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Beacon Bakeshop #7
Murder at the Campfire Cookout
When Lindsey Bakewell leaves behind her lighthouse bakeshop, her boyfriend, Rory, and her Newfoundland dog, Wellington, for a glamping trip with her mother in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the bears leave them alone—but a killer doesn’t. . .
Converting the old Beacon Point lighthouse into a bakery is as adventurous as Lindsey cares to get. Her mother, Ellie, a former 80s fashion model, likes her creature comforts even more—until she sees a business opportunity for her Beacon Harbor fashion boutique when she’s invited by the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club on a woodsy getaway.
Far from roughing it, the ladies will be warm and cozy in chic vintage campers. Ellie insists Lindsey come along to win the campfire cookout contest. Campfire cooking has come a long way from bacon and beans. Soon Lindsey is making pizza, berry cobbler, and gooey Carmelita camping bars.
But the festive spirit is soon dampened when a body is found in Ellie’s camper. It seems like an accidental death until everyone’s tires are slashed and it’s clear the glampsite has become a crime scene. With no cell service to call for help, it’s up to Lindsey to smoke out the killer around the campfire . . .
Because no one is out of the woods yet.
Converting the old Beacon Point lighthouse into a bakery is as adventurous as Lindsey cares to get. Her mother, Ellie, a former 80s fashion model, likes her creature comforts even more—until she sees a business opportunity for her Beacon Harbor fashion boutique when she’s invited by the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club on a woodsy getaway.
Far from roughing it, the ladies will be warm and cozy in chic vintage campers. Ellie insists Lindsey come along to win the campfire cookout contest. Campfire cooking has come a long way from bacon and beans. Soon Lindsey is making pizza, berry cobbler, and gooey Carmelita camping bars.
But the festive spirit is soon dampened when a body is found in Ellie’s camper. It seems like an accidental death until everyone’s tires are slashed and it’s clear the glampsite has become a crime scene. With no cell service to call for help, it’s up to Lindsey to smoke out the killer around the campfire . . .
Because no one is out of the woods yet.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Darci Hannah
16 books867 followersCozy mystery author, Darci Hannah, is a native of the Midwest and currently lives in a small town in Michigan. Darci is a lifelong lover of the Great Lakes, a natural wonder that inspires many of her stories. When Darci isn't baking for family and friends, hiking with her furry pals, Ripley and Finn, or concocting her next cozy mystery, she can be found wandering around picturesque lakeside villages with her hubby, sampling baked goods, and breaking for coffee more often than she should.
In addition to cozy mysteries, Darci's other passion is writing historical fiction. She is the author of The Exile of Sara Stevenson
(Ballantine Books, 2010, 2nd edition by Piffle & Bombast 2016) and The Angel of Blythe Hall (Ballantine Books, 2011)
In addition to cozy mysteries, Darci's other passion is writing historical fiction. She is the author of The Exile of Sara Stevenson
(Ballantine Books, 2010, 2nd edition by Piffle & Bombast 2016) and The Angel of Blythe Hall (Ballantine Books, 2011)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 1, 2026
This is the last of this series, although we are to see the characters in a new series. I am looking forward to seeing what that will entail. This story was twisty, harrowing tale set in the Upper Peninsula in the wilds of Michigan where Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen join Lindsey's mom Ellie and Betty on a glamping trip. with a group of glamping club friends.(glamorous camping0. Lots of things go haywire when one of the women is shocked to death by an oven not grounded and downhill from there as there is no cell service and the vehicles and camp in sabotaged leaving them stranded. As the trio of friends work through suspects, they try to decide which of the women are behind the bizarre happenings but someone is one step ahead of them. Crazy and strange happenings end with a wild and totally unexpected plot and culprit. .
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
May 21, 2026
"Murder at the Campfire Cookout (Book 7 of A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery)" by Darci Hannah has all the main ladies in Lindsey's life going glamping in the U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan). Lindsey's mom is wanting to design a new line of camping clothes for fashion forward woman of a certain age. None of the ladies are campers but they do it for her. Especially since they were promised glamping despite the only promise was a high end, cute camper and everything else was standard camping. When I think glamping (as an upper midwesterner) I think fancy, cute camper with all amenities (wifi, electricity, toilet, shower) parked in a fancy location in civilization.
The ladies quickly find out their glamping trip isn't even normal camping as one of the glamping ladies hosting them passes suddenly while trying to cheat in their campfire cookout contest. Then, a second one and many more attempts are made at another. All while they are trapped in the woods with no way to reach the nearest town. There's even get a cryptid spotting.
The ladies quickly find out their glamping trip isn't even normal camping as one of the glamping ladies hosting them passes suddenly while trying to cheat in their campfire cookout contest. Then, a second one and many more attempts are made at another. All while they are trapped in the woods with no way to reach the nearest town. There's even get a cryptid spotting.
July 3, 2026
I have mixed feelings about this book, the last in the series, although the characters will be returning in a new series next year. I was enjoying this book until I wasn’t.
What I liked: locked room mystery at a remote campsite & campfire cooking.
What I didn’t like: While I liked that the book went to a different setting outside the Bakeshop, I really missed Rory and Welly. The premise was a “glamping” trip. This was not that at all. This was a trailer camping trip to a remote area. Nothing about that it glamping. And the number of times the word was used was also way too much. Next we have the attempts to make it to the road for safety. Why would you be almost there and turn around? Not once but twice?! All of this I could try to suspend belief about but then the last 1/4 of the book happened. 4 stars until then.
What I liked: locked room mystery at a remote campsite & campfire cooking.
What I didn’t like: While I liked that the book went to a different setting outside the Bakeshop, I really missed Rory and Welly. The premise was a “glamping” trip. This was not that at all. This was a trailer camping trip to a remote area. Nothing about that it glamping. And the number of times the word was used was also way too much. Next we have the attempts to make it to the road for safety. Why would you be almost there and turn around? Not once but twice?! All of this I could try to suspend belief about but then the last 1/4 of the book happened. 4 stars until then.
July 27, 2026
Lindsey is happy to support her mom and best friend's new venture- an expanded clothing store located in the old hardware store. Ellie seems excited about having a larger space and expanding their clothing line but Kennedy is not so sure. When Ellie announces a new plan of "glamping" athleisure wear (loose, comfortable but stylish clothing for women of a certain age) AND a research "glamping" trip for her, Kennedy, Lindsey, Colleen and Betty, well Lindsey is feeling a little less supportive. OH and by the way... Ellie entered Lindsey in the campfire cookout contest! WHAT?! Lindsey knows nothing about campfire cooking and has ever been camping. The trip is all set and done and the ladies head into the wilderness to enjoy nature in the middle of nowhere over the bridge in the U.P. The ladies like their cute pink R.V.s and Lindsey adjusts to campfire cooking but when the fun girls' trip quickly turns into a nightmare when one of their fellow glampers ends up dead in Ellie's camper. Darla's death is only the beginning. With no cell service, no way to get home, they're relying on a fellow glamper for help but when she doesn't return and the situation becomes more terrifying, Lindsey fears her mom may be a target of someone. But who would do this and why? It's up to Lindsey and her friends to figure it out before they all perish in the wilderness.
I stayed up until past 2 AM reading this book! The mystery was creepy and twisty. I never guessed who or why. I was really into the story until It got even more bizarre with the reveal and I was disappointed in the language used to describe the villain. I don't think the villain seemed very realistic to me and this is not the first time this author has relied on stereotypes for her plot. I thought Captain Willie had given Lindsey a big clue about what this may be about but that went nowhere until an "oh yeah..." moment towards the end.
