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Pumpkin Hollow Mystery #2
Murderously Sweet
Someone is trying to sabotage the town of Pumpkin Hollow and when the mayor turns up dead, Mia Jordan is on the case to save the town and catch a killer.
Halloween is celebrated year-round in Pumpkin Hollow, but when rumors of a curse spread through the town, Mia must head them off before they destroy the town's reputation.
Halloween is celebrated year-round in Pumpkin Hollow, but when rumors of a curse spread through the town, Mia must head them off before they destroy the town's reputation.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2017
114 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 12, 2022
I’m enjoying this Pumpkin Hollow mystery series. It’s a cozy series set in a town with a year-round Halloween theme. There’s no paranormal element but the town celebrates Halloween all year for the tourism element. Except now there’s a proposal on the books to do away with the Halloween theme and the town is divided. Mia, the main character, wants to keep Halloween year-round. When the mayor is murdered in a corn maze, people wonder if it’s because of the upcoming vote. These are really short and sweet mysteries that you can read in an hour or two. I enjoy the Halloween theme and I’m glad to see it’s a long series. Also the yummy candy descriptions are great! 5/5 stars.
October 30, 2022
This series is kinda cool how it continues from the previous book like a serial. The main murders are always solved, but I'd definitely recommend reading in order for the most enjoyment. The feud against Halloween by some of the businesses was still going hot 'n heavy as Mia and the ones who relied on the Halloween season tried their best to save it. A murder and a fire out at the haunted maze sure didn't help things at all!
By now Mia was feeling comfortable enough around Ethan that she asked him stuff about the case, not that she always got answers, but he was always nice about it. Mia's mom was in on the showdown which was a little scary (and I do mean the human scary!), but Mia knew she'd do anything to keep Mom from the line of fire. I loved how Mia used what she could find and what she did to the perp!
Even though a couple people who'd been against Halloween season were removed from the picture, the vote still had to be held. I'm pretty sure I can guess how it goes, 'cause there wouldn't be a series if it failed, would there? ;) I've already started the next from KU, pretty sure I'll have it done tomorrow, Halloween.
By now Mia was feeling comfortable enough around Ethan that she asked him stuff about the case, not that she always got answers, but he was always nice about it. Mia's mom was in on the showdown which was a little scary (and I do mean the human scary!), but Mia knew she'd do anything to keep Mom from the line of fire. I loved how Mia used what she could find and what she did to the perp!
Even though a couple people who'd been against Halloween season were removed from the picture, the vote still had to be held. I'm pretty sure I can guess how it goes, 'cause there wouldn't be a series if it failed, would there? ;) I've already started the next from KU, pretty sure I'll have it done tomorrow, Halloween.
September 4, 2024
I'm loving this series. They are nice and short. Honestly, I thought the murderer was pretty obvious but I'm just loving the Halloween vibes so much that I honestly don't care how predictable it is. I can see myself finishing this series.
October 24, 2017
I enjoy Kate Bell's cozy mysteries right up until the ending starts going south.....
November 2, 2020
Another good Pumpkin Hollow Book!
I really like this well written, cozy series! There are plenty of twists and turns to keep my interest and a dash of romance. Love the characters and small town ambience. It is a clean decent mystery for all ages. I could almost taste the candy corn marshmallows, smell the candy store and pumpkin spice lattes. It's definitely a yummy and fun light mystery!
I really like this well written, cozy series! There are plenty of twists and turns to keep my interest and a dash of romance. Love the characters and small town ambience. It is a clean decent mystery for all ages. I could almost taste the candy corn marshmallows, smell the candy store and pumpkin spice lattes. It's definitely a yummy and fun light mystery!
October 14, 2021
Mia Jordan helps her mother run the family's candy store in Pumpkin Hollow, a small town in northern California. She's also trying to save the town's tradition of celebrating Halloween year round, and has the support of most of the shop owners, even though the mayor opposes it. But when she goes to a corn maze with her maybe-beau Ethan, a police officer in the town, she trips over the body of the mayor. Now there's another murder in town, and Mia has to find a way to keep tourists from figuring it out. It doesn't help that some people are spreading the rumor of a witch's curse, and it only makes things more difficult. But will the killer stop at the mayor, or try again?
This is the second book in the series, and since the first was shorter, I thought I'd catch this one and see what Mia is up to next. Like the first, the characters are the same, and we get to know a little bit more about them, which is nice. (I would like to know what Mia's father does for a living, though; right now he's just wallpaper in the series). Anyway, when the unpopular mayor is murdered, it seems the only ones mourning him are his widow and brother-in-law. Everyone else seems to be glad of him, which makes finding the murderer a tough job. Even the police are finding it difficult.
Mia is still wondering, though, and looking for clues. But will she come up against a killer or find them and turn them over to the police? Since the town is still divided on the will-they or won't-they get rid of Halloween traditions, anyone could have murdered the mayor. Sifting through business owners as the main suspects, Mia isn't making herself popular, either. She's also deciding if she wants to pursue a relationship with Ethan, who was her bane in junior high, but doesn't ask him why he did what he did. Hmmm...
I will say that I knew who the murderer was the minute they stepped on the page. I was wondering when Mia would figure it out, but she eventually does, as we all know she would. Unfortunately, there was still something about the book that bothered me, and readers will eventually know what it was. The ending was fine and I will probably read the next in the series.
This is the second book in the series, and since the first was shorter, I thought I'd catch this one and see what Mia is up to next. Like the first, the characters are the same, and we get to know a little bit more about them, which is nice. (I would like to know what Mia's father does for a living, though; right now he's just wallpaper in the series). Anyway, when the unpopular mayor is murdered, it seems the only ones mourning him are his widow and brother-in-law. Everyone else seems to be glad of him, which makes finding the murderer a tough job. Even the police are finding it difficult.
Mia is still wondering, though, and looking for clues. But will she come up against a killer or find them and turn them over to the police? Since the town is still divided on the will-they or won't-they get rid of Halloween traditions, anyone could have murdered the mayor. Sifting through business owners as the main suspects, Mia isn't making herself popular, either. She's also deciding if she wants to pursue a relationship with Ethan, who was her bane in junior high, but doesn't ask him why he did what he did. Hmmm...
I will say that I knew who the murderer was the minute they stepped on the page. I was wondering when Mia would figure it out, but she eventually does, as we all know she would. Unfortunately, there was still something about the book that bothered me, and readers will eventually know what it was. The ending was fine and I will probably read the next in the series.
September 29, 2020
Murderously Sweet is sure to get you in the Halloween/Fall spirit! It was cute, cozy, and mysterious - packed with all the things I love about Fall. 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. This book picks up a few weeks after the murder of Hazel. Mia is going through the Haunted Corn Maze when she stumbles upon a dead body - the mayor! This time there are a lot of suspects because the mayor was not well liked, mostly due to the fact that he wanted the Halloween celebrations voted out. In between making pumpkin fudge in her parents’ candy shop and dating Ethan, a town cop, Mia is also searching for clues once again. She wants the killer behind bars, and the rumors about curses on the town and murders to stop, as she fears this is making tourists afraid to visit and therefore hurting the Halloween season for all the businesses. It’s also giving the people who don’t want the Halloween season more of a reason to vote it out. Mia attends a Halloween party as a gypsy with Ethan as a vampire, and the two continue to indulge in the season’s activities while suspicious behavior from other Pumpkin Hollow residents is constantly being revealed, creating that edge of your seat feeling in this cozy mystery! I was a little surprised at who the killer turned out to be! I loved revisiting Mia's family and friends, great characters, including the eccentric townspeople. I am looking forward to reading more Pumpkin Hollow. Happy Fall!
October 9, 2024
This book is certainly aptly titled, it is, indeed, murderously sweet, & my teeth are still aching. It is also mercifully short, so I managed to get through it, although I was almost a goner in the first chapter when MC Mia Jordan screamed repeatedly, ran away blindly & managed to sprain her ankle. Oh, deary, deary me! What more can I say?
Hang on, here's a little excerpt that had me grinding my teeth (a gift to dentistry, this book):
"...my heart sank just a tiny bit. My best friend, Amanda Krigbaum, was engaged to my ex-boyfriend from high school, Brian Shoate. Now Jennifer was engaged to our class valedictorian, Chad Rhoades. All I had to show for my ten years post high school graduation was three master's degrees I might never use, and the same job I had in high school."
Sigh! So much for all those useless degrees when what we really want is a man. Pretty good going to get 3 master's in 10 years - & how expensive was that?
Anyway, it's a sweet, silly murder mystery set in a town called Pumpkin Hollow that celebrates all things Halloween for a large part of the year, or tries to when tourists aren't being scared away by too much reality. Mia Jordan & Ethan Banks are pleasant, ordinary people, but it was all a bit too twee for me.
Hang on, here's a little excerpt that had me grinding my teeth (a gift to dentistry, this book):
"...my heart sank just a tiny bit. My best friend, Amanda Krigbaum, was engaged to my ex-boyfriend from high school, Brian Shoate. Now Jennifer was engaged to our class valedictorian, Chad Rhoades. All I had to show for my ten years post high school graduation was three master's degrees I might never use, and the same job I had in high school."
Sigh! So much for all those useless degrees when what we really want is a man. Pretty good going to get 3 master's in 10 years - & how expensive was that?
Anyway, it's a sweet, silly murder mystery set in a town called Pumpkin Hollow that celebrates all things Halloween for a large part of the year, or tries to when tourists aren't being scared away by too much reality. Mia Jordan & Ethan Banks are pleasant, ordinary people, but it was all a bit too twee for me.
May 8, 2018
Shame that the culprit was obvious from the start
A really good read but it was really obvious what the evidence would be that would point out the culprit really early on. The town had always played up to it's name therefore is it any surprise that when the mayor tried to stop Halloween that he would be killed? Although she loves the nice parts of Halloween it is only because she is dared that she goes into the maze with the handsome deputy. Tripping over the mayor's body would leave her even more prone to wanting nothing to do with the scary parts. Who wanted him dead? With a long list of suspects and motives, she and the deputy get closer as they investigate. A nice gentle cozy but not really a brain teaser. Great loveable, normal characters that you can relate too.
A really good read but it was really obvious what the evidence would be that would point out the culprit really early on. The town had always played up to it's name therefore is it any surprise that when the mayor tried to stop Halloween that he would be killed? Although she loves the nice parts of Halloween it is only because she is dared that she goes into the maze with the handsome deputy. Tripping over the mayor's body would leave her even more prone to wanting nothing to do with the scary parts. Who wanted him dead? With a long list of suspects and motives, she and the deputy get closer as they investigate. A nice gentle cozy but not really a brain teaser. Great loveable, normal characters that you can relate too.
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.
March 12, 2022
I love cozy mysteries. I also love holiday themed mysteries and food themed mysteries. These books check every single box that I have! The main character works in a candy store, and these books are like delicious little cozy-mystery candies. They are easy, enjoyable reads. They are well-written, and the flow is good. The characters are enjoyable, and the mystery is well-written. Admittedly, I'm bad at guessing the bad guy in all mysteries, but I didn't see it coming in this one either. I've already got my next read by this author lined up, and I highly recommend these to anyone who is looking for a delightful little cozy mystery to curl up with on a cold/rainy/sleepy night! These are excellent all year 'round!
October 27, 2022
This was a great cozy. I'm invested in the town and the characters now. I loved all the Halloween themed activities happening around town. This is a perfect read for the Halloween season.
I am sort of becoming a tad annoyed with Mia (FMC) always thinking to herself, "Well, this was a PERSON no one should be happy that they are dead... I mean it is a real person..." over and over again. We get it. You can't fathom how anyone can be happy when someone is dead. But, even in book 2 I am annoyed with her repetition of this. If it continues, I may quit the series prematurely. I know I know, but I'm very picky so...
I as shocked as to who the killer was. It's a quick read. It's atmospheric. It has a budding and realistic romance brewing, I'd say pick this one up.
I am sort of becoming a tad annoyed with Mia (FMC) always thinking to herself, "Well, this was a PERSON no one should be happy that they are dead... I mean it is a real person..." over and over again. We get it. You can't fathom how anyone can be happy when someone is dead. But, even in book 2 I am annoyed with her repetition of this. If it continues, I may quit the series prematurely. I know I know, but I'm very picky so...
I as shocked as to who the killer was. It's a quick read. It's atmospheric. It has a budding and realistic romance brewing, I'd say pick this one up.
September 7, 2024
4.25 stars
I have to say even before the crime happened I predicted who the suspect was and what the evidence was going to be to convict the suspect that wasn’t a bad thing, but while reading I just focused on that person and no one else. I did wish Mia actively investigated more than just at the end. It was still good. I enjoyed the vibe of it all with the Halloween flair especially the fact the crime took place in a haunted maze. Great stuff.
I have to say even before the crime happened I predicted who the suspect was and what the evidence was going to be to convict the suspect that wasn’t a bad thing, but while reading I just focused on that person and no one else. I did wish Mia actively investigated more than just at the end. It was still good. I enjoyed the vibe of it all with the Halloween flair especially the fact the crime took place in a haunted maze. Great stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
Cosy mystery
Despite the murders and the people wanting to vote to get rid of the Halloween season. This book makes me wish I could climb into it and live in Pumpkin Hollow. This author always has a plot twist to who is the murderer and it honestly keeps my mind thinking the whole time when reading. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and find out what happens next. This is a 10/10 read!
Despite the murders and the people wanting to vote to get rid of the Halloween season. This book makes me wish I could climb into it and live in Pumpkin Hollow. This author always has a plot twist to who is the murderer and it honestly keeps my mind thinking the whole time when reading. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and find out what happens next. This is a 10/10 read!
September 14, 2019
Wow, what a twister!!
10+ stars!!
It took a lot for Ethan and Mia to figure out what happened and why!!
There were so many suspects that it took along time talking to everyone on the long list.
Halloween is a wild time of year.
Be careful who lurks in the dark!!!!
I couldn't put the book down. You will love this book!!!!
10+ stars!!
It took a lot for Ethan and Mia to figure out what happened and why!!
There were so many suspects that it took along time talking to everyone on the long list.
Halloween is a wild time of year.
Be careful who lurks in the dark!!!!
I couldn't put the book down. You will love this book!!!!
May 17, 2021
Fast-Paced Fun!
The second in the series is every bit as good as the first one. Although few people liked the murdered victim, I appreciated Mia’s compassion. She seems like a full-bodied person, drawn well and likable. The mystery progressed naturally and was tantalizing all the way through. Bravo!
The second in the series is every bit as good as the first one. Although few people liked the murdered victim, I appreciated Mia’s compassion. She seems like a full-bodied person, drawn well and likable. The mystery progressed naturally and was tantalizing all the way through. Bravo!
October 11, 2022
Good mystery.
Murder and arson put a damper on Hallowe'en festivities in Pumpkin Hollow. Mia investigates while trying to enjoy the holiday. I like this series. I wish I could try some of the confections Mia's mother created. If you like cozy mysteries and Hallowe'en, I recommend this series.
Murder and arson put a damper on Hallowe'en festivities in Pumpkin Hollow. Mia investigates while trying to enjoy the holiday. I like this series. I wish I could try some of the confections Mia's mother created. If you like cozy mysteries and Hallowe'en, I recommend this series.
February 8, 2023
Looking forward to book number 3
Who knew a read about a Halloween themed town would be perfect for a chilly February day? This well written, well edited book was a perfect, cozy read. I think he have a new favorite cozy mystery series. I can't wait to see if Mia, Ethan and friends save the Halloween season for Pumpkin Hollow.
Who knew a read about a Halloween themed town would be perfect for a chilly February day? This well written, well edited book was a perfect, cozy read. I think he have a new favorite cozy mystery series. I can't wait to see if Mia, Ethan and friends save the Halloween season for Pumpkin Hollow.
October 14, 2024
The stories deepen throughout the small town if pumpkin hollow
The characters become more developed in this book. We learn more about each of them and the town itself comes more to life. This is a good all around solid follow up book. It flows well and is a quick light 2 hour (+/-) cozy mystery read
The characters become more developed in this book. We learn more about each of them and the town itself comes more to life. This is a good all around solid follow up book. It flows well and is a quick light 2 hour (+/-) cozy mystery read
September 18, 2017
Definitely a 5 star read
This is a well put together story. The story moves smoothly with a few twists and turns that keeps the reader interested. Has a real surprise ending. Looking forward to the next.
This is a well put together story. The story moves smoothly with a few twists and turns that keeps the reader interested. Has a real surprise ending. Looking forward to the next.
September 7, 2018
Great cozy series!
I love Halloween and these mysteries make me want to make cookies and cider and decorate! The mystery is not easy to figure out and the characters are well written. The writing is decent.
I love Halloween and these mysteries make me want to make cookies and cider and decorate! The mystery is not easy to figure out and the characters are well written. The writing is decent.
October 9, 2020
Halloween town mystery
Pumpkin Hallow is a great town that celebrates Halloween. But the town folks keep getting murdered! The main character, of course, has to solve the crime. Very cute cozy
Pumpkin Hallow is a great town that celebrates Halloween. But the town folks keep getting murdered! The main character, of course, has to solve the crime. Very cute cozy
October 4, 2021
These are quick mysteries to week on the weekends. I love the setting of Pumpkin Hollow and if the town was a real town I’d probably want to live there… minus the whole people getting murdered thing.
October 18, 2023
I absolutely love the idea of a Halloween themed cozy mystery series, there’s just not much mystery to this series. I will continue reading them because they are kind of fun, but they aren’t the best cozy mysteries I’ve read, unfortunately.
November 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this cute cozy mystery! I’m glad the sleuthing isn’t annoying! The people in this town are so cynical. It seems like no one likes the murder victims. The fact that people openly say that they’re glad such-and-such died is out of pocket! I laughed out loud so many times!!!
October 24, 2024
Wieder die perfekte Halloween/Fall Cozy Mystery.
Schon letztes Jahr hatte ich band 1 gelesen und fand es super. Vielleicht ist das jetzt etwas, was jedes Jahr wieder kommen wird.
Vielleicht lese ich sogar noch eine zweite 🍂✨
Schon letztes Jahr hatte ich band 1 gelesen und fand es super. Vielleicht ist das jetzt etwas, was jedes Jahr wieder kommen wird.
Vielleicht lese ich sogar noch eine zweite 🍂✨
May 1, 2025
Predictable
While I really enjoyed this cozy, I figured out who the murderer was very quickly.
I do like the budding romance between Mia and Ethan though. It's very sweet.
I also love the idea of a small town celebrating my favorite holiday year round! Yea for Halloween!
While I really enjoyed this cozy, I figured out who the murderer was very quickly.
I do like the budding romance between Mia and Ethan though. It's very sweet.
I also love the idea of a small town celebrating my favorite holiday year round! Yea for Halloween!
October 19, 2025
Really enjoyed this. I like that it keeps you guessing about who is guilty: the characters are realistic. The romantic connection between characters isn’t overwhelming in your face. Which is a nice change for this style of cozy. This is the second book in the series and I can’t wait to start the next one.
September 27, 2017
Five star book. I enjoyed it.
December 16, 2017
Improved over the previous!
No sophomore slump here. Better story, character development, and improved writing all lead to a much better second effort of a book.
No sophomore slump here. Better story, character development, and improved writing all lead to a much better second effort of a book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews