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A Pumpkin Patch Murder

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The Meadowlark Creek Fall Festival was supposed to be all pumpkins, laughter, and a friendly pumpkin carving competition… until a visiting carving champion drops dead mid-contest.

With suspects ranging from ambitious locals to outsiders chasing fame, the sheriff has plenty of theories, but none that quite add up.

Ms June Higgins has spent a lifetime noticing what others overlook. And as she and her granddaughter, Sara Lee, dig beneath small-town smiles and social media shine, one truth becomes

The killer wasn’t hiding.

They were right there in plain sight.

In Meadowlark Creek, even a cozy fall festival can turn deadly… and sometimes the most dangerous person is the one no one thinks to watch.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2026

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About the author

Maryann Jordan

170 books1,293 followers

As an Award Winning and International Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. I joke that I "cut my romance teeth" on the old historical romance books. I’ve written as a hobby for over 30 years. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma's Home was created.

My first novel, Emma's Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love's Series. From there I have continued with the romantic suspense Alvarez Security Series and now the Saints Protection & Investigation Series.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.
I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I recently retired and now can spend more time devoted to my writing.

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.
When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!
authormaryannjordan@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/authormaryann...
www.maryannjordanauthor.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
6,075 reviews58 followers
October 28, 2026
We have a great deal to consider!

June and Sara-Lee once again lead us gently but confidently through the convoluted and intriguing investigation into the latest murder. They remind us that you need to not just see the picture, but actually observe what you are seeing! This is an enjoyable cosy mystery with a hint of romance and some delightful characters including Carl, Ted, Pippi and the very smart Mister Smee whose contributions are once again invaluable. I read this on Kindle+ and look forward to the next book, due out in February.
6,877 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 26, 2026
A Pumpkin Patch Murder will make you want to move to Meadowlark Creek if for no other reason than its incredible denizens. Maryann Jordan is easily among my favorite authors, and what sets her apart every time are the characters she creates. They are genuinely likeable, multifaceted, amicable, and the exact kind of people you’d want to be friends with in real life—heck, even the family pets have their own distinctive personalities!

In this fantastic second book of the Meadowlark Creek Mystery series, the local Fall Festival takes center stage, complete with a pumpkin carving contest, an attention-grabbing wannabe TV show host, a self-absorbed media influencer, and, of course, a murder. Nana June and her granddaughter, Sara Lee, take center stage for the action as they join forces with the local sheriff to solve the mystery of a talented young artist trying to reclaim his spotlight. Sheriff Gordon knows from experience that he can rely on anything these two dig up!

Along the way, Carl and Sara Lee's romance gently gathers steam as they become closer, adding a lovely layer of sweetness to the plot. You will definitely be surprised when the cause of death is finally figured out and the true culprit is revealed. It’s an amazing story with a wonderful ending that leaves you with such a warm, happy reading experience, despite being a whodunit murder case. Oh my... I absolutely loved this book!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Mahle.
61 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 26, 2026
Another delightful visit to Meadowlark Creek in book 2 of the Meadowlark Creek mystery series. It’s autumn in Meadowlark Creek and a pumpkin patch is the perfect setting for this latest edition in the series. A pumpkin carving competition is the draw for a food channel wanna be, an influencer and a photographer to the festival. The trio don’t ingratiate themselves very well with the local citizens. After Sara Lee loses a bet to her students, when they met their reading goal, she has to sign up to be in the contest. Art not being her strong suit, Sara Lee is a little nervous about the contact. Sara Lee, a fellow teacher and a star art student are all participants in the contest and are all present when the dastardly deed takes place. The former food star collapses in the middle of the contest and is pronounced dead. Sheriff Gordon, with help from Nana June and Sara Lee go about solving this awful crime.

If you’re looking for blood and gore, sex and foul language, this book isn’t the book for you. This is another wonderful cozy mystery by Maryann Jordan. It’s a lovely read with mystery and intrigue and charming characters. It reminds me of the books my mom and I used to share.

