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Pumpkin Hollow Mystery #4
Death and Sweets
All I wanted was a large cup of coffee with a double shot of espresso to wake myself up on my way to work. The dead body was completely unnecessary.
Sweets can be deadly, and when local bakery owner Stella Moretti becomes the next victim in Pumpkin Hollow, Mia Jordan is on the case. Can she and her boyfriend, Officer Ethan Banks, find the killer before there's another victim? Sweets can be deadly all right, but that's the way the cookie crumbles...Welcome to the warmth and charm of Pumpkin Hollow, where you'll find a family-owned candy store, loveable characters, and a dead body or two. Pumpkin Hollow Mysteries are clean cozy mysteries without paranormal elements.
Sweets can be deadly, and when local bakery owner Stella Moretti becomes the next victim in Pumpkin Hollow, Mia Jordan is on the case. Can she and her boyfriend, Officer Ethan Banks, find the killer before there's another victim? Sweets can be deadly all right, but that's the way the cookie crumbles...Welcome to the warmth and charm of Pumpkin Hollow, where you'll find a family-owned candy store, loveable characters, and a dead body or two. Pumpkin Hollow Mysteries are clean cozy mysteries without paranormal elements.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2018
60 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 24, 2022
DEATH AND SWEETS is the fourth book in the Pumpkin Hollow Mystery series, about a town that celebrates Halloween all year round. These are short, novella length cozy mysteries that can be read in just an hour or two. Mia Jordan has moved back to town to help her mother run her candy store. In this mystery, she and her boyfriend, a local detective, are investigating after one of the bakery owners is found dead and there were quite a few people with motive to kill her. Lots of yummy baked goods and fudge in this one! 5/5 stars.
October 28, 2019
So that was a quick read! I started and finished it this evening within a couple of hours. Overall, I had mixed feelings about DEATH AND SWEETS. On one hand, I was glad to be back in Pumpkin Hollow and spend some more time with Mia and Ethan. I also enjoyed Mia even more in this installment in comparison to the previous book 3 installment I read, which was my first introduction to this series. My improved opinion of Mia might be in part related to the fact that I finished CHOCOLATE CHIP MURDER today by Joanne Fluke; compared to Hannah Swensen, Mia is so polite and sensitive, which I appreciated. Hannah's forwardness--and sometimes abrasiveness--wore on me some today, so spending time with the milder Mia was welcome this evening.
My mixed feelings stem from the fact that there was a lot of repetition in this book. Characters retold the same things over and over in different settings, and this eventually began to feel redundant. While maybe a character wasn't aware of the information, I was very much aware of it as the reader who was privy to "overhearing" the information multiple times. There were also a limited number of suspects in this book, and that led to me having the ending mostly sorted out before I ever got there.
Even so, despite the repetition and the small number of suspects that led to a fairly straightforward ending, I enjoyed the couple of hours I spent in Pumpkin Hollow, and I'm looking forward to returning again!
My mixed feelings stem from the fact that there was a lot of repetition in this book. Characters retold the same things over and over in different settings, and this eventually began to feel redundant. While maybe a character wasn't aware of the information, I was very much aware of it as the reader who was privy to "overhearing" the information multiple times. There were also a limited number of suspects in this book, and that led to me having the ending mostly sorted out before I ever got there.
Even so, despite the repetition and the small number of suspects that led to a fairly straightforward ending, I enjoyed the couple of hours I spent in Pumpkin Hollow, and I'm looking forward to returning again!
October 20, 2024
"Short but super sweet! I’m totally loving the Halloween vibe—it makes this series a must-read for the spooky season. I was completely caught off guard by the death in this book; I really thought she was going to be a mainstay in the series! Can't wait to see how everything unfolds!"
October 2, 2024
Death over baked goods
I really like these short stories based in a Halloween Town that this author has written, but this ending was kind of similar to the previous book where the main character is held with a gun pointed to her. I know the rest of the series is probably going to be the same with murder and someone being murdered in this town, so I really hope the author has come up with other ways for the killer to be revealed. Aside from the ending being similar to the previous book, I do really like this book and can't wait to read the next one because of the setting of the book and just the mystery.
I really like these short stories based in a Halloween Town that this author has written, but this ending was kind of similar to the previous book where the main character is held with a gun pointed to her. I know the rest of the series is probably going to be the same with murder and someone being murdered in this town, so I really hope the author has come up with other ways for the killer to be revealed. Aside from the ending being similar to the previous book, I do really like this book and can't wait to read the next one because of the setting of the book and just the mystery.
July 20, 2019
A little too familiar...
Same formula as the last 3 unfortunately. I know mysteries have a familiar formula but it is unrealistic to have one Halloween season comprised of 4 deaths by 4 killers who all end up holding Mia at gunpoint. If this was spread out it would be more believable but at this point I keep wanting to yell to Mia to take a vacation and get out of Pumpkin Hollow.
I will keep reading but I hope I see a change in the series. I love the setting and the characters but the formula is getting a bit old.
Same formula as the last 3 unfortunately. I know mysteries have a familiar formula but it is unrealistic to have one Halloween season comprised of 4 deaths by 4 killers who all end up holding Mia at gunpoint. If this was spread out it would be more believable but at this point I keep wanting to yell to Mia to take a vacation and get out of Pumpkin Hollow.
I will keep reading but I hope I see a change in the series. I love the setting and the characters but the formula is getting a bit old.
August 20, 2018
Laughter and Halloween treats
Not one of the better ones in the series. It seemed to lack something. When she finds the argumentative, Halloween opposed baker dead it throws suspicion onto all her friends. Who would kill someone in cold blood? Was it because of where her shop was? Are the rumours about her personal life true? Can they clear the case quickly so that Halloween can be enjoyed? The plot was okay but it didn't have the sleuthing I have come to expect and she was almost a bystander to the actual solving of the crime. Just left me feeling - "it was okay, but nothing special".
Not one of the better ones in the series. It seemed to lack something. When she finds the argumentative, Halloween opposed baker dead it throws suspicion onto all her friends. Who would kill someone in cold blood? Was it because of where her shop was? Are the rumours about her personal life true? Can they clear the case quickly so that Halloween can be enjoyed? The plot was okay but it didn't have the sleuthing I have come to expect and she was almost a bystander to the actual solving of the crime. Just left me feeling - "it was okay, but nothing special".
September 4, 2018
This feels rushed after the last book, like everything has to happen to lead up to Halloween. Not sure that timeline is believable, even in the best circumstances.
October 31, 2021
Mia Jordan moved back home after ten years away and not being able to decide what to do with herself. Now she's settled back into Pumpkin Hollow again, living on her own and working in her family's candy store. She also has a new boyfriend in the form of Officer Ethan Banks, whom wasn't very nice to her in school but has turned out to be very nice indeed...
Once morning while passing Stella Moretti's bakery, she finds the door ajar and the lights off. Calling for Stella, she finds her dead with a bullet wound to the chest. Yes, the woman was cantankerous to everyone and hated Halloween, but she didn't deserve to die. Now Mia and Ethan are back looking for a killer, and Mia doesn't want to believe it might be anyone she knows, but she also knows finding out could get her killed...
This is the fourth book in the series and I have been reading them because it's the Halloween season and I like to 'read the season.' While I have enjoyed the books thus far, I am beginning to dislike Mia. She seems to have a 'holier than thou' attitude to others. I do agree that you shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but it's not her place to correct anyone who does. It is not her place to make others feel guilty for having the feelings they do. Maybe people should correct her for her attitude a few times and it will change. Just sayin'
Anyway, the other thing that bothers me is the fact she mentions how Boo is her cat, but she allows him to live outside? What kind of cat caretaker is she? Cats that live outside have a shorter life span and catch more diseases. Cats are easy to care for, and being inside they are happier, given enough toys and places to scratch and climb. I've been a pet owner (cats, dogs, fish, turtles, birds, etc. -- you name it, I've probably owned it) all my life, and all my cats have been indoor cats and lived to ripe old ages. This always bothers me in books, but I won't ding the author for it; that would be unfair. This one is just my opinion.
Anyway, while Mia is looking for suspects, the victim's husband Vince is at the top of the list, since he doesn't seem to be mourning his wife very much; but there are others, including Stella's sister Daisy, who wasn't happy about Stella purchasing the bakery and then not participating in the Halloween season. But did either of them have a reason strong enough to kill Stella? Mia doesn't know, and neither does Ethan. But both of them are pursuing the matter...as well as pursuing their new relationship with each other, which is moving along nicely.
When we come to the end of the book and discover the murderer, the clues were all there all along, but you need to look for them and read the words. While I didn't think it was a strong enough reason for murder, who knows what goes on in the mind of a killer? Still, this was a quick read and I will probably continue with the series.
Once morning while passing Stella Moretti's bakery, she finds the door ajar and the lights off. Calling for Stella, she finds her dead with a bullet wound to the chest. Yes, the woman was cantankerous to everyone and hated Halloween, but she didn't deserve to die. Now Mia and Ethan are back looking for a killer, and Mia doesn't want to believe it might be anyone she knows, but she also knows finding out could get her killed...
This is the fourth book in the series and I have been reading them because it's the Halloween season and I like to 'read the season.' While I have enjoyed the books thus far, I am beginning to dislike Mia. She seems to have a 'holier than thou' attitude to others. I do agree that you shouldn't speak ill of the dead, but it's not her place to correct anyone who does. It is not her place to make others feel guilty for having the feelings they do. Maybe people should correct her for her attitude a few times and it will change. Just sayin'
Anyway, the other thing that bothers me is the fact she mentions how Boo is her cat, but she allows him to live outside? What kind of cat caretaker is she? Cats that live outside have a shorter life span and catch more diseases. Cats are easy to care for, and being inside they are happier, given enough toys and places to scratch and climb. I've been a pet owner (cats, dogs, fish, turtles, birds, etc. -- you name it, I've probably owned it) all my life, and all my cats have been indoor cats and lived to ripe old ages. This always bothers me in books, but I won't ding the author for it; that would be unfair. This one is just my opinion.
Anyway, while Mia is looking for suspects, the victim's husband Vince is at the top of the list, since he doesn't seem to be mourning his wife very much; but there are others, including Stella's sister Daisy, who wasn't happy about Stella purchasing the bakery and then not participating in the Halloween season. But did either of them have a reason strong enough to kill Stella? Mia doesn't know, and neither does Ethan. But both of them are pursuing the matter...as well as pursuing their new relationship with each other, which is moving along nicely.
When we come to the end of the book and discover the murderer, the clues were all there all along, but you need to look for them and read the words. While I didn't think it was a strong enough reason for murder, who knows what goes on in the mind of a killer? Still, this was a quick read and I will probably continue with the series.
October 26, 2020
Death and Sweets got me in the Halloween/Fall spirit! It was cute, cozy, and mysterious - packed with all the things I love about Fall. If you love bakery/Autumn themed mysteries, you will love this series. The story, setting, and characters just work together to put you in a cozy Autumn mood! Set in the charming town of Pumpkin Hollow where Halloween is celebrated from Labor Day through November. In this installment it is beginning to mid October and the town is just recovering from recent murders and arson by getting the haunted farmhouse up and running with the hayrides, mazes, and pumpkin picking, as well as the haunted house, when another murderer strikes. This time the victim is the owner of the Sweet Goblin Bakery and Mia is the one who finds her body. While whipping up candied treats at the candy shop, and carving pumpkins with her boyfriend, Mia is once again searching for clues into poor Stella’s murder. The woman hated the Halloween season and several people could have benefited from her death, so Mia and Ethan are working to narrow things down. Iced Halloween sugar cookies end up being the clue that solves the case but not before Mia is once again faced with the killer in a dangerous position. I like these mysteries because they keep you interested without being gory or over the top scary. Just a little chilling, light-hearted Halloween fun. Mia and Ethan (the town cop and newly appointed murder detective) are progressing in their relationship. Looking forward to more Pumpkin Hollow. Happy Halloween!
March 23, 2021
Great book!!!!
Wow, who would have thought bakery wars can be deadly!
Mia got mixed up in a mess with a grouchy bakery Stella, not wanting to participate in Halloween decoration for the season.
Some shady dealings went on for Stella to get in that part of town which is named "Halloween District" especially just for decorating all the stores for tourists coming into their town and special events to participate in.
Ethan the police/detective had a mess to untangle, especially when Stella's husband Vince had an affair with a married woman which was her best friend Angela, since childhood. But then turned around and hired Angela when her marriage was over and messy divorce.
So there were alot of suspects to go through, even Stella's sister Daisy is on that list.
You won't be disappointed!!!!
You have to read for details, it's crazy good!!!!
Wow, who would have thought bakery wars can be deadly!
Mia got mixed up in a mess with a grouchy bakery Stella, not wanting to participate in Halloween decoration for the season.
Some shady dealings went on for Stella to get in that part of town which is named "Halloween District" especially just for decorating all the stores for tourists coming into their town and special events to participate in.
Ethan the police/detective had a mess to untangle, especially when Stella's husband Vince had an affair with a married woman which was her best friend Angela, since childhood. But then turned around and hired Angela when her marriage was over and messy divorce.
So there were alot of suspects to go through, even Stella's sister Daisy is on that list.
You won't be disappointed!!!!
You have to read for details, it's crazy good!!!!
April 21, 2019
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
November 7, 2022
Some people saw it coming and others didn't when the grumpiest woman in town was killed (and we all thought Hazel held that title lol!). There were several good candidates for whodunit and I was never really sure which one it was. Meanwhile, Mia got a nice surprise when a couple new things were added to the haunted farmhouse grounds to help with its success that season.
The showdown was a good one, and Mia was sure lucky someone else was on the same page as to whodunit and was able to intervene. I've read the blurb for the next book and already borrowed it in KU.
The showdown was a good one, and Mia was sure lucky someone else was on the same page as to whodunit and was able to intervene. I've read the blurb for the next book and already borrowed it in KU.
October 13, 2025
This was an entertaining cozy mystery. I enjoyed the setting of a town where they celebrate Halloween all year long in order to draw in tourists. I thought the main character, Mia, felt like a real person you could meet. The mystery itself wasn't bad and kept me guessing. One of the things that bothered me was that the characters would sometimes repeat themselves excessively. So, you would hear the same information multiple times. Other than that, it was good.
October 26, 2021
Bakery death
This book was a bit better in the writing then the last few with the same town and murder. It was more grown up I guess I would say as the main character was not into accusing everyone she knew in town of the victims death and not telling her detective boyfriend how to investigate his job.
This book was a bit better in the writing then the last few with the same town and murder. It was more grown up I guess I would say as the main character was not into accusing everyone she knew in town of the victims death and not telling her detective boyfriend how to investigate his job.
May 5, 2023
Cute, but lacks substance
Mia, the main character, is okay but bland and one-dimensional. Unfortunately, this also describes the mystery. There are very few proofing issues, but the formatting leaves something to be desired. Basically, this is a clean, insubstantial cozy that may be for readers looking for a brief, mindless diversion.
Mia, the main character, is okay but bland and one-dimensional. Unfortunately, this also describes the mystery. There are very few proofing issues, but the formatting leaves something to be desired. Basically, this is a clean, insubstantial cozy that may be for readers looking for a brief, mindless diversion.
September 8, 2018
Great mystery!
This is the fourth book in the series and they should be read in order because they follow a continuous story line. I think it would be cool to live somewhere where you celebrate Halloween year round!
This is the fourth book in the series and they should be read in order because they follow a continuous story line. I think it would be cool to live somewhere where you celebrate Halloween year round!
October 11, 2020
Pumpkin hollow mystery
Another great read by Kathleen Suzette. Mia owns a candy store in pumpkin hollow. And it seems like every where she turns, someone turns up dead. A super cute mystery with very likable characters.
Another great read by Kathleen Suzette. Mia owns a candy store in pumpkin hollow. And it seems like every where she turns, someone turns up dead. A super cute mystery with very likable characters.
October 20, 2020
I just started reading this book and I have to say that I
find this book very exciting. I Love a good murder mystery.
The other 3 books I have read was Awesome!!!
I can't wait to read book 5.
Thank You Kate Bell and Kathleen Suzette.
find this book very exciting. I Love a good murder mystery.
The other 3 books I have read was Awesome!!!
I can't wait to read book 5.
Thank You Kate Bell and Kathleen Suzette.
October 7, 2021
These are quick Halloween themed mysteries that I can read within the day. The covers are adorable, but I wish they’d be more inside the books. Make them longer and make more of them. I love everything Halloween related.
November 11, 2023
Ethan's dialogue has improved, but Mia's occasionally sounds robotic. I also don't understand why it continuously ends with a gun pointed at Mia, and yet she continues to meddle in these investigations. Great palette cleansers though.
October 8, 2018
This story is the first Halloween read I've read. It is fun and an easy book to get through. I would recommend it to anyone/
January 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
January 29, 2020
Good enjoyable read.
Chose book because I like to follow the same characters through the series. Likeable characters. Good story. Like the recipes.
Chose book because I like to follow the same characters through the series. Likeable characters. Good story. Like the recipes.
September 10, 2020
Loved it!
September 22, 2022
I always love these, especially for getting into a seasonal mood! This one was no disappointment, and I highly recommend this entire series for those who want a light, seasonal, cozy mystery!
January 4, 2023
Quick easy fun read!! Great characters that make you want to see what they are up to next!
October 6, 2024
Solid cozy mystery. It gave me all these great Halloween vibes. The mystery was a good one. I wasn’t expecting who the victim was though so that added a little more excitement to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
Good for a quick little read for a drive or a plane trip. Nice to pass tbe time, took about a day to finish each of these ones.
August 29, 2025
I loved it!!!
October 27, 2019
Death & Sweets
You never know what kind of trouble Mia will walk into until it is almost to late. Thank goodness for handsome police officers who care about their girlfriends. Cannot wait to see what is in store for Mia and Ethan in Pumpkin Hollow.
You never know what kind of trouble Mia will walk into until it is almost to late. Thank goodness for handsome police officers who care about their girlfriends. Cannot wait to see what is in store for Mia and Ethan in Pumpkin Hollow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews