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Mysteries of Blackberry Valley #17
Pumpkin Peril
Pumpkin Peril is the seventeenth book in The Mysteries of Blackberry Valley fiction series.
It's pumpkin spice season in Blackberry Valley, and Hannah Prentiss has just learned about a nearby pumpkin farm that offers many familiar and unusual varieties. However, not only are pumpkin pranks plaguing the town, but after many generations, the farm might have to be sold! A long-lost relative has suddenly appeared to stake a claim on the land, citing an archaic inheritance law. A prominent businessman is also interested in the land, planning to carve it up for development. Hannah is determined to help the current owner, Dana, find a way to keep her farm.
As they dive into the family history, Hannah learns that Rosemary Manning, a reclusive older woman, may have the information they need. But Rosemary has been keeping explosive secrets for decades, fear compelling her to remain silent. Can they convince her to set the truth free?
About the Mysteries of Blackberry Valley Series
Welcome to the Hot Spot…where the food is fresh and the mysteries are delicious!
After years away, Hannah Prentiss finally returns home to the charming village of Blackberry Valley. She transforms a former firehouse into the Hot Spot―a warm and welcoming place for townsfolk and travelers alike to enjoy meals made with fresh ingredients from local Kentucky farms. But running a new restaurant, reconnecting with loved ones, and forging new friendships around every corner aren't the only things Hannah is doing these days. When mysteries start cropping up, she finds that solving them is just as satisfying as fulfilling her culinary dreams!
What you'll love about Blackberry Valley Mysteries:
The cozy charm and heartfelt connections of small-town lifeFaithful characters and the warmth of a close-knit community Clean, wholesome stories Intriguing mysteries that give you hours of reading pleasure With warmth, humor, and a menu full of intrigue, Blackberry Valley Mysteries are the perfect way to let go of the stress and worries of the day and curl up in your favorite chair for hours of page-turning delight.
It's pumpkin spice season in Blackberry Valley, and Hannah Prentiss has just learned about a nearby pumpkin farm that offers many familiar and unusual varieties. However, not only are pumpkin pranks plaguing the town, but after many generations, the farm might have to be sold! A long-lost relative has suddenly appeared to stake a claim on the land, citing an archaic inheritance law. A prominent businessman is also interested in the land, planning to carve it up for development. Hannah is determined to help the current owner, Dana, find a way to keep her farm.
As they dive into the family history, Hannah learns that Rosemary Manning, a reclusive older woman, may have the information they need. But Rosemary has been keeping explosive secrets for decades, fear compelling her to remain silent. Can they convince her to set the truth free?
About the Mysteries of Blackberry Valley Series
Welcome to the Hot Spot…where the food is fresh and the mysteries are delicious!
After years away, Hannah Prentiss finally returns home to the charming village of Blackberry Valley. She transforms a former firehouse into the Hot Spot―a warm and welcoming place for townsfolk and travelers alike to enjoy meals made with fresh ingredients from local Kentucky farms. But running a new restaurant, reconnecting with loved ones, and forging new friendships around every corner aren't the only things Hannah is doing these days. When mysteries start cropping up, she finds that solving them is just as satisfying as fulfilling her culinary dreams!
What you'll love about Blackberry Valley Mysteries:
The cozy charm and heartfelt connections of small-town lifeFaithful characters and the warmth of a close-knit community Clean, wholesome stories Intriguing mysteries that give you hours of reading pleasure With warmth, humor, and a menu full of intrigue, Blackberry Valley Mysteries are the perfect way to let go of the stress and worries of the day and curl up in your favorite chair for hours of page-turning delight.
- GenresMysteryChristian Fiction
ebook
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Penney
102 books585 followersElizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include old houses and gardens, past/present mysteries, and the arts. Maine, where she grew up, England, and Italy are favorite settings.
Elizabeth is the author of several mystery series from St. Martin's as well as over fifty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
Elizabeth is the author of several mystery series from St. Martin's as well as over fifty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 7, 2026
3.5 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Cozy Mystery
About this book:
“It's pumpkin spice season in Blackberry Valley, and Hannah Prentiss has just learned about a nearby pumpkin farm that offers many familiar and unusual varieties. However, not only are pumpkin pranks plaguing the town, but after many generations, the farm might have to be sold! A long-lost relative has suddenly appeared to stake a claim on the land, citing an archaic inheritance law. A prominent businessman is also interested in the land, planning to carve it up for development. Hannah is determined to help the current owner, Dana, find a way to keep her farm.
As they dive into the family history, Hannah learns that Rosemary Manning, a reclusive older woman, may have the information they need. But Rosemary has been keeping explosive secrets for decades, fear compelling her to remain silent. Can they convince her to set the truth free?”
Series: Book #17 in the “Mysteries of Blackberry Valley” series. Reviews of Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, Book #6, Book #7, Book #8, Book #9, Book #10, Book #11, Book #12, Book #13, Book #14, Book #15, and Book #16!
Spiritual Content- James 4:17 at the beginning & later quoted in the story; Prayers; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, His will and plan, & faiths; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, services, & pastors; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A mention of a miracle;
*Note: When dancing with her fiancé, Hannah refers to being in his arms as “heavenly”; Mentions of luck, being lucky, & crossing fingers for luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘give a hoot’ and an ‘idiot’; A bit of eye rolling; A lie; Eavesdropping; Being in a speeding car with a near accident (up to semi-detailed); Some grief (Hannah for her mother); Mentions of war (World War II & Vietnam) & deaths; Mentions of deaths (including cancer and a car accident) & grief (including Hannah for her mother & women for their husbands and a men for their wives); Mentions of car accidents, dangerous racing, injuries, & people almost being killed in car crashes; Mentions of crimes, criminals, & arrests; Mentions of thieves, stealing, shoplifting, & stolen items; Mentions of break-ins & vandalism; Mentions of cheats, cheating, & insurance fraud; Mentions of threats; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of bullies & being bullied; Mentions of pranks (mostly harmless, but there are ones that could have been dangerous or ended with someone hurt (such as throwing pumpkins at cars); A couple are called “creepy” due to someone wearing a giant pumpkin on their head in a dark alley); A couple mentions of a teen boy rebelling against his grandfather’s authority (who is his guardian); A couple mentions of jealousy;
*Note: Characters make and mention jack-o’-lanterns (one Hannah makes was supposed to look friendly, but another says it is “friendly in a creepy way”); Mentions of a side character having a strained relationship with her family & becoming estranged; Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of brand names (Formica, Timex, & Xerox); A few mentions of NASCAR; A mention of Halloween; A mention of a book (‘The Happy Pumpkin’).
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss, four not-detailed kisses, and two barely-above-not-detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, & Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates, & dating; Mentions of crushes; A few mentions of kisses, kissing, & couples kissing; A few mentions of flirting; Some love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a dress flattering a woman’s figure; A mention of a teenaged girl eating a “low-calories cereal” with skim milk for breakfast (there are no comments about her weight).
-Hannah Prentiss
P.O.V. mostly of Hannah
13 scenes from 1971
266 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Well! This was a pumpkin perfect book to read in the fall! I’ve really enjoyed reading this series in the month they are set in, but this might be one that fit the most for that setting. There’s a ton of pumpkins, baked goods, and enjoying nice weather.
As far as the mystery, I found it mostly interesting. A couple things at the end felt like a quick/easy out regarding part of the mystery, but overall it was an enjoyable book and I look forward to seeing Hannah’s wedding in December!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“It's pumpkin spice season in Blackberry Valley, and Hannah Prentiss has just learned about a nearby pumpkin farm that offers many familiar and unusual varieties. However, not only are pumpkin pranks plaguing the town, but after many generations, the farm might have to be sold! A long-lost relative has suddenly appeared to stake a claim on the land, citing an archaic inheritance law. A prominent businessman is also interested in the land, planning to carve it up for development. Hannah is determined to help the current owner, Dana, find a way to keep her farm.
As they dive into the family history, Hannah learns that Rosemary Manning, a reclusive older woman, may have the information they need. But Rosemary has been keeping explosive secrets for decades, fear compelling her to remain silent. Can they convince her to set the truth free?”
Series: Book #17 in the “Mysteries of Blackberry Valley” series. Reviews of Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, Book #6, Book #7, Book #8, Book #9, Book #10, Book #11, Book #12, Book #13, Book #14, Book #15, and Book #16!
Spiritual Content- James 4:17 at the beginning & later quoted in the story; Prayers; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, His will and plan, & faiths; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church going, services, & pastors; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A mention of a miracle;
*Note: When dancing with her fiancé, Hannah refers to being in his arms as “heavenly”; Mentions of luck, being lucky, & crossing fingers for luck.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘give a hoot’ and an ‘idiot’; A bit of eye rolling; A lie; Eavesdropping; Being in a speeding car with a near accident (up to semi-detailed); Some grief (Hannah for her mother); Mentions of war (World War II & Vietnam) & deaths; Mentions of deaths (including cancer and a car accident) & grief (including Hannah for her mother & women for their husbands and a men for their wives); Mentions of car accidents, dangerous racing, injuries, & people almost being killed in car crashes; Mentions of crimes, criminals, & arrests; Mentions of thieves, stealing, shoplifting, & stolen items; Mentions of break-ins & vandalism; Mentions of cheats, cheating, & insurance fraud; Mentions of threats; Mentions of lies, lying, liars, & deception; Mentions of gossip & rumors; Mentions of bullies & being bullied; Mentions of pranks (mostly harmless, but there are ones that could have been dangerous or ended with someone hurt (such as throwing pumpkins at cars); A couple are called “creepy” due to someone wearing a giant pumpkin on their head in a dark alley); A couple mentions of a teen boy rebelling against his grandfather’s authority (who is his guardian); A couple mentions of jealousy;
*Note: Characters make and mention jack-o’-lanterns (one Hannah makes was supposed to look friendly, but another says it is “friendly in a creepy way”); Mentions of a side character having a strained relationship with her family & becoming estranged; Mentions of car brands; A few mentions of brand names (Formica, Timex, & Xerox); A few mentions of NASCAR; A mention of Halloween; A mention of a book (‘The Happy Pumpkin’).
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss, four not-detailed kisses, and two barely-above-not-detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, & Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes & Winks; Mentions of boyfriends/girlfriends, dates, & dating; Mentions of crushes; A few mentions of kisses, kissing, & couples kissing; A few mentions of flirting; Some love, being in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a dress flattering a woman’s figure; A mention of a teenaged girl eating a “low-calories cereal” with skim milk for breakfast (there are no comments about her weight).
-Hannah Prentiss
P.O.V. mostly of Hannah
13 scenes from 1971
266 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Well! This was a pumpkin perfect book to read in the fall! I’ve really enjoyed reading this series in the month they are set in, but this might be one that fit the most for that setting. There’s a ton of pumpkins, baked goods, and enjoying nice weather.
As far as the mystery, I found it mostly interesting. A couple things at the end felt like a quick/easy out regarding part of the mystery, but overall it was an enjoyable book and I look forward to seeing Hannah’s wedding in December!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
October 10, 2026
Pumpkins, pastries, and plenty of peril make a delightful return to Blackberry Valley in Pumpkin Peril by Elizabeth Penney. The author’s vivid descriptions brought autumn to life for me with crisp, cool weather, pumpkins galore, and an irresistible array of baked goods. I enjoyed the refreshingly unusual mystery, which weaves together pumpkin-themed pranks, a threatened family farm, the secretive recluse Rosemary, and an archaic inheritance law invoked by a long-lost relative—because there always seems to be one! The close-knit community adds warmth to the story, and Hannah Prentiss continues to be an engaging protagonist. Although Pumpkin Peril can be enjoyed as a standalone, beginning the Mysteries of Blackberry Valley series with the first book offers the best chance to become acquainted with its charming characters and welcoming community. Cozy, clever, and brimming with autumn charm, this mystery is a seasonal treat worth savoring!
October 15, 2026
Pumpkin Peril is a light hearted cozy mystery written by the talented Elizabeth Penney.
Hannah is excited to visit the local pumpkin patch to buy decorations for her restaurant and to make delicious food.
Her friend Dana owns the farm, but a long lost relative suddenly appears, trying to claim a portion of the farm.
Their small town also has some strange pumpkin pranks happening, and while they seem funny, they're actually dangerous too.
My favorite part was Hannah's friendship with Rosemary, a recluse who can shed light on the mysterious relative.
This is a feel good book and I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
Hannah is excited to visit the local pumpkin patch to buy decorations for her restaurant and to make delicious food.
Her friend Dana owns the farm, but a long lost relative suddenly appears, trying to claim a portion of the farm.
Their small town also has some strange pumpkin pranks happening, and while they seem funny, they're actually dangerous too.
My favorite part was Hannah's friendship with Rosemary, a recluse who can shed light on the mysterious relative.
This is a feel good book and I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
October 17, 2026
An engaging cozy mystery set in the small fictional town of Blackberry Valley, Kentucky.
I enjoyed this story set in October with all of the references to pumpkins and a dual timeline back to the Vietnam War era of the early 1970's. Rosemary's experiences especially kept me hanging on as they unfolded and tied into the present day mystery. It brought back memories of high school days, with a touch of nostalgia, and the sadness of young men going off to war. I liked the nod to the era of dirt track races in a small town--a big deal back in the day--and the difficulties teens go through. The main couple were charming and had big hearts for others in their community. It was admirable how they reached out and helped people, including those who were unkind and causing harm; sincere faith in action.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with clean romance and inspirational moments. Recommend! 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I enjoyed this story set in October with all of the references to pumpkins and a dual timeline back to the Vietnam War era of the early 1970's. Rosemary's experiences especially kept me hanging on as they unfolded and tied into the present day mystery. It brought back memories of high school days, with a touch of nostalgia, and the sadness of young men going off to war. I liked the nod to the era of dirt track races in a small town--a big deal back in the day--and the difficulties teens go through. The main couple were charming and had big hearts for others in their community. It was admirable how they reached out and helped people, including those who were unkind and causing harm; sincere faith in action.
A well-written, enjoyable mystery with clean romance and inspirational moments. Recommend! 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
October 18, 2026
The dual mysteries in this story were nice; one was a little sillier and the other was more serious. Unfortunately, I felt like there was more details necessary for the resolutions to feel satisfying. I had so many questions that were left unanswered. I don't know what the percentage of answered to unanswered questions needs to be for me to feel like the bow was tied, but it didn't feel that way in this installment.
The storytelling was engaging and the characterization was solid. I just wanted more from the mystery, I guess. Overall, this was a good installment.
The storytelling was engaging and the characterization was solid. I just wanted more from the mystery, I guess. Overall, this was a good installment.
August 3, 2026
This is another good addition to the Blackberry Valley mysteries. The mystery seemed more "natural" than some of the others - it can easily happen, and the characters reacted as people I know would react. I liked the resolution as well. An enjoyable read.
November 4, 2026
Pumpkin Perl was a lighthearted cozy mystery with dual timeline, pumpkin pranks that were a bit dangerous at times, autumn vibes, and a long-lost relative appearing and claiming to have rights to a pumpkin farm owned by of Hannah's friends. Wonderful cozy mystery.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews