Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Pumpkins and Pixels

Rate this book
Would you kill to win the Giant Pumpkin Festival?

Retired festival director Rusty Redmond thought she’d traded pumpkin chaos for peace and quiet. But when the Giant Pumpkin Festival’s brand-new drone-carving derby ends in a shocking on-air murder, she’s pulled right back into the spotlight.

With her buff-colored cocker spaniel, Boo, at her side, Rusty finds herself juggling a tangle of a teen coding prodigy, a rival grower with a grudge, a social media queen, and a charming corporate sponsor with a polished smile and too many secrets.

The mayor’s given her until the lantern-lit finale to help the sheriff crack the case—or risk the festival’s reputation going up in smoke.

Armed with sharp instincts, a lifetime of event-planning savvy, and Boo’s knack for finding clues, Rusty must untangle the sabotage before the killer turns the spotlight—and the danger—on her.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2025

43 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Sue Hollowell

371 books431 followers
Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3

Sue Hollowell is a wife and empty nester with a lot of mom left over. Finding a lot of time on her hands, and as a lover of mystery novels, she began telling the story of a character who appeared in her head.

The Chemical Bond is a book about Meredith Markette, a young woman who reluctantly enters into the field of law enforcement when her police officer father is killed in the line of duty. Her quest is to discover his murderer and in the meantime come to terms with a tragedy of her youth.

Will this book ever see the light of day? Maybe. Sue really likes the story and character. And writing that book taught her a ton about the publishing industry. Through this experience she has discovered a love of writing stories, and especially mysteries. She hopes you enjoy her books as much as she enjoys writing them.

She and her husband are on the search to adopt a dog, really missing her spaniels that passed a couple of years ago.

Get a free cozy story at https://dl.bookfunnel.com/nn1op4cew3

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
31 (38%)
4 stars
23 (28%)
3 stars
15 (18%)
2 stars
7 (8%)
1 star
4 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
September 19, 2025
Murder or an Accident ? . . .

Rosemary Redmond (“Rusty”) retired as festival events director last year. Now she and her dog Boo have arrived for the publicity stuff about the drone-carved pumpkin derby which Delilah Crowe is overseeing. She assured everyone the tech checks all passed. Hudson Drake (“H.D.”), the drone-racing superstar, arrived and everyone grabbed their phones to take his picture. Boo grabbed a caramel apple and Delilah yelled for Camera 2 to get the dog out of the frame before the coverage goes live in 6 minutes. Rusty noticed an odd chemical smell. Then they went “live”. A reporter tried to ask about pesticide runoff, but his question was redirected by Nik who said they were here to celebrate pumpkins and not paperwork, so keep the focus on the festival.

Then the drones lifted into the air for a hover test, the razor-sharp rotors sounding like a beehive. Soon a firmware demo would be coming up and Rusty felt a shiver down her back at the idea of drones filled with fresh code! She dreaded the long, gleaming metal arm ready to swing out for live pumpkin carving. And when she asked Tessa if it all was going well, Tessa said she was running a final integrity check on the autopilot before they hooked up the carving module… but this build was not responding the way it did for her before. Hudson hurried her to remove her debug script because he was about to demo the carving feed. Angry, she disconnected her device and stomped away.

Hudson started his demo, but the drone lurched sideways and cut off the bottom of a decorative banner. And Rusty knew it wasn’t the wind but an actual glitch! Picking up the torn banner strips, Rusty saw strands of copper wire woven into the nylon backing. Something wasn’t right. Hudson and Reed got into an argument about Reed supposedly using an illegal fertilizer to grow the huge pumpkins. Reed finally threatened Hudson. When an announcement said a mandatory firmware patch was required for the code and all devices must apply it, Rusty was surprised since they had tested all day after multiple glitches. She told Delilah they needed a quick meeting before the demo started because Reed is threatening Hudson, Tessa’s code is “twitchy”, and Rusty found an odd metal scrap under the tent. Delilah agreed to meet, but wanted Rusty to keep the threat quiet. Hudson wanted a test hover before the carving began and again it snagged the banner with an unexpected movement. Was it the copper wires in the banner that made the drone falter? The demo started, the drone did another huge tilt and suddenly lurched backward and struck Hudson. The carving arm quickly moving forward out of control and the safety latch hadn’t released -- it was welded shut. Rusty screamed for Sheriff Jonah McClain… this was not an accident, and it had gone out on-air. Mayor Hattie Brightwell wants Rusty to work with the Sheriff on this, but there are multiple suspects and a tight timeline. Will Rusty figure it out? Can she solve the murder? Or will the killer come after her to silence her?
Profile Image for Tambi Smith.
201 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2025
I recently had the opportunity to read Pumpkins and Pixels, the first book in the "Fall Fest Fatalities" series by Sue Hollowell, and I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. But from the very first page, I was hooked by the charm and intrigue woven into the story. The book follows Rusty Redmond as she gets caught up in an intriguing mystery when the Giant Pumpkin Festival’s drone-carving derby turns up a murder.

Rusty is a fantastic main character—relatable, with just the right amount of flaws to make her believable. I found myself cheering for her as she navigated the investigation's complexities. Accompanied by her adorable cocker spaniel, Boo, who has a knack for sniffing out clues, Rusty juggles a colorful cast of suspects. Each character adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.
The setting of the book is delightfully festive. The small-town community vibe is subtly descriptive, making it easy to visualize the bustling atmosphere. However, I must admit that the tech jargon threw me off a bit. Being not very tech-savvy myself, I found it took a bit more effort to follow along with some of the details, which occasionally slowed down the pace for me. But I am sure this would not be an issue for other readers.

Sue Hollowell’s attention to detail is impressive. She weaves the narrative so cleverly, keeping track of everything down to the second. The story is peppered with a perfect amount of suspects and red herrings, ensuring that my attention was held throughout. And the twist at the end? Completely satisfying!

In conclusion, Pumpkins and Pixels is a delightful mix of mystery and festivity. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good whodunit with a side of seasonal charm. As Rusty races against time to solve the murder before the festival's finale, you'll be on the edge of your seat. "Grab your magnifying glass and join Rusty and Boo in unraveling the mystery—before the festival's lights go out for good!"


Opinionated Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0/5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0/5.0
Pacing: 4.5/5.0
Dialogue and Narrative: 4.5/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 4.75/5.0
Overall Rating: 4.75/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)

1,287 reviews23 followers
September 1, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review after reading it I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression.

Sue’s latest mini series opener was a delight to read. A man was killed by a drone that was sabotaged but multiple people had a motive to cause him harm. Then others were included by incriminating evidence found suggesting they were also involved. Retired festival director Rusty is determined to get to the bottom of whodunnit along with her trusty sidekick Boo and two savvy friends!

This whodunnit leads you on a trail that uncovers betrayal and murder from someone he trusted once to a darker force behind the scenes!

You’ll enjoy watching Rusty and Boo work as a team as Boo sniffs and digs up clues others have overlooked and Rusty along with her friends reviews and lays a trap to catch the bad guys!

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next couple of books in this series to watch this team in action once again!

I definitely recommend you get this book if you love cozy mysteries and smart canines proving once again that man’s ( and woman’s) best friend is a dog especially when it comes to solving crimes!
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,573 reviews23 followers
September 20, 2025
This is the first book in this fun series. It is the time for Ciderbrook Crossing’s 34th annual Giant Pumpkin Festival and this year it is going to be special with a drone doing the carving to be operated by Hudson Drake. Rosemary Redmond, AKA Rusty, is volunteering at the festival with her very clever, clue finding dog, Boo. When something goes very wrong and Drake is killed, they have to decide. Was it a drone accident or murder. Rusty and Boo are asked by Sheriff Jonah and Officer Lila to check out some of the technical details that went wrong and how, while staying out of the exact scene. Can they put it all together since there were a lot of suspects to wade through? Not being drone savvy or up on technical jargon, I did get lost a couple of times, but I did truly enjoy this book. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Valerie.
17 reviews32 followers
November 8, 2025
For October I wanted to read a Fall or Halloween themed cozy mystery, but I have to read a series in order. So, I found this first in series book that fit the requirement. Well, I struggled with a book that I should have had finished in a day or two.

I don’t know if it was because it’s a shorter book, but there wasn’t any character building to where I cared about any of them, not even the dog. It jumps right in to the event and the murder, which is fine, but it just walked through the rest of the clue gathering and resolution.