Looking forward to the next installment of the Meadowlark Creek cozy mystery series, Valentine Dance Murder, due to be released February 9, 2027. Be sure to get it pre-ordered so you can read it as soon as it comes out.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 20, 2026
A Pumpkin Patch Murder is the second book in Maryann Jordan's Meadowlark Creek cozy mystery series. Maryann puts her stories based upon a certain holiday/ season/month /event of the year. This story is based around October/fall. The town is hosting their yearly pumpkin carving contest at the fall festival. An outsider whose goal for attending was to improve his public image however someone else had other plans for him and the outsider died right in front of the carving competitors and by-standers while carving his pumpkin with no natural causes being determined by the authorities to explain his death. So Nana June and Sara Lee take you through all the possible suspects in their certain unique style of sleuthing that will delight you and keep you drawn into the story until the end. Snuggle on your couch under a fluffy blanket with a warm cup of tea and escape back to the lovely town of Meadowlark Creek with all it's hometown characters for a delightful fall-filled adventure of who-done-it.
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,354 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 22, 2026
A Pumpkin Patch Murder will make you want to live in Meadowlark Creek if for no ther reason than its denizons. Maryann Jordan is among my favorite authors and what sets her apart every time are the characters she creates. They're genuinely likeabl, multifaceted, amicable and people you'd want to b friends with. Heck, even the family pets have distinctive personalities. The Fall Festival takes center stage complete with a pumpkin carving contest, an attention grabbing wannabe TV show host, a self-absorbed meia influncer and a murder. Nana June and Sara Lee are center stage for the action. Sheriff Gordon knows from experience that he can rely on anything they dig up. Carl and Sara Lee's romance gently gathers steam as they become closer. You'll be surprised when the cause of death is figured out and who the culprit is. What a warm, happy reading experience despite it being a whodunit murder case.
178 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy
October 26, 2026
What a perfect story for this time of year. Maryann Jordan has done it again. She has woven a story about Meadowlark Creek and the town that will make you want to brew a cup of tea, grab a warm throw and snuggle into this book. June, her granddaughter Sara Lee, their dog Pippi and their cat Mister Smee are looking forward to fall and the pumpkin carving out at the Larkins farm and pumpkin patch. Then strangers come to town an influencer, a food cooking show star and a photographer. When the pumpkin carving turns into a murder June and Sara Lee turn to their observations and research to aid the local Sheriff in his endeavors. There are familiar faces from the previous book but could be read as a standalone. The ongoing relationship between June and Ted as friends as well as the beginning relationship of Carl and Sara Lee as friends developing into more than friends. Can’t wait for more from Meadowlark Creek. What a wonderful small town that we would all like to be part of. 5+ stars.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
925 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2026
Sherlock Smee

Another mystery to solve when death happens in the small town of Meadowlark Creek during a pumpkin carving contest, out of towner's Trent, a food carving artist trying to figure out his next move in search of fame, Harper a influencer boosting her profile while helping Trent, and Micah a brilliant photographer, has a keen eye for the simple beauty of the town, everyone is a suspect looking at everyone else, thinking who dun it, nana June and her granddaughter are asked by the sheriff for assistance, new eyes on the evidence, Mr Smee has a way of pointing out where look, it's everywhere around them after knowing what they were looking at, another brilliant cozy from Maryann Jordan, with the tag team duo of grandma and granddaughter, she has you sleuthing right along with them, absolutely love it, I have voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you for the privilege, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for Vickie Chaisson.
1,316 reviews11 followers
November 5, 2026
A Pumpkin Patch Murder is the second book in the Meadowlark Creek Mystery series by Maryann Jordan. This series entices readers with great storylines, characters and mysteries. The worldbuilding is superb and expertly crafted as we enter a quaint small town with all the quirks and characters that entails. I can see the main street, library and coffee shops as the story unfolds. Aunt June and Sara Lee are definitely characters I would like to know along with Mister Smee and Pippi. As the fall and harvest festival begins and out of towner enters the pumpkin carving contest and falls over dead. The book takes you through the small town jealousies, know it alls, and just good common folk. I appreciated the attention to detail and Mr. Smee's smug smirk as Aunt June, Sara Lee and the sheriff work through all the clues. As always it is not just what you see but what you understand. You will enjoy this well written mystery with a small town charm
Profile Image for Miss Andrews.
509 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 22, 2026
Once again Maryann Jordan shows us all just how diverse her talent is in bringing us a second small town murder mystery that allows us to try and sharpen our skills of observation alongside Sara Lee and Nana June as they try and solve the murder.

And just like the first book, I did not see the culprit coming! It was a shock to me yet it seemed obvious once Maryann laid it all out for us. A truly ‘aha’ moment.

I love how all the clues are strategically left in order for us to follow the breadcrumbs, the trick was figuring out what was done to lead us in the wrong direction and what wasn’t.

Maryann Jordan has once again knocked it out of the park, giving us an intriguing look into her amazing mind.

Held me spellbound from beginning to end. I absolutely loved it!!!!!
832 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2026
Delightful

Another thoroughly charming cozy mystery involving Miss June, Sara Lee, and the inhabitants of Meadowlark Creek not forgetting Pippi and mister Smee. The town is beautifully described and definitely inviting despite the odd murder. I love how the Sheriff is willing to work with Miss June and appreciates her assistance, good to have a LEO not too full of his own importance. The side characters are as attractive as the main ones and the slow burning romance between Sara Lee and Carl is sweet . This is a gentle story written with a good eye for detail and very appealing characters, even the baddies! I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next one . Definitely a Maryann Jordan book.




192 reviews6 followers
October 27, 2026
Its autumn in Meadowlark Creek... the leaves have started to change and the pumpkins are growing. What was supposed to be the traditional pumpkin carving contest becomes a murder scene. Nana June, her granddaughter Sara Lee, and their pets are once again they are determined to figure out what happened and who did it. Could it be the influencer that came to town for content, the cooking show star, photographer, or someone that they know? They once again lend their skills and resources to the sheriff to help solve the case. While doing all of this we get to watch the relationship between June and Ted grow alongside Sara Lee and Carl. Love the small-town feel and can't wait for more books from this series.
1 review
October 30, 2026
As with all of Maryann Jordan’s books this one is so well written. This book is a murder mystery with a light-hearted touch. The murder is solved by Ms June an elderly retired librarian and her schoolteacher granddaughter Sara Lee. Of course she has the help of her pets a small dog named Pippin and her cat Mister Smee. This takes place at a pumpkin carving contest where one of the contestants drops dead while carving his pumpkin. There are a whole host of suspects, and Ms June and Sara Lee work as a team to quietly talk to all to try and figure out the why, who and how the murder took place. The Sheriff knows people will talk to them than a person with a badge and gun. Love the process that Ms June and Sara Lee use with the help of their pets.
This was a fun read. Thank Maryann Jordan.
Profile Image for A.
830 reviews
October 28, 2026
Maryann Jordan has created a wonderful world in her cozy mystery series. The characters are super likable and interesting. I love June and Sara Lee! Their communication is intriguing and thought provoking. The story is captivating, and it keeps you turning pages. There has been another death in Meadowlark Creek. A star named Trent has come to town with his entourage to compete in the pumpkin carving contest. The farm is hoping for a little publicity but not this kind. Will jealousy be the cause? June and Sara Lee help the sheriff fish out the truth. I was thoroughly entertained, and I really enjoyed reading this story.
113 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2026
I fell in love with Meadowlark Creek in book one, book two does not disappoint! What starts as a Halloween event to raise money for charity ends in murder. Luckily Nana June and Sara Lee are there to assist the Sheriff in his investigation along with Mister Smee and Pippi. I enjoy the calmness this story brings especially with all the angst in the world. Yes their is a mystery, but how calm the main characters are allows the reader the sit back, read and enjoy a wonderful mystery, a low key romance between Sara Lee and Carl and a long standing friendship between Nana June and Ted. A wonderful addition to a series I have come to adore!
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,560 reviews72 followers
November 3, 2026
I loved returning to Meadowlark Creek. A Pumpkin Patch murder is the second book in this series and another winner!
June and her granddaughter Sara Lee are again enmeshed in a murder investigation. With June’s usual thoughtful deliberation and a little help from their literary cat, Mr Smee, June and Sara Lee help the town sheriff to see the clues that are hiding in plain sight.

"It sounds like you've learned a great deal from Nana June."
"I'm going to tell her you said that, and she's going to be insufferably pleased."

I love the comfortable pace of these “cozy” stories, and especially the sweet romance developing slowly and quietly in the background of this mystery story.
-5 Stars-
505 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2026
A brilliant second book in this wonderful series by an author who has quickly become one of my go-to reads. This time, a pumpkin carving competition takes centre stage in Meadowlark Creek, providing the perfect backdrop for a delightful cosy mystery.

The characters are all incredibly likeable and relatable, making it so easy to become immersed in their lives and the community. This book combines a lovely romance with a wonderfully entertaining mystery, keeping me thoroughly engaged throughout.

Another fantastic read from Maryann Jordan, and one I highly recommend to anyone who loves cosy mysteries with a generous helping of romance!
259 reviews
October 27, 2026
What a fantastic 2nd book in this series starring Nana June and Sara Lee! It feels as if you are there with them getting ready for fall and the excitement if the pumpkin carving contest.

What they get is the semi star guest pumpkin carver collapsing and dying during the contest. The question is how could a young man collapse and die without any health issues.

I love that you aren't really sure whodunnit till it all comes together at the end thanks to Nana June and Sara Lee. She has a way of identifying and cataloging what she sees. A delightful cozy mystery for a wonderful fall day!
Profile Image for Jill Eshenbaugh.
267 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2026
If there is ever a mystery to solve, you'll want to have Nana June and her amazing dog and cat who are always essential to solving these mysteries. Meadowlark Creek is supposed to be a quiet rural town but it seems to have its share of problems. As the second book in this series it has everything the reader could want all tied up in a neat little package. Normally this is not my genre but I was enthralled from the beginning and loved every minute of the mystery. Can't wait for the next book in the series to see what Nana June will solve next.
Profile Image for Sue Smith.
850 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 20, 2026
Oh my..... I absolutely loved the second book in the Meadowlark Creek Mystery series.

Nana June and her granddaughter Sara Lee, together with the local sheriff try to solve the murder mystery of a young, talented artist trying to re-find his spotlight!
It's an amazing story with lovely characters and a wonderful ending, with a little romance on the way!!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.
130 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 22, 2026
Another great read by Maryann Jordan. Once again June and Sara Lee get involved in solving a murder. The settings are so well described you feel like you are there. The characters are really well written too. The mystery is done very well and it is hard to figure out who did it and especially how it was done. Had me guessing until the end. Great to be back in Meadowlark Creek. I highly recommend this book!
192 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
We are back in Meadowlark Creek for another community event that results in an unfortunate loss. Nana June and Sara Lee embark on their investigation with Mr. Smee’s insightful assistance and Pippi’s enthusiasm. We learn a little more about the characters in this little town. There is a bit of a twist but ultimately Nana June figures it out, shares her wisdom with Sara Lee and helps Sheriff Gordon bring justice. Another fun trip to this cozy little town!
1,936 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
October 25, 2026
The town is getting ready for the pumpkin carving contest. Sara Lee has entered due to a little contest she made with her students and she lost.
The town is also excited due to a celebrity entry and an influencer who will be there. They even have their own photographer who will be documenting through their time their.
During the pumpkin carving contest, the celebrity has collapsed.
Nana June and Sara Lee will be helping the sheriff through the investigation.
1,429 reviews
October 28, 2026
June Higgins is a retired librarian in Medow Creek.
Sara Lee Higgins is Nana Junes’s granddaughter.
Carl Materson is Meadows reek veterinarian.

This was a perfect book mist before Halloween and Fall coming.
Nana June, Sara Lee, Pippa and Mr Smee are all going about solving who committed the murder during the Pumpkin carving contest.
You will not be disappointed!
Such a great read!

This book has suspense, intrigue.

Great Job Maryann Jordan !!!
1,451 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 21, 2026
This series is reminiscent of Murder She Wrote but with a nod to Audrey Hepburn. A retired librarian and her granddaughter focus on a murder which happened in their midst. A gentle romance. Family and friends and a cat and a dog. Reading this story, the reader is wrapped with fall, a fuzzy fleece, and a hot cup of cocoa (or hot apple cider). A page turner which will keep you guessing. Bravo!!
114 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 21, 2026
Perfect timing for this book. Pumpkin season with a dash of murder. June & Sara Lee figures out who committed the latest murder with the help of their four legged friends. I couldn’t help but feel sad for the murderer when they got caught. I understood their pain and why they did it, but that still didn’t give them an excuse to commit murder.
Profile Image for Ela La1978.
789 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy
October 22, 2026
Nana June and Sara Lee are solving another murder. This time with approval from the Sheriff. The unusual death has hurt a lot and the event ended on a different note than everyone expected.
Its not an easy puzzle, with the help of a certain cat, small puzzle pieces filled a bigger picture. Through it all two special male figures lent their support.
1,404 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 22, 2026
Another murder in Meadowlark Creek and Nana June and Sara are on the case along with their pets. Who killed the contestant at the pumpkin carving contest? And why would they want him dead? As they go thru all the suspects you feel like you're solving the case beside them. In the meantime, the killer has been in plain sight. Wonderful characters, small town feel and a budding romance.
527 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 22, 2026
Maryann Jordan takes us back to the little town of Meadowlark Creek in Fall for a pumpkin carving contest. Who knew it could be deadly. Fortunately for the Sherriff's department, they have the help of Nana June and Sara Lee. I'm looking forward to more books with Nana June, Sara Lee and the rest of the characters in Meadowlark Creek.
Profile Image for Anna Mcdonnell.
143 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
What a cute fall read! Nana June and Sara Lee are back again along with their trusted sidekicks, Pippi and Mr. Smee.

When the pumpkin carving contest at the Fall Festival leads to a murder, the town of Meadowlark Creek is shocked. Nana June and Sara Lee work to solve the crime and bring peace back to Meadowlark Creek. 5 stars!
143 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 26, 2026
Maryann Jordan has done it again with her 2nd book in her new series A Pumpkin Patch Murder. Another murder in Meadow Creek, I was drawn in from the beginning of the story and couldn't put it down, enjoyed the small town feel, the blooming romances with the Fantastic Characters and I felt like I was part of solving the case.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews