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Bakery Detectives #8
The Pumpkin Killer
Halloween is a spooky time of year . . . even without a dead body hanging from a tree. A fast-paced cozy mystery from USA Today Bestselling Author Stacey Alabaster Halloween has never been Rachael’s favorite time of year. When a spooky decoration turns out to be all too real, Rachael and Pippa are thrust into the middle of murder mystery that dates back 100 years. Can Rachael and Pippa unravel this spooky mystery and keep themselves from being the next victims? The Pumpkin Killer is part of the Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries full of quirky characters and unexpected twists, you’re gonna love the Bakery Detectives. Buy The Pumpkin Killer and start solving your next mystery today!
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2016
143 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Alabaster
76 books130 followersI have always loved a good mystery. From my early years watching Murder She Wrote to more recent shows like Monk, Psych, and my absolute favorite BBC show ever, Sherlock, I have studied what it takes to make an entertaining mystery. I am truly blessed to be able to write and share my own mysteries with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them :)
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 19, 2017
This is a wonderful Halloween book that kept me wondering throughout the story. This is the first book I have read in this series, and it left a few questions in my mind. I am pretty sure I would know the answers if I had started with the first book. That being said, this book will be giving me nightmares about pumpkins for a long while!
January 28, 2017
Such s fun read . Enjoyed all the twist and turns .The characters that I have read are still fun to read as the story continues their journey thorough the pages .
June 9, 2021
There were few typos. But forget it because the plot was awesome. This is certainly better than the previous one.
January 17, 2017
Pumpkin Killer
Once again great writing. Makes a great read for a late after noon read on a raining day. I really loved the characters .
Once again great writing. Makes a great read for a late after noon read on a raining day. I really loved the characters .
March 28, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, the Craft Circle Mystery books were a bit better than the Bakery Detective ones, but that's not saying much. Would be nice if there were actually some crafts going on more than just a mention here and there, and oh yeah real plot with real believable characters.
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2) A Finely Crafted Murder: A Craft Circle Cozy Mystery (Craft Circle Cozy Mysteries Book 3)
Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}
A Pie to Die for (Bakery Detectives #1) Donuts, Antiques and Murder (Bakery Detectives #2) Death by Chocolate Cake (Bakery Detectives #3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #1-3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6) The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6)
Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7 The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives, #9
Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate Cake was a nice cozy collection, each a bit different, but pretty much a little of this that and the other mixed in with some crime so basically what I look for in a book of this type.I wrote this for the first 3 set. The second 3 set did not live up to things; sure there were here and there typo issues but since my computer is set up to 'read' to me that was not the issue.
The main character walks in to the kitchen of the resort where 2 people are talking about the actual chef/cook being missing, who is later found dead, and which the main character never gets to meet, yet knows that is who the dead body is, immediately.... They are supposed to be getting grand meals at the resort but because of the death of the chef, they aren't getting anything but toast in that one part, not even coffee, which they mention specifically, yet the main character is drinking coffee or else keeps picking up an empty cup, maybe, but who knows. And if the retreat just started that day and the one guy had come early he would have met the victim. Also someone can not 'drag' someone with that person being over their shoulder. A bowl full of salad will not knock itself off a table with the slamming of a door. If you're going to push a glass away in one sentence then go sit outside in the next, you should mention grabbing the drink when you next sentence is talking about sipping it again somehow.
Then in the second it continues on with one sentence mentioning they are on tiny seats then after she finds the body and returns and sits back down she is in a pew seat. Also what would be the big deal with helping the cop with the case, she was on payroll doing that in earlier books. And once you log out of facebook without having saved the log in details, you can't just log back in. Really, someone answers the door and you're right close by and you don't hear a female voice that's been the main topic of conversations or otherwise it took that long to walk like a couple or so feet to a door and then open it. and if they are in the kitchen leading to the back door there is no way you can push someone back in to the living room from there unless you are in an action movie.
The third one starts off just 'great'; no one in the food industry puts someone's scalded and unclean hand in a tub of ice cream, and then after it's over puts the tub back with only the thought of maybe it was melted too much. If something is painted a certain shade, use that and not change the word used for the shade color every other sentence. Who by the way doesn't notice 3 foot tall signs in the window of a small town small type street that you drive by every day on the way and back to where you work on that street.It also never explains why the main character felt nauseated, quesy, etcetera.