If this was an offshoot of a series that was fleshed out and I already was familiar with the characters, it would have been a different experience for me.

So, if you’re looking for a quick read, this might be the book for you, but as much as I hate quitting, I won’t be continuing with this series.
474 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2025
Retired festival director, Rosemary Redmond, known as Rusty, is volunteering at the Ciderbrook Crossing’s 34th annual Giant Pumpkin Festival, home of the first drone carved pumpkin derby. When it seems as if a malfunction kills a drone operator, Rusty soon discovers that the death was no accident but, instead it was a murder. Now to find a killer among a crowd of hundreds. Assisting the sheriff, Rusty soon finds herself in danger as she begins her investigation. This short story will keep you engaged and entertained throughout the book. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced copy of this book.
379 reviews6 followers
September 7, 2025
I enjoy getting to know the characters in cozies and was disappointed I didn’t really get to know Rusty other than how she sleuths out clues. To me the characters and how they feel and think are the most important part of the story. I also like knowing the relationships amongst the characters. The premise was interesting, but the technical terminology about drones and computers was a bit hard to follow for the uninitiated, like me. Good ending. These are my thoughts after reading an early copy of the book.
1,393 reviews15 followers
September 8, 2025
I love all things Sue Hollowell, and this does not disappoint! This is book one in The Fall Fest Fatalities series. This is just a short, quick mini series, that I read in less than two hours. Rusty Redmond is the retired festival director, in Ciderbrook Crossing. She is always with her beloved Cocker Spaniel, Boo. The Giant Festivals brand new drone carving derby, does not end well! Was this pure sabotage, or something else? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!
693 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2025
This was an enthralling book. Amateur sleuth, Rosemary (Rusty) Redmond, is on the case when Hudson Drake is killed when the drone he is operating at a pumpkin carving by drone festival crashes into him. Was the drone sabotaged? If so, who manipulated it and killed Hudson? Why was he killed? Find the answers to these questions by reading this intriguing book, which I highly recommend to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
74 reviews
September 25, 2025
This is the first book in the "Fall Fest Fatalities" series. It's festival time for Rusty Redmond, our main character. There fun, festivities, drones, and a murder all wrapped up into one short cozy. Will Rusty and her trusty companion, Boo, solve the murder before more mischief happens?

I received a copy of this book and these are my own opinions.

I adore Sue Hollowell! I love her writing style and character development--such a delight to read!! I highly recommend this mini-series and hope you give it a read!
Profile Image for Roger.
5,634 reviews28 followers
October 3, 2025
Pumpkins and Pixels (Fall Fest Fatalities Book 1), my forty-sixth well-written & enjoyable read from author Sue Hollowell, the first book in her new Fall Fest Fatalities series. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book am reading it & voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Maze of Mixed Signals (Fall Fest Fatalities Book 2) next on my TBR list & Mousse and Mayhem (A Belle Harbor Cozy Mystery Book 11) high on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.
Profile Image for Gail.
661 reviews26 followers
September 15, 2025
I received an ARC of this story. The murder by drone was an interesting concept. Hudson claims he has proof of a fertilizer scandal. Lots of tech expects with cameras, files, laptops, audio, and encryption matching digital fingerprints. Very techie. What a world filled with cameras everywhere. A lot is revealed in 99 pages. Well written. One question though. Why does everyone accept Rusty’s involvement in solving the case?
2,350 reviews26 followers
October 6, 2025
This is the first book in a series. Rusty Redmond, who used to be in charge of the fall festival now works as a volunteer there. This year is different as Hudson Drake plans to carve pumpkins using a drone. Just as he gets started, he is attacked and killed by a drone. Rusty, her dog Boo assist the sheriff in discovering who wanted Hudson dead and why. Well-written story with interesting characters. I received a copy of the book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,647 reviews103 followers
October 17, 2025
I enjoyed getting to know Rusty, Rett and Tessa who seemed to be the regulars that’ll be in this little series for Halloween. This was a look at what could happen if someone sabotaged a drone that was programmed to carve a pumpkin. Was the sabotage local or higher up? I’m pretty sure Boo’s gonna help sniff out some clues. He’s a sweetie pup! The book had me lost at times with the boring technical stuff about drone programming, just a side note, but the dog kinda made up for it.
Profile Image for Sara.
291 reviews31 followers
September 7, 2025
Thank you to the author for this ARC!

A first in a mini cozy series, Rusty Redmond is a retired festival director. As the new drone carving is live streaming, something horrible happens. Rusty and her trusty dog Boo check on all the anomalies to help sheriff Jonah and officer Lila to find the murderer.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,041 reviews9 followers
September 19, 2025
This is a another Halloween story that cause someone to die. This one is about using drones to carve pumpkins and it gets sabotaged by the people who were supposed to be helping with the festival. Money gets in the way of a good time but a good dog finds the clues.
I received an arc and this is my review.
368 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2025
Sue’s latest mini series opener was a delight to read. A man was killed by a drone that was sabotaged but multiple people had a motive to cause him harm. Then others were included by incriminating evidence found suggesting they were also involved. Retired festival director Rusty is determined to get to the bottom of whodunnit along with her trusty sidekick Boo and two savvy friends!
290 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2025
Felt a Little Lost

I felt lost because there was no background given on Rusty...what's her background, how does she know this stuff, etc. What's her relationship to the other characters? And all the technical stuff is a bit over the top, at least to readers like me. Laying a little background would have been very helpful.
2,286 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2025
A quick read.

I enjoyed this mystery. I read it in 2 hours. During the Giant Pumpkin Festival, Rusty investigates a murder with the help of her dog Boo. The pace is good. I like the drones carving the pumpkins in a contest. The main characters are likable. A fun and quick read.
376 reviews
October 27, 2025
Short but good

Short read but still kept enough details to make a fun story.
Suspend belief a bit that this random lead character is allowed to do all these things to get evidence.
Tech talk was good.
Would've liked a layout of the "findings" as they went like a notebook page as that can be a fun change of script.
Profile Image for Babs.
3 reviews
August 31, 2025
I just read Pumpkins and Pixels in 2 hours! I loved it such a fast read with a lot of action! Perfect for autumn! The characters became friends in that short of time. I am looking forward to reading the next in series!
1,306 reviews16 followers
September 6, 2025
If book on is any indication we have the beginning of a delightful series. We can relate to these characters and who doesn't love an intelligent dog to warm our hearts? I am happy to recommend this charming series.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,315 reviews7 followers
September 15, 2025
This was a fun mystery! I loved the tech aspect. It was a breath of fresh air. The festival sounded like an exciting event and the drone pumpkin carving would have been quite the sight. I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for The Poisoned Pen.
160 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2025
The cover is AI, and the book reads like poorly done AI. I'm assuming the "author" used ChatGPT or something similar.

The "tech" jargon was a mess, and didn't even make sense.

Awful book. I won't read anything else by this author.
71 reviews
October 30, 2025
Pumpkins and Pixels

A blend of traditional and technology to celebrate the fall season with a splashy murder thrown in! Solving the mystery takes technological skills and good old common sense!
273 reviews
November 14, 2025
Listened to this short cozy. This is a who did it and it leads to betrayal and murder; it was someone that Hudson trusted. With Rusty and Boo on the case it will be solved but who will the killer be? With Boo digging up clues and Rusty's friends helping it will not take long to solve.





964 reviews9 followers
September 4, 2025
Rusty with her dog, Boo are at the pumpkin festival & a drone was going to carve a pumpkin but, instead, it killed its operator. Boo uncovers a few clues which helps the police catch the killer.
Profile Image for Debi Paglia .
614 reviews17 followers
September 5, 2025
Who knew drones could be so dangerous! So many suspects and so many investigative tools! I read it in one sitting! And Boo is such a smart boy! Can’t wait to start #2!
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,422 reviews16 followers
September 15, 2025
This is a fast-paced, cozy mystery novella with an unusual twist. Rusty and her dog, Boo, try to find the culprit while navigating the many motives—an entertaining, quick read.
440 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2025
Cute Cozy Mystery

It's a cute first book in the "Fall Fest Fatalities Series." Can Boo help solve the mystery🐶🐾
I chose this book for a Halloween themed read in a book challenge.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.