I planned to write more of a review but I don't really feel like it. The plot was good, the characters not so much. I like Colleen because she's sensible and she accepts her Da for what he is but doesn't try to change him, just keep him on track. Lindsey is OK. She certainly loves her mother but she's not all that clever. Kennedy is still a drama queen but a little better in this last book. She admits her true feelings and worries at least. I can't stand Rory. He is imbued with too much toxic masculinity for me and he dismisses "glamping" because he's never heard of it and it's not his thing. He prepares Lindsey for camping in the way he understands it and doesn't even bother to listen or educate himself on what this group of women is all about. Barb is friends with Toni who is part of the group and she could have helped everyone prepare. Some readers might be turned off by the feud between Toni, a pastor's wife, and Angie, a self-proclaimed "spiritual healer." I thought they were both poseurs and I liked Angie better until she became an opportunist.
The only character I really like is Wellie and I would read more about him. I also like the baking and campfire cooking isn't the same. Some of the recipes sound really good though. I'm not sure this camping trip qualifies as "glamping" since they're just camping in RVs in the woods like normal campers. Glamping is something entirely different. I don't know that much about it but it should be posh. I thought it involved big tents, beds, pillows, decorations and electricity and indoor plumbing and most definitely wifi and cell service!
This will be the last book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries due to the "changing face of the publishing industry" but apparently the author plans to continue with these characters, taking the story in a different direction. The cozy part of this story didn't wrap up very neatly which I feel is kind of a cheap hook to try to convince readers to follow Lindsey and friends. Almost all the series I read are cancelled now and if I can follow Lindsey and Wellie and friends (please ditch Rory and Kennedy) through the library, then I might be interested in reading more.
I stayed up until past 2 AM reading this book! The mystery was creepy and twisty. I never guessed who or why. I was really into the story until It got even more bizarre with the reveal and I was disappointed in the language used to describe the villain. I don't think the villain seemed very realistic to me and this is not the first time this author has relied on stereotypes for her plot. I thought Captain Willie had given Lindsey a big clue about what this may be about but that went nowhere until an "oh yeah..." moment towards the end.
I planned to write more of a review but I don't really feel like it. The plot was good, the characters not so much. I like Colleen because she's sensible and she accepts her Da for what he is but doesn't try to change him, just keep him on track. Lindsey is OK. She certainly loves her mother but she's not all that clever. Kennedy is still a drama queen but a little better in this last book. She admits her true feelings and worries at least. I can't stand Rory. He is imbued with too much toxic masculinity for me and he dismisses "glamping" because he's never heard of it and it's not his thing. He prepares Lindsey for camping in the way he understands it and doesn't even bother to listen or educate himself on what this group of women is all about. Barb is friends with Toni who is part of the group and she could have helped everyone prepare. Some readers might be turned off by the feud between Toni, a pastor's wife, and Angie, a self-proclaimed "spiritual healer." I thought they were both poseurs and I liked Angie better until she became an opportunist.
The only character I really like is Wellie and I would read more about him. I also like the baking and campfire cooking isn't the same. Some of the recipes sound really good though. I'm not sure this camping trip qualifies as "glamping" since they're just camping in RVs in the woods like normal campers. Glamping is something entirely different. I don't know that much about it but it should be posh. I thought it involved big tents, beds, pillows, decorations and electricity and indoor plumbing and most definitely wifi and cell service!
This will be the last book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries due to the "changing face of the publishing industry" but apparently the author plans to continue with these characters, taking the story in a different direction. The cozy part of this story didn't wrap up very neatly which I feel is kind of a cheap hook to try to convince readers to follow Lindsey and friends. Almost all the series I read are cancelled now and if I can follow Lindsey and Wellie and friends (please ditch Rory and Kennedy) through the library, then I might be interested in reading more.
July 7, 2026
This one was calling out to me and it hit the spot. I have not read any other books in this series but still loved this book. I will definitely be getting to more of them now. I love cozies and books set at camp. This was a fun, funny and entertaining mystery. I loved the whole glamping set up. The descriptions of the campers, the food, the relaxation, it was fantastic. This was a perfect read for summer. The murder mystery kept me guessing, and felt more like a thriller with some dark parts but also made me laugh too. There were some good twists that I totally didn't expect and I loved watching the characters put all the clues together to solve the mystery..I highly recommend this engaging, and fast paced read.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Hold on to your hats! Lindsey, her friends Kennedy and Colleen, her mom Ellie, and Ellie’s friend Betty are convinced to go glamping with the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club. The campground is way off the grid, but the vintage campers have all been upgraded, so maybe the adventure won’t be too bad. Ellie has wrangled Lindsey into entering the campfire cookout contest. With a little practice, Rory teaches her how to cook over the fire. But how will she stack up against the other contestants?
Food is all but forgotten when one of the campers is found dead in Ellie’s assigned camper. It appears to be an accidental death, but without cell service, there is no way to alert the authorities unless someone drives to the closest town to file a report. Then tires are slashed on all the vehicles. That death was no accident. Everyone quickly realizes they are stranded in the woods with a killer. While everyone is trying to find a way to get away from the campground, Lindsey tries to cook up a plan to reveal the killer before anyone else gets burned.
Ms. Hannah serves up quite a closed-room/campground mystery in this 7th Beacon Bakeshop Mystery. I had thought sometime in the future, Lindsey’s boyfriend, Rory, would get her out camping to share his love of the great outdoors. You could have knocked me over with a feather when Ellie convinced Lindsey, Kennedy, Colleen, and Betty to go on a glamping weekend, all to help her create clothes for those special women who camp or glamp. Granted, there was plenty of complaining. These characters stepped out of their comfort zones, and it was very interesting to see them away from the bakery, especially because Lindsey didn’t just leave Rory at home but Welly, her Newfoundland dog, too.
Knowing our campers had nothing to do with murder, there is a small number of suspects. Aside from some of them shopping at Ellie & Co., the ladies from Beacon Harbor don’t know much about their hosts from the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club. While trying to get them to open up, a few ways were tried to get help, but all failed. I felt their pain and fear.
The writing pulled me right in with each twist and turn. A special visit added intrigue, plus shook up the guys back home. While Ms. Hannah skillfully placed moments of humor, the suspense level hit a high pitch when an unexpected fact came to light. To say the pages flew was an understatement. One part was heartbreaking.
Before the story begins, Ms. Hannah places an Acknowledgement telling readers that Murder at the Campfire Cookout is the final book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Series. After my heart skipped a beat, I continued reading. This series is ending, but the characters I have come to love will be back in a spinoff, still set in Beacon Harbor. While she doesn’t give many details, the final pages of the story hint at changes ahead for Lindsey. That time in the woods made her think about her future. I can’t wait to see what Darci Hannah has planned for these wonderful characters. I hope to tag along with them for many more adventures and mysteries.
If you have not read this very entertaining series, or you need to catch up, now is the perfect time, so you will be ready when the spinoff launches.
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 Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Hold on to your hats! Lindsey, her friends Kennedy and Colleen, her mom Ellie, and Ellie’s friend Betty are convinced to go glamping with the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club. The campground is way off the grid, but the vintage campers have all been upgraded, so maybe the adventure won’t be too bad. Ellie has wrangled Lindsey into entering the campfire cookout contest. With a little practice, Rory teaches her how to cook over the fire. But how will she stack up against the other contestants?
Food is all but forgotten when one of the campers is found dead in Ellie’s assigned camper. It appears to be an accidental death, but without cell service, there is no way to alert the authorities unless someone drives to the closest town to file a report. Then tires are slashed on all the vehicles. That death was no accident. Everyone quickly realizes they are stranded in the woods with a killer. While everyone is trying to find a way to get away from the campground, Lindsey tries to cook up a plan to reveal the killer before anyone else gets burned.
Ms. Hannah serves up quite a closed-room/campground mystery in this 7th Beacon Bakeshop Mystery. I had thought sometime in the future, Lindsey’s boyfriend, Rory, would get her out camping to share his love of the great outdoors. You could have knocked me over with a feather when Ellie convinced Lindsey, Kennedy, Colleen, and Betty to go on a glamping weekend, all to help her create clothes for those special women who camp or glamp. Granted, there was plenty of complaining. These characters stepped out of their comfort zones, and it was very interesting to see them away from the bakery, especially because Lindsey didn’t just leave Rory at home but Welly, her Newfoundland dog, too.
Knowing our campers had nothing to do with murder, there is a small number of suspects. Aside from some of them shopping at Ellie & Co., the ladies from Beacon Harbor don’t know much about their hosts from the Mitten Kittens Glamping Club. While trying to get them to open up, a few ways were tried to get help, but all failed. I felt their pain and fear.
The writing pulled me right in with each twist and turn. A special visit added intrigue, plus shook up the guys back home. While Ms. Hannah skillfully placed moments of humor, the suspense level hit a high pitch when an unexpected fact came to light. To say the pages flew was an understatement. One part was heartbreaking.
Before the story begins, Ms. Hannah places an Acknowledgement telling readers that Murder at the Campfire Cookout is the final book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery Series. After my heart skipped a beat, I continued reading. This series is ending, but the characters I have come to love will be back in a spinoff, still set in Beacon Harbor. While she doesn’t give many details, the final pages of the story hint at changes ahead for Lindsey. That time in the woods made her think about her future. I can’t wait to see what Darci Hannah has planned for these wonderful characters. I hope to tag along with them for many more adventures and mysteries.
If you have not read this very entertaining series, or you need to catch up, now is the perfect time, so you will be ready when the spinoff launches.
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 Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 11, 2026
I bought this book without reading preview blurbs or reviews because it was book 7, and I was expecting it to continue getting better with each new book. Boy was I in for an unpleasant shock!
When I opened the book, I saw the forward letting readers know this would be the last book in the series. The reasons were kind of vague, but she indicated the characters would continue in some form in a future unspecified series. Well that was disappointing, but I hoped that knowing this was the last book, she would wrap up the story line and leave readers to look forward to what comes next!
When I got to the end of the first chapter, I saw that the author had decided to take the female characters on a “glamping trip” without the dog or the men. I hate it when authors take the characters of an ongoing series away from their usual setting and leave some of the most important story elements behind. For me, the main draw of the series is the lighthouse bakery and the dog. I really didn't want to read a story without the dog or the bakery. At least when it happens in the middle of a series, you know the next book will get back to the setting and characters that made you love the series in the first place.
Why on earth, knowing it was to be the final book, did she take away the best part of the series? My guess is she had already written at least the rough draft before she found out and by then deadlines and contracts were involved and it was too late to change it.
So at that point, I read the reviews. Many of the reviews said it had gone from cozy to more like a “thriller,” and I'm not a fan of thrillers. It followed the “locked room” formula of having them trapped in the deep woods without cell service. Somebody slashed all the tires and they had no way to go for help. There was no way I wanted to read about that glamping trip, so I read the final three chapters where they got rescued. I have no desire to read the middle. There were dangling plot threads. I don't know if they will be resolved in whatever new directions this former series takes.
We’ll see what happens with her next series, but I’m definitely going to be more proactive in reading previews and reviews!
When I opened the book, I saw the forward letting readers know this would be the last book in the series. The reasons were kind of vague, but she indicated the characters would continue in some form in a future unspecified series. Well that was disappointing, but I hoped that knowing this was the last book, she would wrap up the story line and leave readers to look forward to what comes next!
When I got to the end of the first chapter, I saw that the author had decided to take the female characters on a “glamping trip” without the dog or the men. I hate it when authors take the characters of an ongoing series away from their usual setting and leave some of the most important story elements behind. For me, the main draw of the series is the lighthouse bakery and the dog. I really didn't want to read a story without the dog or the bakery. At least when it happens in the middle of a series, you know the next book will get back to the setting and characters that made you love the series in the first place.
Why on earth, knowing it was to be the final book, did she take away the best part of the series? My guess is she had already written at least the rough draft before she found out and by then deadlines and contracts were involved and it was too late to change it.
So at that point, I read the reviews. Many of the reviews said it had gone from cozy to more like a “thriller,” and I'm not a fan of thrillers. It followed the “locked room” formula of having them trapped in the deep woods without cell service. Somebody slashed all the tires and they had no way to go for help. There was no way I wanted to read about that glamping trip, so I read the final three chapters where they got rescued. I have no desire to read the middle. There were dangling plot threads. I don't know if they will be resolved in whatever new directions this former series takes.
We’ll see what happens with her next series, but I’m definitely going to be more proactive in reading previews and reviews!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2026
Not one of my favorites in the series but still enjoyable. Lindsey along with her best friend and mom head out on a glamping trip. Lindsey enters a cookout competition and enlists her boyfriend for help on how to cook over a campfire since they can't use the traditional method of cooking. The recipes sounded so good and it definitely gave me nostalgic vibes from my time in Girl Scouts where we cooked out over a fire. it seemed a little convenient that they were out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service so of course once the body is discovered nobody can call anyone. All of their campers and vehicles are vandalized so it makes it impossible for them to go for help. They know that someone among the group had to have done it, so they start trying to figure out who is behind everything. I recently found out this is the last book in the series so I'm kind of sad that I didn't enjoy it as well, but I love this series as a whole and definitely recommend reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. #MurderattheCampfireCookout #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. #MurderattheCampfireCookout #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#MurderattheCampfireCookout #NetGalley is another fun addition to this well loved series.
When Lindsey's mom Ellie invites her for a glamping weekend, she definitely has her doubts.
A local glamping club has invited the ladies, because they are hoping Ellie would create a line of clothing that matches their idea of camping.
These ladies take their hobby seriously, beautiful campers with all the amenities, delectable food made over an open fire, and a tranquil setting that should relax everyone.
Unfortunately, nothing goes as planned, and when a glamper is found dead, in Ellie's camper, Lindsey knows there is trouble ahead.
This story is very good, I enjoyed the different setting and the characters were certainly a colorful group.
I'm excited to see what's in store next for Lindsey and her lighthouse bakery, as well as her relationship with Rory.
When Lindsey's mom Ellie invites her for a glamping weekend, she definitely has her doubts.
A local glamping club has invited the ladies, because they are hoping Ellie would create a line of clothing that matches their idea of camping.
These ladies take their hobby seriously, beautiful campers with all the amenities, delectable food made over an open fire, and a tranquil setting that should relax everyone.
Unfortunately, nothing goes as planned, and when a glamper is found dead, in Ellie's camper, Lindsey knows there is trouble ahead.
This story is very good, I enjoyed the different setting and the characters were certainly a colorful group.
I'm excited to see what's in store next for Lindsey and her lighthouse bakery, as well as her relationship with Rory.
October 10, 2025
Just getting the ratings kicked off to let everyone know how excited I am for this new addition to my favourite series! It’s going to be a long wait.
June 18, 2026
Arc Review!!! This is not the cutie girly, relaxing glamping trip that all the girls had hoped for. Half of them had never been camping. They loved to cook planned delicious, yummy cutie campfire meals. They were planning on using their ovens in their campers along with cooking over campfire. Of course there was lots of s’mores! One of the characters went on the trip, hoping to get some inspiration for cute glamping themed clothing line. These girls not only came to the campsite with their amazing cooking skills, but become great detectives too trying to figure out what’s going wrong and taking their girls away, who’s trying to hurt them, who slashed their tires, why they can’t get cell service, have one peaceful day or get too far away when trying to seek help without more bad things happening. Thank you NetGalley and Darci Hannah for this arc! If you love a good mystery then you must read this! It comes out June 30th. It was so cute and definitely not what I expected! Kept me wanting more and more trying to figure out who the murder is. Hint it’s not who you expect!
August 29, 2026
Lindsey leaves her lighthouse bakery when she goes camping for the first time with her mother Ellie and her best friends Kennedy and Colleen. They join a group of women who enjoy what they call Glamping- -glamorous camping. What starts out as a fun weekend away quickly turns deadly when one of the women is found dead in one of the "glampers". Is it a terrible accident or a murder? This was pretty spooky and the whole situation felt very menacing for a cozy. But it was a really enjoyable entry in one of my favorite cozy mystery series.
July 16, 2026
The book starts with the Acknowledgements saying this is the last book in the series “as it now stands” -whatever that may mean. Obviously a decision of the publisher, the author says the series will continue with a new series title.
This book is a departure in almost every way from previous in the series. Lindsay and all other recurring female main characters go “glamping”. The overuse of the word “glamping” is enough to make the reader nuts. I read on Kindle allowing me to search the word. 498 times it or variations thereof are used. Here glamping is nothing more than camping in trailers that have been redecorated in girly foo-foo. There are no special amenities to elevate it.
A psycho killer (another overused term) provides a continuous stream of accidents, poisoning, sabotage and terror. After the tires of all their vehicles are slashed it’s clear they are stranded. Yet did any of the glampers ever suggest conserving food. No they did not. They still had smores parties and three course meals. The only realistic acknowledgement of being in a tenuous situation was the mention that they were boiling lake water for drinking.
Pretty sure one of the first rules of wilderness camping is make sure people know where you are. Not only don’t Lindsey or her fellow Beacon Harbor residents tell anyone where they are going but none of the experienced glampers seem to have a clue how far or which direction civilization may be.
Lindsey and the other “young” glampers set out to find help. As the mystery is about to conclude, the ladies finally reach a cabin where of course the man has a pet bear which is welcome inside. Why not? But before going to rescue one of their group, Lindsey helps him make pasties. What?? Is locating a missing woman not an emergency?
The end of the book was such a combination of tall tale and unlikely occurrences that it seemed the author might have just thrown together the last few chapters as a joke.
This book is a departure in almost every way from previous in the series. Lindsay and all other recurring female main characters go “glamping”. The overuse of the word “glamping” is enough to make the reader nuts. I read on Kindle allowing me to search the word. 498 times it or variations thereof are used. Here glamping is nothing more than camping in trailers that have been redecorated in girly foo-foo. There are no special amenities to elevate it.
A psycho killer (another overused term) provides a continuous stream of accidents, poisoning, sabotage and terror. After the tires of all their vehicles are slashed it’s clear they are stranded. Yet did any of the glampers ever suggest conserving food. No they did not. They still had smores parties and three course meals. The only realistic acknowledgement of being in a tenuous situation was the mention that they were boiling lake water for drinking.
Pretty sure one of the first rules of wilderness camping is make sure people know where you are. Not only don’t Lindsey or her fellow Beacon Harbor residents tell anyone where they are going but none of the experienced glampers seem to have a clue how far or which direction civilization may be.
Lindsey and the other “young” glampers set out to find help. As the mystery is about to conclude, the ladies finally reach a cabin where of course the man has a pet bear which is welcome inside. Why not? But before going to rescue one of their group, Lindsey helps him make pasties. What?? Is locating a missing woman not an emergency?
The end of the book was such a combination of tall tale and unlikely occurrences that it seemed the author might have just thrown together the last few chapters as a joke.
July 9, 2026
Murder at the Campfire Cookout by Darci Hannah was a fun romp in the woods as Lindsey, Kennedy, Lindsey’s mom, Elle and several others accept Betty’s off to go glamping. There is going to be a campfire cookout which, of course, Lindsey is particularly interested in. Rory immediately starts schooling her on how to cook and bake over an open flame and she seems ready when it is time to go. The girls are all amazed when they get to the campsite and see the darling little trailers, perfect for a group of women. Things seem to be going well until the cookout, when the winner for the previous three years sneaks into Elle’s trailer to use the oven, which is a clear violation of the rules. Elle discovers her shortly after, dead on the floor. Electrocuted by a short that sends current flying out through the handle. She had a pacemaker; for anyone else it was a slight shock. This is the first of many things that happens. Things that are killing people and making it impossible to leave the campsite. Of course, they are out of cell range.
Lindsey is a terrific character who is going to continue on in a slightly new series in her new career as a caterer. She is going to give over the running of her bakery to others. Her friend, Kennedy, is the comic relief as she is the English city girl totally out of her element. Especially in the woods. It is a clever plot and the only thing I found upsetting was that Rory, Huck, and Lindsey’s dad had to ride in for the rescue. I would have preferred they get out of this mess on their own. The story features a seriously crazy woman who has been stalking Elle for months. Who knew? This is a fun series and I am looking forward to the new one, which won’t be all that different from this old one. Good read.
I was invited to read Murder at the Campfire Cookout by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgallely #KensingtonPublishing #DarciHannah #MurderAtTheCampfireCookout
Lindsey is a terrific character who is going to continue on in a slightly new series in her new career as a caterer. She is going to give over the running of her bakery to others. Her friend, Kennedy, is the comic relief as she is the English city girl totally out of her element. Especially in the woods. It is a clever plot and the only thing I found upsetting was that Rory, Huck, and Lindsey’s dad had to ride in for the rescue. I would have preferred they get out of this mess on their own. The story features a seriously crazy woman who has been stalking Elle for months. Who knew? This is a fun series and I am looking forward to the new one, which won’t be all that different from this old one. Good read.
I was invited to read Murder at the Campfire Cookout by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgallely #KensingtonPublishing #DarciHannah #MurderAtTheCampfireCookout
September 20, 2026
I received this book courtesy of the Goodreads First Reads Program for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Lindsey's idea of an adventure was completing the transformation of the Beacon Lighthouse into the Beacon Bakeshop. Unfortunately for her, Ellie--a former supermodel and her mother--is planning on taking on a new boutique shop with Kennedy, and branching out into the glamping scene. These camper vans are refurbished vintage vehicles that were transformed into what could only be called rolling she-sheds, complete with cute decorations and glitzy accents. When one of the glampers dies at the campfire cookout, it's presumed to be an accident. The slashed tires and missing trailer hitches quickly set that matter straight. Why is all of the bad fortune landing on the Happy Glampers? Can Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen find a way out of the woods? Will Betty be okay? And what is wrong with Kennedy? Let's find out.
Dislikes: I wasn't expecting Captain Willy Riggs to show up. This is because I started this series so late. It's a ghastly surprise, if you catch my meaning.
Ellie's stalker was a hot mess. It isn't the '80's any longer. You can't just reverse time, any more than you can isolate your 'friend' for your sanity.
Likes: The Happy Glampers were a fun group to join up with. Even the verbal spars between the pastor's wife and the spiritualist could put a smile on your face.
Rory and Tucker were quite willing to heed warnings that came their way.
Lindsey and her friends managed to keep their heads while the campground was descending into chaos and panic.
We also get a good set of recipes in this book.
Favorite Scene: Lindsey got to hear Welly. I'm sure that sound freaked out her 'host' at that moment.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like the Beacon Bakeshop, or cozy mysteries as a whole, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Lindsey's idea of an adventure was completing the transformation of the Beacon Lighthouse into the Beacon Bakeshop. Unfortunately for her, Ellie--a former supermodel and her mother--is planning on taking on a new boutique shop with Kennedy, and branching out into the glamping scene. These camper vans are refurbished vintage vehicles that were transformed into what could only be called rolling she-sheds, complete with cute decorations and glitzy accents. When one of the glampers dies at the campfire cookout, it's presumed to be an accident. The slashed tires and missing trailer hitches quickly set that matter straight. Why is all of the bad fortune landing on the Happy Glampers? Can Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen find a way out of the woods? Will Betty be okay? And what is wrong with Kennedy? Let's find out.
Dislikes: I wasn't expecting Captain Willy Riggs to show up. This is because I started this series so late. It's a ghastly surprise, if you catch my meaning.
Ellie's stalker was a hot mess. It isn't the '80's any longer. You can't just reverse time, any more than you can isolate your 'friend' for your sanity.
Likes: The Happy Glampers were a fun group to join up with. Even the verbal spars between the pastor's wife and the spiritualist could put a smile on your face.
Rory and Tucker were quite willing to heed warnings that came their way.
Lindsey and her friends managed to keep their heads while the campground was descending into chaos and panic.
We also get a good set of recipes in this book.
Favorite Scene: Lindsey got to hear Welly. I'm sure that sound freaked out her 'host' at that moment.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like the Beacon Bakeshop, or cozy mysteries as a whole, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
July 15, 2026
This is a series I had come to enjoy quite a bit, and I was sad to learn that this book would be the last in the series as it is. It is encouraging to note that the author is going to do a spin-off with some of the characters we have grown to know and love. All that being said, I was not really a fan of this book. To start, half of the characters we have come to know and love played very minimal parts in the book! No Welly, no Rory, no Tucker, no Bakeshop or staff. Instead, the ladies go glamping, I enjoy a fish out of water troupe as much as the next gal, but really, this was cringe worthy! So anti everything Ellie, Kennedy, Betty, and Colleen are, and Lindsay is not much better. To add to this, they are set up in a situation that is just not believable. These are intelligent modern women who would not put themselves in this situation without communication and any kind support or backup, especially in a situation so unfamiliar to them. Finally, I found this mystery to be very dark for a cozy mystery, much drama, brutality, cruelty, and dark suspense. The writing was as good as we have come to expect from this author, and I will definitely read the first book in the spin-off, but this book was not my cup of tea. #MurderattheCampfireCookout #ABeaconBakeshopMystery #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
June 9, 2026
Ahhh! There’s so much I want to say, but I can’t! I don’t even know where to begin. Okay okay. First, I laughed a lot. The Elvis reference sent me. Don’t even get me started on the conversation about cryptids. I was honestly surprised about how much darker certain aspects of this book were compared to previous ones and I don’t mean that in a bad way. I enjoyed the whole book thoroughly, it just came as a surprise is all. Other than the murder that puts a damper on the glampers, the whole idea sounded really fun & cute. (Thank you, thank you. I thought the rhyme was funny) seriously though, the setting sounds absolutely gorgeous & like it would be a really fun experience. My only complaint is that we didn’t get nearly enough Welly in this book. I’m looking forward to what lays ahead.
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing for the arc.
Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing for the arc.
June 30, 2026
I adore this series and this was a good way to shake things up! Instead of the lighthouse and the bakeshop we spend this one deep in the woods, totally disconnected from the world. Even though I am not a big camper, I could admire how fun it would be to good and this just gave all those summer feelings. The mystery was super tricky and the author stumped me so many times that I was totally surprised by each twist. I did miss Welly, Rory, and our resident ghost but love how they were worked into the story as well. Kennedy cracked me up as always. Fast paced with such a sweet ending - I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
July 5, 2026
Darci Hannah takes us on one WILD ride in Murder at the Campfire Cookout, and it is spectacular! At times it feels like we are moving from the land of cozy mystery to the border of thriller-land, while still keeping it fun and with enough of the crazy that has made the Beacon Bakeshop one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I can't wait to see where she takes us next.
P.S.
The themes in this one are so much fun for someone who lived for a while full time in a vintage trailer, met their husband on a backpacking trip with a gourmet campfire cooking theme, and has been a lover of the great outdoors for all of her nearly 50 years of life. I am just so glad I never experienced a camping trip like this! 🤣🤣🤣
P.S.
The themes in this one are so much fun for someone who lived for a while full time in a vintage trailer, met their husband on a backpacking trip with a gourmet campfire cooking theme, and has been a lover of the great outdoors for all of her nearly 50 years of life. I am just so glad I never experienced a camping trip like this! 🤣🤣🤣
July 1, 2026
I always enjoy returning to the Beacon Bakeshop—it feels like catching up with old friends. I loved that this story gave each of the ladies a chance to shine, with everyone playing an important role in solving the mystery. Their friendships and teamwork are one of my favorite parts of this series.
It’s bittersweet knowing this series is coming to an end, but if this finale is any indication, it’s ending on a high note. While I’ll definitely miss visiting the Beacon Bakeshop, I’m excited to see what Lindsey and her team create next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It’s bittersweet knowing this series is coming to an end, but if this finale is any indication, it’s ending on a high note. While I’ll definitely miss visiting the Beacon Bakeshop, I’m excited to see what Lindsey and her team create next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 18, 2026
I had such a fun time with this book! I'm definitely in my cozy mystery era and this delivered. This series is a lot of fun and I highly recommend it if you want a cozy mystery that actually has a great and twisty mystery while also delivering on the cozy aspects. Also there's an adorable dog in it! Can't wait for more in this series!
July 17, 2026
Audiobook: 8 hr & 40 min 🐶🏕️🔪
August 20, 2026
Silly, but some aspects of a good cozy mystery.
July 7, 2026
While I thought this story had a few minor problems, the twists and turns, the location and my enjoyable reading experience put this book in the 5-star category. The author has mentioned some changes with these characters and this series. I look forward to seeing what comes next!
August 21, 2026
4.25
Darci Hannah is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Most of this book is in an isolated campground, which raises the stakes. It's fast paced with a lot of action and the mystery aspect is very good. I think this is the last book in the series and I wish it could have gone on longer.
Darci Hannah is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Most of this book is in an isolated campground, which raises the stakes. It's fast paced with a lot of action and the mystery aspect is very good. I think this is the last book in the series and I wish it could have gone on longer.
September 7, 2026
Great finish to the series. I am going to miss it. I understand these characters may show up again and I am looking forward to it.
July 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rounded to 4.5 stars.
I first learned of this series when I was approved for an ARC of the first book. I’m such a huge sucker for cozy mysteries that I couldn’t resist continuing with the series. I’ve become a huge fan of Darci Hannah, and have fallen in love with Beacon Harbor, Lindsey, Rory, Kennedy, and especially Welly. So I was prepared to love this one too.
Lindsey, a successful Wall Street Banker who left NY behind after an ugly breakup, restored the Beacon Harbor lighthouse and turned it into both a home and a bakery that has been immensely successful. However, her arrival in Beacon Harbor has been plagued with murders that she’s had a hand in solving. Of course, she doesn’t do it alone; she’s now got her parents and best friend living in Beacon Harbor, a wonderful boyfriend, and a whole community to rally behind her. In this book, we leave Beacon Harbor and her beloved Welly (a doofy Newfoundland who is hands down my favorite character in the books) behind for a glamorous camping (glamping) trip in the UP, or Upper Peninsula of Michigan that her mother, Betty, Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen all get invited to.
I knew this would be a fun one, since none of these women are those who might enjoy a camping trip in the isolated wilds of Michigan, to the dismay of Rory aka Sir-Hunts-A-Lot. I was most curious to see how they would adapt to spending a weekend off the grid, especially Kennedy who is addicted to her phone and dressing glamorously. Even Ellie, a former supermodel, wasn’t quite prepared to go camping, but the promise of *glamping* won them over. And I couldn’t help but fall in love with the tricked out campers that have been transformed into kitschy glampers. Hannah does a fantastic job with the imagery, and I had no problem picturing these glampers in my head. It even had me curious about giving it a try, but then things fell apart and I found myself reconsidering the idea of glamping.
While Ellie was invited to come to a trip by the Happy Glampers, a group of women who glamp together, in hopes that she would be able to design a line of beautiful and functional glamping clothing. Additionally, there is a campfire cookout scheduled, and Lindsey is going to be participating. Since the campfire cookout requires participants to only use a campfire and not the stove or oven that can be found in the glampers, Lindsey has to do some preparation to learn how to cook over a fire, and Rory is the guy she turns to. As an experienced hunter and camper, in addition to his other talents, he and one of Lindsey’s bakeshop employees help her develop and practice some campfire recipes, along with learning how to start and maintain a campfire. I knew Lindsey was going to come up with something outstanding, and I was thrilled to discover that the recipes she used were included in the back of the book. And the best part of that is how they’ve been adapted for the kitchen so a campfire isn’t needed.
Instead of the light and fun tone of the previous books, this one still has light and fun sections, but the tension slowly ratchets up over the course of the story. It’s also much more atmospheric with a growing feeling of claustrophobia in the isolated campground, a suspicious death, no phone service, surrounded by trees and a lake. When their vehicles are tampered with, there appears to be no way out except on foot or across the lake. So the women are forced to figure out who among them could have done this horrible act, while also worrying about their own safety. A series of suspicious acts also occurs, adding to the tension and giving this the feel of a locked room mystery.
Fortunately, this is still a cozy mystery and keeps the tone lighter than a typical suspense, thriller, or mystery. There are funny moments, and I love seeing the women interact with each other. Lindsey, Kennedy, and now Colleen, have become a fantastic trio and it’s wonderful to see them all growing closer and enjoying each other’s company, turning their duo into a group. The friendship between Ellie and Betty also grows stronger as they face an unknown threat. Amidst all the murder and investigations, we see the five city girls getting more comfortable in the woods, and they do a fantastic job of overcoming challenges together and trusting their instincts.
Overall, I was really impressed with how the author was able to successfully shift settings and storylines throughout the series and keep things from feeling formulaic and repetitive. One of my favorite things has been the character growth over the course of the series, but also in each book. In this book, it wasn’t just Lindsey who made progress—the side characters also show growth and feel like a group that I would love to hang out with (minus the murders, of course). Kennedy showed a ton of growth in this book especially, but all of the side characters feel well-rounded and realistic. I had fun with the alliteration in the names of the characters from the Happy Glampers, like Babs Babbington and Hilly Henderson. The mystery felt higher stakes in this book, but at this point in the series, I’m pretty attached to the Bakewell family and their found family so I was more emotionally invested than I was in the first book, making this the perfect time to write this story. While there isn’t a cliffhanger ending, there is something to look forward to in the next book, and I’m not just talking about Lindsey’s yummy recipes. I hope this series continues long enough to see the events set up in this book play out.
Bottom line: Another outstanding book in this series, and a departure from the usual setting of the bakeshop, Hannah shows her mastery of cozy mysteries with another book that avoids being formulaic and incorporates a fun cast of characters you can’t help but love.
Rounded to 4.5 stars.
I first learned of this series when I was approved for an ARC of the first book. I’m such a huge sucker for cozy mysteries that I couldn’t resist continuing with the series. I’ve become a huge fan of Darci Hannah, and have fallen in love with Beacon Harbor, Lindsey, Rory, Kennedy, and especially Welly. So I was prepared to love this one too.
Lindsey, a successful Wall Street Banker who left NY behind after an ugly breakup, restored the Beacon Harbor lighthouse and turned it into both a home and a bakery that has been immensely successful. However, her arrival in Beacon Harbor has been plagued with murders that she’s had a hand in solving. Of course, she doesn’t do it alone; she’s now got her parents and best friend living in Beacon Harbor, a wonderful boyfriend, and a whole community to rally behind her. In this book, we leave Beacon Harbor and her beloved Welly (a doofy Newfoundland who is hands down my favorite character in the books) behind for a glamorous camping (glamping) trip in the UP, or Upper Peninsula of Michigan that her mother, Betty, Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen all get invited to.
I knew this would be a fun one, since none of these women are those who might enjoy a camping trip in the isolated wilds of Michigan, to the dismay of Rory aka Sir-Hunts-A-Lot. I was most curious to see how they would adapt to spending a weekend off the grid, especially Kennedy who is addicted to her phone and dressing glamorously. Even Ellie, a former supermodel, wasn’t quite prepared to go camping, but the promise of *glamping* won them over. And I couldn’t help but fall in love with the tricked out campers that have been transformed into kitschy glampers. Hannah does a fantastic job with the imagery, and I had no problem picturing these glampers in my head. It even had me curious about giving it a try, but then things fell apart and I found myself reconsidering the idea of glamping.
While Ellie was invited to come to a trip by the Happy Glampers, a group of women who glamp together, in hopes that she would be able to design a line of beautiful and functional glamping clothing. Additionally, there is a campfire cookout scheduled, and Lindsey is going to be participating. Since the campfire cookout requires participants to only use a campfire and not the stove or oven that can be found in the glampers, Lindsey has to do some preparation to learn how to cook over a fire, and Rory is the guy she turns to. As an experienced hunter and camper, in addition to his other talents, he and one of Lindsey’s bakeshop employees help her develop and practice some campfire recipes, along with learning how to start and maintain a campfire. I knew Lindsey was going to come up with something outstanding, and I was thrilled to discover that the recipes she used were included in the back of the book. And the best part of that is how they’ve been adapted for the kitchen so a campfire isn’t needed.
Instead of the light and fun tone of the previous books, this one still has light and fun sections, but the tension slowly ratchets up over the course of the story. It’s also much more atmospheric with a growing feeling of claustrophobia in the isolated campground, a suspicious death, no phone service, surrounded by trees and a lake. When their vehicles are tampered with, there appears to be no way out except on foot or across the lake. So the women are forced to figure out who among them could have done this horrible act, while also worrying about their own safety. A series of suspicious acts also occurs, adding to the tension and giving this the feel of a locked room mystery.
Fortunately, this is still a cozy mystery and keeps the tone lighter than a typical suspense, thriller, or mystery. There are funny moments, and I love seeing the women interact with each other. Lindsey, Kennedy, and now Colleen, have become a fantastic trio and it’s wonderful to see them all growing closer and enjoying each other’s company, turning their duo into a group. The friendship between Ellie and Betty also grows stronger as they face an unknown threat. Amidst all the murder and investigations, we see the five city girls getting more comfortable in the woods, and they do a fantastic job of overcoming challenges together and trusting their instincts.
Overall, I was really impressed with how the author was able to successfully shift settings and storylines throughout the series and keep things from feeling formulaic and repetitive. One of my favorite things has been the character growth over the course of the series, but also in each book. In this book, it wasn’t just Lindsey who made progress—the side characters also show growth and feel like a group that I would love to hang out with (minus the murders, of course). Kennedy showed a ton of growth in this book especially, but all of the side characters feel well-rounded and realistic. I had fun with the alliteration in the names of the characters from the Happy Glampers, like Babs Babbington and Hilly Henderson. The mystery felt higher stakes in this book, but at this point in the series, I’m pretty attached to the Bakewell family and their found family so I was more emotionally invested than I was in the first book, making this the perfect time to write this story. While there isn’t a cliffhanger ending, there is something to look forward to in the next book, and I’m not just talking about Lindsey’s yummy recipes. I hope this series continues long enough to see the events set up in this book play out.
Bottom line: Another outstanding book in this series, and a departure from the usual setting of the bakeshop, Hannah shows her mastery of cozy mysteries with another book that avoids being formulaic and incorporates a fun cast of characters you can’t help but love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lindsey Bakewell leaving her lighthouse bakery, Rory, and Wellington behind for a mother-daughter glamping trip already feels like a cry for help. This woman runs a bakery in a lighthouse. Her baseline is flour, frosting, ocean breeze, and a giant Newfoundland who should legally be classified as emotional support architecture. So sending her into the Michigan woods with no cell service and a campfire cookout contest feels less like vacation and more like someone lost a bet with nature.
And Ellie, her glamorous former 80s model mom, is the exact kind of woman who can look at the wilderness and see not bugs, bears, and probable death, but branding. The Mitten Kittens Glamping Club invites her along, Ellie starts dreaming up boutique fashion for women who want to commune with nature without looking like they’ve been personally attacked by REI, and suddenly Lindsey is being voluntold into campfire cooking like this is Project Runway: S’mores Edition.
The food sounds incredible, which is deeply rude. Lindsey is out here making pizza, berry cobbler, and gooey Carmelita bars over a campfire while I’m fighting for my life with whatever sad cheese situation is happening in my fridge. Darci Hannah knows exactly what she’s doing with these food descriptions. She lures you in with warm cozy carbs, then casually drops a body in Ellie’s camper like the world’s worst turndown service.
That’s where the book really gets going. What starts as a cute little woodsy getaway becomes a locked-campsite camping nightmare with slashed tires, no cell service, suspicious glampers, and everyone slowly realizing the bears might actually be the least problematic creatures in the forest. I love a cozy mystery where the group goes from “what a charming rustic escape” to “oh cool, we are trapped with a murderer and someone packed statement jewelry.”
Lindsey is fun here because she’s capable, but not in that fake superhero way where she magically knows how to do everything. She’s out of her element, annoyed about it, and still trying to keep everyone alive, which is my preferred amateur sleuth flavor. She’s not chasing danger because she has a death wish. She’s chasing answers because her mother is involved, people are lying, and apparently no one else at this campsite can be trusted to behave like they’ve seen even one episode of Dateline.
Ellie gives the whole thing its emotional sparkle. She is fabulous, ambitious, a little too confident in the power of a good idea, and exactly the kind of mom who can accidentally drag everyone into a murder situation while technically trying to help her business. But underneath the glamping nonsense and boutique dreams, the Lindsey-and-Ellie relationship has real warmth. It’s that mother-daughter cocktail of love, panic, irritation, loyalty, and “I swear, if you get murdered on this trip, I’m going to be furious with you.”
Kennedy and Colleen help keep the chaos moving, and I loved that the women have to work this one out without the usual boyfriend cavalry charging in with badges, muscles, and emotional competence. Rory can teach Lindsey some outdoorsy tricks, sure, but once the tires are slashed and the bodies start making the itinerary weird, it’s the ladies’ problem to solve. Terrible for their blood pressure, excellent for my entertainment.
Do some choices make me want to take everyone’s car keys, flashlights, and crime scene privileges away? Absolutely. There are moments where the handling of the body and the “let’s just keep moving through this obvious nightmare” energy had me blinking into the middle distance like a disappointed forensic aunt. But cozy mysteries live in a world where civilians investigate murders between snacks, so I adjusted my expectations, poured a metaphorical drink, and let the nonsense wash over me like bug spray and bad decisions.
This seventh Beacon Bakeshop Mystery still has the cozy comfort of the series, but the change of scenery gives it a fresh little jolt. I missed the full lighthouse bakery vibe a bit, because that place is basically a serotonin machine with frosting, but the Upper Peninsula glamping setup works. It’s cute, claustrophobic, and just unhinged enough to make every cheerful camper feel like they might be hiding either a secret or a felony. Possibly both. Outdoor hobbies are suspicious.
Four stars, because it’s fun, tasty, lightly feral, and gives Lindsey a murder mystery that smells like campfire smoke, baked sugar, and poor group decision-making. It’s cozy, it’s chaotic, it knows exactly when to toss another log on the fire, and it made me want dessert while also confirming that I should never go anywhere without cell service unless legally required.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Glamping Weekend Into Survivor, But With Better Desserts and Worse Evidence Handling.
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, because there's nothing like receiving a cozy mystery where everyone packs cute outfits and immediately discovers that the woods have chosen murder.
And Ellie, her glamorous former 80s model mom, is the exact kind of woman who can look at the wilderness and see not bugs, bears, and probable death, but branding. The Mitten Kittens Glamping Club invites her along, Ellie starts dreaming up boutique fashion for women who want to commune with nature without looking like they’ve been personally attacked by REI, and suddenly Lindsey is being voluntold into campfire cooking like this is Project Runway: S’mores Edition.
The food sounds incredible, which is deeply rude. Lindsey is out here making pizza, berry cobbler, and gooey Carmelita bars over a campfire while I’m fighting for my life with whatever sad cheese situation is happening in my fridge. Darci Hannah knows exactly what she’s doing with these food descriptions. She lures you in with warm cozy carbs, then casually drops a body in Ellie’s camper like the world’s worst turndown service.
That’s where the book really gets going. What starts as a cute little woodsy getaway becomes a locked-campsite camping nightmare with slashed tires, no cell service, suspicious glampers, and everyone slowly realizing the bears might actually be the least problematic creatures in the forest. I love a cozy mystery where the group goes from “what a charming rustic escape” to “oh cool, we are trapped with a murderer and someone packed statement jewelry.”
Lindsey is fun here because she’s capable, but not in that fake superhero way where she magically knows how to do everything. She’s out of her element, annoyed about it, and still trying to keep everyone alive, which is my preferred amateur sleuth flavor. She’s not chasing danger because she has a death wish. She’s chasing answers because her mother is involved, people are lying, and apparently no one else at this campsite can be trusted to behave like they’ve seen even one episode of Dateline.
Ellie gives the whole thing its emotional sparkle. She is fabulous, ambitious, a little too confident in the power of a good idea, and exactly the kind of mom who can accidentally drag everyone into a murder situation while technically trying to help her business. But underneath the glamping nonsense and boutique dreams, the Lindsey-and-Ellie relationship has real warmth. It’s that mother-daughter cocktail of love, panic, irritation, loyalty, and “I swear, if you get murdered on this trip, I’m going to be furious with you.”
Kennedy and Colleen help keep the chaos moving, and I loved that the women have to work this one out without the usual boyfriend cavalry charging in with badges, muscles, and emotional competence. Rory can teach Lindsey some outdoorsy tricks, sure, but once the tires are slashed and the bodies start making the itinerary weird, it’s the ladies’ problem to solve. Terrible for their blood pressure, excellent for my entertainment.
Do some choices make me want to take everyone’s car keys, flashlights, and crime scene privileges away? Absolutely. There are moments where the handling of the body and the “let’s just keep moving through this obvious nightmare” energy had me blinking into the middle distance like a disappointed forensic aunt. But cozy mysteries live in a world where civilians investigate murders between snacks, so I adjusted my expectations, poured a metaphorical drink, and let the nonsense wash over me like bug spray and bad decisions.
This seventh Beacon Bakeshop Mystery still has the cozy comfort of the series, but the change of scenery gives it a fresh little jolt. I missed the full lighthouse bakery vibe a bit, because that place is basically a serotonin machine with frosting, but the Upper Peninsula glamping setup works. It’s cute, claustrophobic, and just unhinged enough to make every cheerful camper feel like they might be hiding either a secret or a felony. Possibly both. Outdoor hobbies are suspicious.
Four stars, because it’s fun, tasty, lightly feral, and gives Lindsey a murder mystery that smells like campfire smoke, baked sugar, and poor group decision-making. It’s cozy, it’s chaotic, it knows exactly when to toss another log on the fire, and it made me want dessert while also confirming that I should never go anywhere without cell service unless legally required.
Whodunity Award: For Turning a Glamping Weekend Into Survivor, But With Better Desserts and Worse Evidence Handling.
Huge thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC, because there's nothing like receiving a cozy mystery where everyone packs cute outfits and immediately discovers that the woods have chosen murder.
July 13, 2026
⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Cozy Mystery
📖 Format: Ebook
🔍 How I Found This Book:
Darling Desi shared this book on her Instagram stories as the perfect summer read.
📝 Summary:
Ellie (Lindsey's mom) has just purchased a larger storefront for Ellie & Co. As they look to expand their product offerings, someone suggests adding a glamping line since camping is so popular with women in Michigan.
Lindsey, Ellie, Kennedy, and Colleen don't really know what glamping is—and they've certainly never been camping before—but they're willing to give it a try. They head to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for their very first camping adventure with the Happy Glampers, an all-female camping club. While the campsite is remote, the campers and their setups are adorable, making them feel much more confident about the experience. Unfortunately, their first night takes a dark turn when an accidental death occurs at the campground. Things only get worse when help doesn't arrive as quickly as they expect, leaving everyone stranded with a growing sense of danger.
💭 Favorite Part:
There were so many parts of this book that I enjoyed. It was such a fun, quick read! One of my favorite scenes was near the end when Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen decide to follow the ATV. I loved their encounter with the bear and the Sasquatch.
I also liked the small nods to the area including the copper mines and the pasties.
👤 Favorite Character:
I really enjoyed Kennedy and Colleen (Lindsey's friends) in this book. Their complete lack of camping experience, combined with their unique personalities and stubbornness, created some genuinely funny moments throughout the story.
🎯 Themes / Takeaways:
* Isolation and claustrophobia
* Camaraderie and female empowerment
* Deception vs. authenticity
⚡ My Thoughts / Reactions:
This was such a fun cozy mystery and a really quick read. I especially enjoyed it because it takes place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where I went to college. It was fun recognizing the setting, and I thought the author did a great job building a mystery around such a unique location. The different attempts to keep the group from leaving the campground kept the story interesting, and I really liked the twist at the end.
One thing I always notice is whether I find myself talking about a book while I'm reading it. I ended up giving my husband several updates about what was happening, and even he seemed invested in how everything was going to play out.
There were a few fantasy elements, like the ghost and the Sasquatch in the woods, but they added a little whimsy to the story rather than making it feel unbelievable. Overall, I thought it was a nice balance. This is definitely a great summer read.
✅ Would I Recommend?
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, especially if you're familiar with Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I think readers who know the area will get an extra kick out of the setting.
🔖 Notes for Next Time:
This is the second book I've read by this author, and both were recommendations from Darling Desi. I've really enjoyed both of them. They each had a strong seasonal setting, which I think added to the overall charm. I probably won't read the entire series, but if I come across another one that matches the season I'm in, I'll definitely pick it up.
📚 Genre: Cozy Mystery
📖 Format: Ebook
🔍 How I Found This Book:
Darling Desi shared this book on her Instagram stories as the perfect summer read.
📝 Summary:
Ellie (Lindsey's mom) has just purchased a larger storefront for Ellie & Co. As they look to expand their product offerings, someone suggests adding a glamping line since camping is so popular with women in Michigan.
Lindsey, Ellie, Kennedy, and Colleen don't really know what glamping is—and they've certainly never been camping before—but they're willing to give it a try. They head to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for their very first camping adventure with the Happy Glampers, an all-female camping club. While the campsite is remote, the campers and their setups are adorable, making them feel much more confident about the experience. Unfortunately, their first night takes a dark turn when an accidental death occurs at the campground. Things only get worse when help doesn't arrive as quickly as they expect, leaving everyone stranded with a growing sense of danger.
💭 Favorite Part:
There were so many parts of this book that I enjoyed. It was such a fun, quick read! One of my favorite scenes was near the end when Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen decide to follow the ATV. I loved their encounter with the bear and the Sasquatch.
I also liked the small nods to the area including the copper mines and the pasties.
👤 Favorite Character:
I really enjoyed Kennedy and Colleen (Lindsey's friends) in this book. Their complete lack of camping experience, combined with their unique personalities and stubbornness, created some genuinely funny moments throughout the story.
🎯 Themes / Takeaways:
* Isolation and claustrophobia
* Camaraderie and female empowerment
* Deception vs. authenticity
⚡ My Thoughts / Reactions:
This was such a fun cozy mystery and a really quick read. I especially enjoyed it because it takes place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where I went to college. It was fun recognizing the setting, and I thought the author did a great job building a mystery around such a unique location. The different attempts to keep the group from leaving the campground kept the story interesting, and I really liked the twist at the end.
One thing I always notice is whether I find myself talking about a book while I'm reading it. I ended up giving my husband several updates about what was happening, and even he seemed invested in how everything was going to play out.
There were a few fantasy elements, like the ghost and the Sasquatch in the woods, but they added a little whimsy to the story rather than making it feel unbelievable. Overall, I thought it was a nice balance. This is definitely a great summer read.
✅ Would I Recommend?
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, especially if you're familiar with Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I think readers who know the area will get an extra kick out of the setting.
🔖 Notes for Next Time:
This is the second book I've read by this author, and both were recommendations from Darling Desi. I've really enjoyed both of them. They each had a strong seasonal setting, which I think added to the overall charm. I probably won't read the entire series, but if I come across another one that matches the season I'm in, I'll definitely pick it up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lindsey Bakewell, owner of the lighthouse bakery in Michigan, is convinced by her mother Ellie to go on a glamping trip, along with her friends Kennedy and Colleen. Getting back to nature isn't in her nature even though they'll be in 'glampers' which are converted campers that have all the comforts of home. Her mother has even entered her in a cookout contest -- which she doesn't know how to do, so i and given lessons by her boyfriend Rory, a true outdoorsman.
The first night starts off fine, with Lindsey thinking she might have a chance at winning. But when one of the campers uses Ellie's bathroom, she never returns. Ellie and her friend Betty find the woman in front of the stove, dead. It turns out she was going to use the stove and cheat, but was electrocuted instead.
Then another camper offers to take the body into town to the coroner, since there is no cell service in the UP where they are. But she doesn't return. And when Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen head out to town to find help, they find another tragedy. It's not long before the women realize that they are truly stranded...and someone is after Lindsey's mother.
All their tires are slashed, and another accident occurs. Determined at all costs to keep her mother safe, the three young women are on a quest to find help and save the group, but will they be able to find help before someone else is injured, or worse, killed?...
This is the seventh book in the series and I have enjoyed them all. I love the characters, and I love watching them as they find clues and solve murders. This has been one of my favorite series by far, and I enjoy reading it. The author has done a wonderful job of characterization and description of not only the area where they reside, but food!
There are plenty of pitfalls this time around, as Lindsey is not in her element in the woods. She's not comfortable, and if you think that's a problem, it's even more so for Kennedy, who is a city girl through-and-through. Alas, those two and Irish Colleen, are soon wishing they'd stayed home. But if they did, they never would have discovered the plot against Ellie.
Who is sabotaging everything around them, causing accidents to campers? Who is after Ellie and why? When they get closer to the truth, it just becomes stranger and stranger, and eventually they find out that none of would have even been on their radar.
I have to say that one of the best episodes was toward the end of the book (do not peek!) when the three find themselves in strange territory with unexpected results. Then again, it would even be unexpected for me, and I lived in the Upper Peninsula for a time (too cold in the winter!).
All in all, this is an interesting tale in the series, and I enjoyed it very much, immersing myself in the book that was unputdownable for me. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
The first night starts off fine, with Lindsey thinking she might have a chance at winning. But when one of the campers uses Ellie's bathroom, she never returns. Ellie and her friend Betty find the woman in front of the stove, dead. It turns out she was going to use the stove and cheat, but was electrocuted instead.
Then another camper offers to take the body into town to the coroner, since there is no cell service in the UP where they are. But she doesn't return. And when Lindsey, Kennedy, and Colleen head out to town to find help, they find another tragedy. It's not long before the women realize that they are truly stranded...and someone is after Lindsey's mother.
All their tires are slashed, and another accident occurs. Determined at all costs to keep her mother safe, the three young women are on a quest to find help and save the group, but will they be able to find help before someone else is injured, or worse, killed?...
This is the seventh book in the series and I have enjoyed them all. I love the characters, and I love watching them as they find clues and solve murders. This has been one of my favorite series by far, and I enjoy reading it. The author has done a wonderful job of characterization and description of not only the area where they reside, but food!
There are plenty of pitfalls this time around, as Lindsey is not in her element in the woods. She's not comfortable, and if you think that's a problem, it's even more so for Kennedy, who is a city girl through-and-through. Alas, those two and Irish Colleen, are soon wishing they'd stayed home. But if they did, they never would have discovered the plot against Ellie.
Who is sabotaging everything around them, causing accidents to campers? Who is after Ellie and why? When they get closer to the truth, it just becomes stranger and stranger, and eventually they find out that none of would have even been on their radar.
I have to say that one of the best episodes was toward the end of the book (do not peek!) when the three find themselves in strange territory with unexpected results. Then again, it would even be unexpected for me, and I lived in the Upper Peninsula for a time (too cold in the winter!).
All in all, this is an interesting tale in the series, and I enjoyed it very much, immersing myself in the book that was unputdownable for me. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
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