If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't bother at this rate, but will, and those books better be better than this rather muddled attempt, which on the 3rd book I had the poisoner figured out way too close to the start. I had actually started to buy this set to go with the other 3 set, now am very glad I didn't.
for 7 I put These books are getting as bad as 'the cat who' books did, when I stopped reading them and gave them all away; the father is the dude who went back to italy because of his mother's health or something about well 3 books back but he's not even mentioned in the story this time, the writer has gotten worse and worse about putting characters in for like a book or 2 and then they just sorta disappear for a while or totally, like the assistant baker who is and isn't there and the friend/asst mgr but because of the pregnancy there is another asst mgr who is and isn't there, it's getting a bit ridiculous with those things not being in the story yet other unnecessary stuff is being put in to the story
This was by far the stupidest of them all; if one has a newborn in their arms how are they eating cake with a fork by themself, and then yet another 'love interest' for the main character when the other one is still around and nothing was ever said after his non-marriage and supposedly those 2 starting up again. Just another character to pop in and out of a story here and there with no real explanation. This series has definitely put me off cozies for a while, it's been more and more a waste of time, and wish could have given it a 0 star because even the 'twists' made no sense.
For 8 put Somebody give the writer some painting tips; in the last book she kept talking about paint fumes, so assuming whatever kind she is supposed to be using gives off fumes, which means that going back late at night to the house then up the next morning to paint...there is cleaning surfaces, probably primer, and at least 2 coats of paint, plus probably more if one is going from well each time she mentions a color it's a different shade and there is differences but basically going over to purple which in one place was described almost neon yet in another was a mid purple and in yet another more a pastel possibly is still going to take more than overnight to paint and dry plus it was an event the next day or else it was only mentioned way after it happened which wouldn't make sense because an eating place can't be open during that type of thing and the story is talking about all those birthday parties. What does conscious not but still pale even mean, which wouldn't have caught possibly with it being read to me, but the books are starting to be almost gibberish that am having to sight read because it's skipping around and not making any sense but even reading it is still that way because of the errors is now confusing as well. This was, by far, the stupidest most unnecessarily convoluted mess of a story.
9 had me banging my head for my stupidity of well maybe they got better
Thought liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but after 3 out so far they went to just as bad as the bakery ones..
Steps from Death (Craft Circle Mystery #1) Arts, Crafts and Murder (Craft Circle Mystery #2) A Finely Crafted Murder: A Craft Circle Cozy Mystery (Craft Circle Cozy Mysteries Book 3)
Naked Eye {not sure where exactly this one fits in}
A Pie to Die for (Bakery Detectives #1) Donuts, Antiques and Murder (Bakery Detectives #2) Death by Chocolate Cake (Bakery Detectives #3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #1-3) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set (Bakery Detectives #4-6) Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (Bakery Detectives #1-6) The Mud Pie Murderess (Bakery Detectives #6)
Catering and Kidnapping (Bakery Detectives #7 The Pumpkin Killer: A Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery Wined, Dined and Dead (Bakery Detectives, #9
Read the 3 box set that included A Pie to Die For, Donuts, Antiques and Murder, and Death by Chocolate Cake was a nice cozy collection, each a bit different, but pretty much a little of this that and the other mixed in with some crime so basically what I look for in a book of this type.I wrote this for the first 3 set. The second 3 set did not live up to things; sure there were here and there typo issues but since my computer is set up to 'read' to me that was not the issue.
The main character walks in to the kitchen of the resort where 2 people are talking about the actual chef/cook being missing, who is later found dead, and which the main character never gets to meet, yet knows that is who the dead body is, immediately.... They are supposed to be getting grand meals at the resort but because of the death of the chef, they aren't getting anything but toast in that one part, not even coffee, which they mention specifically, yet the main character is drinking coffee or else keeps picking up an empty cup, maybe, but who knows. And if the retreat just started that day and the one guy had come early he would have met the victim. Also someone can not 'drag' someone with that person being over their shoulder. A bowl full of salad will not knock itself off a table with the slamming of a door. If you're going to push a glass away in one sentence then go sit outside in the next, you should mention grabbing the drink when you next sentence is talking about sipping it again somehow.
Then in the second it continues on with one sentence mentioning they are on tiny seats then after she finds the body and returns and sits back down she is in a pew seat. Also what would be the big deal with helping the cop with the case, she was on payroll doing that in earlier books. And once you log out of facebook without having saved the log in details, you can't just log back in. Really, someone answers the door and you're right close by and you don't hear a female voice that's been the main topic of conversations or otherwise it took that long to walk like a couple or so feet to a door and then open it. and if they are in the kitchen leading to the back door there is no way you can push someone back in to the living room from there unless you are in an action movie.
The third one starts off just 'great'; no one in the food industry puts someone's scalded and unclean hand in a tub of ice cream, and then after it's over puts the tub back with only the thought of maybe it was melted too much. If something is painted a certain shade, use that and not change the word used for the shade color every other sentence. Who by the way doesn't notice 3 foot tall signs in the window of a small town small type street that you drive by every day on the way and back to where you work on that street.It also never explains why the main character felt nauseated, quesy, etcetera.
If I hadn't already borrowed the next couple of books wouldn't bother at this rate, but will, and those books better be better than this rather muddled attempt, which on the 3rd book I had the poisoner figured out way too close to the start. I had actually started to buy this set to go with the other 3 set, now am very glad I didn't.
for 7 I put These books are getting as bad as 'the cat who' books did, when I stopped reading them and gave them all away; the father is the dude who went back to italy because of his mother's health or something about well 3 books back but he's not even mentioned in the story this time, the writer has gotten worse and worse about putting characters in for like a book or 2 and then they just sorta disappear for a while or totally, like the assistant baker who is and isn't there and the friend/asst mgr but because of the pregnancy there is another asst mgr who is and isn't there, it's getting a bit ridiculous with those things not being in the story yet other unnecessary stuff is being put in to the story
This was by far the stupidest of them all; if one has a newborn in their arms how are they eating cake with a fork by themself, and then yet another 'love interest' for the main character when the other one is still around and nothing was ever said after his non-marriage and supposedly those 2 starting up again. Just another character to pop in and out of a story here and there with no real explanation. This series has definitely put me off cozies for a while, it's been more and more a waste of time, and wish could have given it a 0 star because even the 'twists' made no sense.
For 8 put Somebody give the writer some painting tips; in the last book she kept talking about paint fumes, so assuming whatever kind she is supposed to be using gives off fumes, which means that going back late at night to the house then up the next morning to paint...there is cleaning surfaces, probably primer, and at least 2 coats of paint, plus probably more if one is going from well each time she mentions a color it's a different shade and there is differences but basically going over to purple which in one place was described almost neon yet in another was a mid purple and in yet another more a pastel possibly is still going to take more than overnight to paint and dry plus it was an event the next day or else it was only mentioned way after it happened which wouldn't make sense because an eating place can't be open during that type of thing and the story is talking about all those birthday parties. What does conscious not but still pale even mean, which wouldn't have caught possibly with it being read to me, but the books are starting to be almost gibberish that am having to sight read because it's skipping around and not making any sense but even reading it is still that way because of the errors is now confusing as well. This was, by far, the stupidest most unnecessarily convoluted mess of a story.
9 had me banging my head for my stupidity of well maybe they got better
Thought liked the Craft Circle Cozy Mystery books a bit better, but after 3 out so far they went to just as bad as the bakery ones..
November 9, 2017
Perfect read for October (and other times, too)
I started this book in October. I was looking for a light, cozy mystery for Halloween and ran across this little gem. Its funny, sweet, and perfect for a Halloween read. That doesn't mean its not good at other times of the year; it would be just as cute any time you read it. I enjoyed the interplay between the characters, even when the fought. That part made it realistic, certainly. When the protagonist and her best friend were on the outs, I truly was sad for them.
While I did enjoy the story, I would have liked to see a little more back story on the main characters. With that said, I still highly recommend this book if you're looking for a cozy to read. It can brighten your day and make you smile.
I started this book in October. I was looking for a light, cozy mystery for Halloween and ran across this little gem. Its funny, sweet, and perfect for a Halloween read. That doesn't mean its not good at other times of the year; it would be just as cute any time you read it. I enjoyed the interplay between the characters, even when the fought. That part made it realistic, certainly. When the protagonist and her best friend were on the outs, I truly was sad for them.
While I did enjoy the story, I would have liked to see a little more back story on the main characters. With that said, I still highly recommend this book if you're looking for a cozy to read. It can brighten your day and make you smile.
January 3, 2018
What a way to end a tour
Stacey Alabaster is right back on track with this one. So many exciting things going on that I couldn't put this book down. Pippa is still as weird as she's supposed to be, I love her. Rachel finally wants to get rid of her horrible new employee, but didn't. Way to busy trying to solve another mystery. And then there is Kenneth, did he do it or was it the neighbor or a serial killer. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I loved this one.
Stacey Alabaster is right back on track with this one. So many exciting things going on that I couldn't put this book down. Pippa is still as weird as she's supposed to be, I love her. Rachel finally wants to get rid of her horrible new employee, but didn't. Way to busy trying to solve another mystery. And then there is Kenneth, did he do it or was it the neighbor or a serial killer. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I loved this one.
July 3, 2018
Halloween is my favorite holiday so I had to start reading the series with The Pumpkin Killer. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it a bit more if I read the series in order. I enjoyed the easy pace and the author's style with words. It was a fun escape read and the mystery was enjoyable to work out. There was plenty of tension along the way.
May 17, 2024
I felt like the mystery was odd and the relationship between Rachael and Kenneth really forced on us. They went from barely knowing leach other to sweet on each other in a millisecond. I feel a lot of the good stuff that connected things was left in the writer’s mind. I wish she would have taken more time to flesh this book out. Definitely could have been great.
October 23, 2017
Pumpkins seem so harmless.
Or are they? Could a copycat killer be loose? With pumpkins and more to celebrate the season some love and others hate. Who did it and will Rachel figure it out before it is too late?
Or are they? Could a copycat killer be loose? With pumpkins and more to celebrate the season some love and others hate. Who did it and will Rachel figure it out before it is too late?
June 24, 2017
Good
this young woman had a friend who was allways pushing at her about things that this same person knew it up set her
this young woman had a friend who was allways pushing at her about things that this same person knew it up set her
October 3, 2017
A quick fun cozy read to get you in the spirit for Halloween!
October 6, 2017
Wasn't bad. Wasn't great. Didn't wow me as the earlier books in the series did.
October 15, 2017
Trouble with ghost ghosts.
A fun book about ghosts, haunted buildings, and pumpkin murder.
A lot of twists and turns. A really fun who done it mystery. A great read.
A fun book about ghosts, haunted buildings, and pumpkin murder.
A lot of twists and turns. A really fun who done it mystery. A great read.
January 21, 2018
Its so nice that Pippa had her baby but im surprised her husband still hasnt been in touch. Could rach also be getting her happy ever after?
July 8, 2018
Super
This is another mystery about Halloween. Scary and creepy but very worth reading. Bakery murder and pumpkins, I love it!
This is another mystery about Halloween. Scary and creepy but very worth reading. Bakery murder and pumpkins, I love it!
October 6, 2018
So thrilling!
This book gave me goosebumps a few times when reading. Really suspenseful plot and love the characters in this series! It doesn't disappoint!
This book gave me goosebumps a few times when reading. Really suspenseful plot and love the characters in this series! It doesn't disappoint!
October 26, 2020
So cute and fun
This was such a cute book. I really enjoyed it and it is a quick read. You really do like the characters and the story was fun and kept me guessing.
This was such a cute book. I really enjoyed it and it is a quick read. You really do like the characters and the story was fun and kept me guessing.
June 27, 2021
A copy cat murder, who targeted bakers, from a hundred years ago, Halloween and all it's madness, as well as, Pippa due any day, to drop her little bundle of joy, into the the world.
Really, what could go wrong?
Yeah, truly madcap!!
Really, what could go wrong?
Yeah, truly madcap!!
March 24, 2017
Rachel and her zany friend Pippa never fail to keep me entertained. They always manage to get involved with solving a mystery.
November 14, 2017
As the title of the series implies, these two ladies own a bakery and solve mysteries. One partner is an unwilling solver of mysteries, the other one (heavily pregnant in this eighth book) maneuvers her reluctant in going on a paranormal tour where the tour participants encounter a body that resembles a death done a century ago.
The author’s writing style is easy on the eyes, the characters reasonable interesting, but I admit that I really enjoyed the mystery and the solution was interesting.
I can’t say that I will go out of my way to read any more in the series but if one drops in my lap, I wouldn’t be averse to giving it a whirl.
3.5 Paws out of Five
The author’s writing style is easy on the eyes, the characters reasonable interesting, but I admit that I really enjoyed the mystery and the solution was interesting.
I can’t say that I will go out of my way to read any more in the series but if one drops in my lap, I wouldn’t be averse to giving it a whirl.
3.5 Paws out of Five
October 24, 2016
'Pumpkin' may be Book 8 in the series, but, I read it out-of-order. It can definitely stand alone. In fact, it made me want to go back to read the first 7. While I am most definitely not a fan of paranormal fiction, I was pleased to see that it was minimal. WHile it's easy to see that it could've gone in that direction, it became more or less just an interest to Pippa & Teagan than the explanation for the plot. I was glad to see that.
I enjoyed the duo of Pippa & Rachel. Both are strong-willed women, fearless in their own right, who are also small business owners. While there was minimal police interaction, the did work within the limits of what they could legally do. All the clues are there for the reader to put together. Diligent readers will figure it out before the last page.
The series is well done and I can definitely see why the series has continued this far. For a seasonal read & a cozy mystery at that, it's full of great characters and a super plot. It is definitely a 4 star book.
I enjoyed the duo of Pippa & Rachel. Both are strong-willed women, fearless in their own right, who are also small business owners. While there was minimal police interaction, the did work within the limits of what they could legally do. All the clues are there for the reader to put together. Diligent readers will figure it out before the last page.
The series is well done and I can definitely see why the series has continued this far. For a seasonal read & a cozy mystery at that, it's full of great characters and a super plot. It is definitely a 4 star book.
October 4, 2016
It's Halloween!! Rachael has never liked the holiday, however, Pippa is in her element. When during a haunted ghost tour one of the decorations becomes a little to real, Rachael finds herself in the line of fire. Pippa links the murder to a 100 year old mystery. Can they find the killer or has a ghost returned from the past? And who is this cute baker that may be the killer or the next victim? When Pippa ends up in the hospital, will Rachael be able to figure out the solution?
I love how the author keeps moving this series along. The stories connect so completely that the reader does not feel like they have missed any part of Rachael and Pippa's lives. The story lines have nice twists that you do not see coming. Just when you think you have figured out the plot, nope look again. Great series and look forward to more fun and mystery! I received a copy of this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I love how the author keeps moving this series along. The stories connect so completely that the reader does not feel like they have missed any part of Rachael and Pippa's lives. The story lines have nice twists that you do not see coming. Just when you think you have figured out the plot, nope look again. Great series and look forward to more fun and mystery! I received a copy of this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2016
A nice quick mystery to get you in the mood for Halloween. Another Bakery Detectives Cozy Mystery by Stacey Alabaster.
It's almost Halloween and costumes and decorations are showing up all over Belldale. Pippa, Rachael's assistant, is nine months pregnant and excited about the coming holiday. Tegan, the local paranormal expert, will be giving Halloween tours around town. Rachael, owner of the bakery, is ready for October to be over. She has been involved in too many murders in this town. An uneventful Halloween would make Rachael happy.
Now the stage is set for "The Pumpkin Killer" Enjoy!
I received this ebook from the publisher for an honest review.
It's almost Halloween and costumes and decorations are showing up all over Belldale. Pippa, Rachael's assistant, is nine months pregnant and excited about the coming holiday. Tegan, the local paranormal expert, will be giving Halloween tours around town. Rachael, owner of the bakery, is ready for October to be over. She has been involved in too many murders in this town. An uneventful Halloween would make Rachael happy.
Now the stage is set for "The Pumpkin Killer" Enjoy!
I received this ebook from the publisher for an honest review.
October 6, 2016
A cute, cozy mystery
Nice, easy reading. No real surprises. The one thing that annoyed me about this book is that one of the characters is pregnant and delivers her baby but at no time is the father mentioned. Perhaps a line explaining the pregnancy would be helpful. I found myself wondering the entire novel, if that mystery would be solved. Alas, it wasn't.
Nice, easy reading. No real surprises. The one thing that annoyed me about this book is that one of the characters is pregnant and delivers her baby but at no time is the father mentioned. Perhaps a line explaining the pregnancy would be helpful. I found myself wondering the entire novel, if that mystery would be solved. Alas, it wasn't.
October 31, 2016
With Halloween approaching This is the perfect book to get you in the mood with the recreation on a 100 year old murder and The arrival of Pippa's baby could there be romance on the horizon for Rachael? Aother great read from Stacy Alabaster. Can't wait for the next book
I received this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review
I received this book through the publisher in exchange for my honest review
October 4, 2016
Another great who dunnit that will keep you guessing.
When I read a book by Stacey Alabaster I clear my schedule because I know I will not be putting it down.
This mystery keeps Rachael and Pippa busy with the investigation of a murder just before hallowe'en.
When I read a book by Stacey Alabaster I clear my schedule because I know I will not be putting it down.
This mystery keeps Rachael and Pippa busy with the investigation of a murder just before hallowe'en.
October 25, 2016
The girls are up to scare the town
We have a hundred year old murder copycat, a baby about to be born, either a potential boy friend or the murderer, and Halloween. Now that makes a good story.
We have a hundred year old murder copycat, a baby about to be born, either a potential boy friend or the murderer, and Halloween. Now that makes a good story.
October 4, 2016
A fun and slightly spooky/ Halloween cozy mystery to get you in the proper mood for the upcoming holiday!
October 7, 2016
A Halloween mystery
This makes a very nice story to read for Halloween. A simple Mystery involving unsolved murder but without the gore.
This makes a very nice story to read for Halloween. A simple Mystery involving unsolved murder but without the gore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews