame because it cannot be Ellie's daughter Lee's friend Arlene, nor can it be Dylan, even if he is a bit of a hot-head. They certainly get in over their heads in trouble before they are somehow rescued and the perpetrators are identified.
I did enjoy the characters for the most part, but the plot was just too disjointed for me to really love.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eastport, Maine, is the home of famous bakery, the Chocolate Moose. The Chocolate Moose is set to cater a supposedly haunted mansion where things go bump in the night and is rumored to have ghosts. The waterfront property is the setting for a party taking place that is owned by a tv celebrity by the name of Hank Rafferty. He and his guests are awaiting a mouthwatering delivery of fresh baked goods. Oh, there was a delivery alright, and it wasn't baked goods it was his body falling from an upper balcony right in front of all the guests.
Hank wouldn't have won any popularity contests and there are several suspects lined up by the police.
Quick after Halloween themed cozy mystery that kept me reading and finished it in a day.
A surprise ending.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this next in series a Halloween theme haunted house is the focus . Jake and Ellie are concerned about keeping their business afloat so they sign onto provide treats for a haunted house event. With their wonderful chocolate pumpkin muffins they are looking forward to a fun event, A murder occurs and Jake and Ellie put on their investigative hats to find clues and soon red herrings abound.

I enjoy this foodie based series for the wonderful characters, the enjoyable small town community and the sleuthing . The author has all the perfect cozy elements here for another enjoyable addition to this fun cozy series.

Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween is over and local home repair star Hank Rafferty is having a party at his mansion known as Stone House. Jake and Ellie have been tasked with bringing the desserts and when they arrive get a huge shock. Hank falls to his death right as they get there. The man had a ton of enemies so the police are looking at his death as a homicide. The main suspect is the chief of police's boyfriend. No matter how hot headed the man can get the chief doesn't believe he had anything to do with it and neither do Jake or Ellie. The two want to help the chief clear his name so they dive into their investigation. Hank had more than enough enemies its just figuring out which one hated him the most. Can they figure out who the killer is before an innocent man ends up behind bars.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin” is the 8th instalment in the "Death By Chocolate" mystery series by Sarah Graves. The Chocolate Moose, where people treat themselves to the most decadent desserts. But the island town also seems to cater to those with bitter dispositions . . .

I enjoy this series set in the village of Eastport, Maine and really like protagonist Jake and her BFF Ellie. Plus I love her family especially Bella. There was lots of excitement this go around with a haunted mansion, celebrity DIY host and a scared teenager…

There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book was engaging from start to finish, grabbing your attention from the very start.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting storyline, one that we don't always read about. Jake and Ellie are owners of a local bakery and tend to get mixed up with mysteries. (I liked that the sheriff wasn't constantly telling them to stop snooping and instead, welcomed their involvement!)
In this installment, they're investigating a landgrab that ends in murder and arson. If I had one negative critique, it would be the scenes of Jake escaping the fire. I felt it was too far-fetched and she most certainly would have died of smoke inhalation. Otherwise, the storyline is good, the friendship is great, and the wrap-up is satisfying. I recommend grabbing a bite of Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin is book 8 in the Death by Chocolate mystery series by Sara Graves and was a really enjoyable mystery. And if you're like me and haven't read any of the previous books in the series, no worries, because this is easily read as a standalone novel.

The Chocolate Moose bakery owned by Ellie White and Jacobiia "Jake" Tiptree, has been hired to provide cupcakes for an event held by television celebrity Hank Rafferty at his new home, Stone House, but when they turn up with the delivery, they discover Hank is dead.

Told in first person from Jake's point of view, I found Death by Chocolate Pumpkin Muffin to be a fun mystery. I especially loved the characters. The multigenerational setup at Jake's home made the scenes of her homelife, and family relationships, some of the most interesting parts of the book.

There were a few scenes in the book that I felt were unnecessarily detailed and one near the end that was not only overly detailed, but felt unrealistic as well. During that unrealistic scene there was also one event that made me question Jake's actions, and morality. I can't say a lot more without spoiling the scene, but if you read it (or have read it) maybe some of the same thoughts when through your head as well.

Overall I enjoyed the book and would be interested in reading other books in the series.

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

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun addition to the series that likely will be most enjoyed by those who have been following along because there's a considerable amount of page devoted to Jake's family. That said, it's a classic cozy that sees Hank, the local tv star of sorts, murdered and Jake investigating with her pal Ellie. Hank was not well liked so there are multiple suspects and a few red herrings. There's also some family drama at Jake's house. I'm a fan of this series for the characters, who always feel quite real. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good cozy read.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Ellie are busy preparing for fall and the slow down of the tourist season. But there’s a new man in town who has moved into one of the older homes in the area. He is a tv handyman who really doesn’t fix anything but just hosts the show. The home was cursed by the original owner. Whoever made changes to the house would face consequences. But the new homeowner wants to take things back to how they were. Unfortunately, not everyone wants to keep the house as is. Join Jake and Ellie as they solve another murder. Loved this story! #Netgalley