Death of a Blueberry Tart

Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #12

by Lee Hollis

It may not be front page news, but Island Times food and cocktails columnist Hayley Powell and crime reporter Bruce Linney are now happily married. Before they can set sail on their honeymoon cruise, however, Hayley's mom, Sheila, pays an impromptu visit—and promptly becomes the prime suspect in a murder.
 
The victim is Sheila's old high school rival, Cassie Lemon-Hogg, known for her homemade blueberry pies and her home-wrecking flirtations. As Hayley teams up with her BFFs Liddy and Mona to clear her mother's name, Sheila reunites with Liddy's mom Celeste and Mona's mom Jane for their own amateur sleuthing. The race is on between the moms and the daughters to find out who served this blueberry tart her just desserts . . .
 
Includes seven delectable recipes from Hayley’s kitchen!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Ebooks, Adult, Audiobook

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2020

About the author

Lee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the humor in this one, but it was slightly at the expense of character authenticity. I am not a fan of Hayley's pairing with Bruce, and the relationship has taken some strange turns. Otherwise, the murder plot in Death of a Blueberry Tart is amusing. But I must say... Hayley's cat's name is Blueberry, who features a bunch in this story given Bruce's allergy, yet not once was the relationship between Blueberry the cat and the Blueberry pie murder plot ever mentioned. What??? I liked the book, just felt like it was a bit underdone and rushed.

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jumped at the chance for a visit with Hayley, Mona, and Liddy...love those gals. Now I can include Bruce (the former butthead) to the mix of excited to see lol. Hayley invited me to come and help take care of Leroy and Blueberry while Bruce and her finally got their long awaited honeymoon. It wasn’t long after I arrived that Hurricane Sheila (otherwise known as Hayley’s mom) called to say that she was coming for a visit. Ok...ya’ll when I say coming for a visit...I mean she called from the plane (actually a layover but you get my point). Anyways she was in a hissy because her and her long time beau Lenny had broken up, and she wanted to escape Florida and lick her wounds. At that point Hayley just resigned herself, Bruce, and myself that her mother was coming.
Hurricane Sheila is a hoot! I love her theatrics and drama, but of course she is not my mother lol. She is even better when you put her with Liddy, and Mona’s mothers who were all classmates and friends. They are great, but quite the handful! They decide it’s the perfect time to form an impromptu class reunion. The reunion is going great except for one thing….their nemesis Caskie Lemon-Hogg (aka the blueberry tart) shows up. According to Celeste, Jane, and Sheila….the only time Caskie shows up is to flirt with other peoples husbands or cheat. A heated exchange between the three and Caskie occurs, and she takes out a restraining order on the ladies...claiming she was in fear for her life. Which at the time seemed ridiculous until she winds up dead shortly after the incident. Of course this already makes the ladies a prime suspect...to make matters worse she is found in the adjourning room of the b and b where Sheila is staying.
Hayley (dispute my best efforts) cancelled her honeymoon cruise to help find the real killer before her mother ends up in the slammer. Of course I was already supposed to be staying for a while...so I offered to help in any way I could!

My thoughts:
I have loved all the books in this series! The setting, characters, her food column “island food and spirits, blueberry and leroy….love it all!!! I didn’t think this series was missing anything, but I was wrong...bringing Hayley, Liddy, and Mona’s mothers together was genius!!!
The mystery was good as usual. Hollis’s books are always nicely paced and packed with laughs!

You need to mix up one of the fabulous cocktail recipes included in this book ( I would suggest the blueberry cosmo), find a comfy spot and settle in because once you start this latest installment you won’t want to put it down!
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Lee Hollis, and the publisher for this opportunity.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, I really did between the mother and the other stupid stuff like she didn’t go on her honeymoon ! I could not stand it !!!! There was another book that this author wrote that I hated but I can’t remember and I’m too lazy to look it up 🥱

[Paula Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series so much. I love the characters and the friendships. In this book the mom's are there causing trouble. It's a fun read.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this next book of the series Hayley is excited for her upcoming honeymoon with her new husband Bruce. About a week before they are to leave her mother Sheila shows up unexpectedly, heart broken@ from a recent breakup. She barged into Hayley's life and just seems to take over. Her mother ends up throwing an impromptu high school reunion and runs into her rival Cassie, a woman that her friends and her have for ever disliked. When Cassie ends up dead and Sheila is the one to find her, she becomes the main suspect in the murder. Hayley can't let her mom and up in jail and has to postpone her honeymoon so she can investigate. She starts with looking into Cassie's life, past and present. There are so many avenues to look down but nothing is jumping out to help lead Hayley down a certain path. Will she be able to put the puzzle pieces together and figure out who killed Cassie or will her mom and up in jail? Follow along and see for yourself!

I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is always funny, but with Hayley, Mona and Liddy's mothers all together (since they were longtime friends like their girls were), it was extra hilarious. I absolutely loved the showdown which was just too good.

I've been reading the series from the beginning but had honestly started it by reading ARCs of the later books. Reading the older books is really funny too, and it's a wonder that Bruce and Hayley ever got together. Now married, they were dealing with Hayley's mom who moved in temporarily due to a romantic breakup. Sheila ended up with a sweet ending as did everyone else. I'm anxious to get back to the early books and eventually get caught up, but I'm not holding my breath to be finished before the next book comes out in July lol.

I did preorder the book but voluntarily read this ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hayley Powell's overly critical mother, Sheila, makes a surprise visit things go from bad to worse and after a fight her mom leaves to stay in a bed and breakfast. That is where her mother stumbles across a body and then becomes a murder suspect. The fight is forgotten and now the focus is on finding the murderer so that Sheila is off the hook.

I give 5 stars to the first chapter. What a great twist! The story as a whole had a good flow and the relationships between Hayley and her friends with their moms added to the story. There are also some great sounding recipes included in the book. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always get excited for a new Lee Hollis book and this latest installment in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail Mystery series doesn’t disappoint! If you’ve been following this series then you may know that there’s a little bit of a romance going on in this series. At the beginning of this book we find Hayley and Bruce married. However, it seems to me that not everything is going according to plan. This is especially true when Hayley’s meddling mother, Sheila, suddenly shows up a few days before they are set to leave for their honeymoon. Sheila has her own set of relationship problems, but Hayley doesn’t have the time or the desire to sort through that mess with all the other things going on in her life.

However, when Sheila is suspected of killing an old high school rival, Hayley works with the help of her friends, Liddy and Mona, to find out what happens. The interesting twist about this book is that Sheila doesn’t just wait in the shadows, worrying about what will happen to her daughter or her fate. She actually teams up with Liddy and Mona’s mothers to do their own version of amateur sleuthing. I’ve read a lot of Cozy Mysteries but this is the first time I’ve seen two sets of people going after the same thing. It was definitely refreshing to read and I loved the unique idea!

I also have to mention how quickly I read this book because I think that shows just how well-written and perfectly paced this book is. I always read Lee Hollis’s books pretty quickly, but this one I read in one sitting. It’s a fast-paced read that easy to follow and super fun and entertaining. This series is definitely one of my top favorite Cozies. I really can’t recommend it enough! It’s a must read!

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! I enjoy reading about Hayley, Liddy and Mona antics, but this one adds in their moms, The Golden Girl sleuths :-) They were so much fun! I liked that the moms act just like their daughters, but I did find that Hayley's mom was a tad annoying at points and I don't feel that way about Hayley herself. You get to a point where you do realize who has to be behind what's going on, but one of the murders was pretty interestingly carried out. I usually read this series, but with everything going on, I had to check it out in audio from my local library. The narrator wasn't bad, but I can't wait to read the next book!!

[PugMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better! Not only are the mysteries well planned but I enjoy the characters who are fun and relatable (I know how Hayley felt with her mother hanging around LOL). The columns from the Island Times as well as the recipes add a unique aspect to the series. I always read these books in one sitting and look forward to the next book in this series.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Blueberry Tart by Lee Hollis is the 12th instalment in the Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series.

I love this series, I have only read the last 2 but have purchased the previous 10 and hope to catch up. The stories always catch my attention and pull me in right away.

Plus the recipes ! They make me want to be a baker or a cook.
Right now I just want to run out and buy some blueberries so I can try out a few of the recipes featured in the book.

I suspected the murderer but didn’t fully guess until Haley did. This was a great mystery filled with lots of twists and turns. I love how Haley, Liddy and Mona are so much like their mothers but don’t see it.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends !

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julesy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not crazy about this one with the mother and Hayley's BFF's mothers, who are all BFFs with Hayley's mother. Probably the worst one in the series.

Also, I am sooooo done with the narrator. The more I listen to her, the more annoying I become with her narration and her horrible silibance. I felt like I was listening to a slithering snake the entire time. I managed to tolerate her for 4 audios in this series, but no more!! Back to ebooks I go.

Story: 3 stars
Narrator: 1 star

[Cherry London · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting cozy where Hayley allowed herself to be led by her mom and her gang of boisterous ladies. I wasn't too captivated with this one, Sheila and her gang spoils it for me. They were a bit too vindictive, malicious and too quick to cast aspersions. This one lacks two chief essences, that of intrigue and excitement.

[Elizabeth Schaefer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this book as it was neither cozy nor much of a mystery as I predicted who the murderer was very early on. It was a kind of quick read, but it still was very sexist and racist. I’m not going to spoil anything, but it played into pretty racist stereotypes. In summary utilize your time elsewhere there’s no need to waste it on this.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Blueberry Tart is the 12th instalment in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series written by Lee Hollis. The mystery is absorbing, the well plotted story moves along at a comfortable pace, and the appealing characters are well fleshed out. There are lots of comedic moments and a plentiful supply of twists keep the reader guessing.

Food and drinks columnist Hayley Powell writes for the Island Times in Bar Harbor, Maine, and her articles include humorous anecdotes of events and tasty recipes in her column. Hayley, mum to daughter Gemma, and son Dustin, has recently married Bruce Linney, an Island Times crime reporter. She also has one brother, Randy. Randy owns a bar, Drinks Like a Fish, and is married to Sergio Alvares, Bar Harbor’s police chief.

Just before Bruce and Hayley are due to leave on a week long cruise to the Bahamas for their belated honeymoon, Sheila, Hayley’s mum, rocks up unannounced having broken up with her long-time partner. Hayley and her best friends, Liddy Crawford and Mona Barnes, decide to organise a high school reunion for their mothers, who are also best friends, and Randy offers to hold it at Drinks Like A Fish. When a schoolmate of the elder group of friends, Caskie Lemon-Hogg, is murdered, Sheila becomes the prime suspect. Bruce and Hayley are forced to postpone their honeymoon whilst Hayley attempts to clear Sheila’s name, aided by her chums. Liddy’s mum, Celeste, and Mona’s mum, Jane, team up with Sheila, hoping to do the same with their own sleuthing. While all this is going on, Bruce happens upon another dead body... this time, Caskie Lemon-Hogg's best friend.

Overall, although I arrived extremely late to the party with this particular series, I thoroughly enjoyed Death of a Blueberry Tart. For me, the book worked extremely well as an individual read as the mystery within was self-contained, though I appreciate that I have probably missed out on some of the backstories and nuances, coming in so late. Even so, I certainly have not been deterred from reading the other instalments, and I look forward to finding out what Lee Hollis has in store for Hayley, next!

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as newly-married Hayley Powell and her husband Bruce Linney are about to go on their delayed honeymoon cruise, Hayley's mother Sheila calls from the airport telling her she'll be there that day. It seems she recently broke up with her boyfriend, and wants to visit her daughter to lick her wounds. But shortly after her arrival, she starts making Hayley crazy, so Hayley suggests that she and her friends Celeste and Jane (Liddy's and Mona's mothers, respectively) plan a high school reunion at Hayley's brother's bar, Drinks Like a Fish.

Tickled by the idea, the three women do so and are having a lot of fun, especially Sheila, who's reconnected with an old boyfriend from school. But things take a turn when Sheila notices that Caskie Lemon-Hogg seems to have her claws into this man, much as she did when Sheila was in school and interested in someone else. But that's not all: both Celeste and Jane remember Caskie from their own various problems back when, and the three women have had enough. They tell her off in the bar, and Caskie runs out crying.

Unfortunately, it's the last time the three of them see her alive. When Caskie is found dead, Sheila is chosen as the main suspect, and now Hayley and her best friends are out to prove her mother innocent. But so is her mother and her best friends, no matter how hard Hayley tries to talk her out of it. With a husband who's becoming frustrated, and people who won't answer her questions, Hayley's stymied. But when another murder occurs, it's apparent someone is out to silence anyone who might know what's going on, and Hayley could very well be next...

Having read this series from the beginning, it's turned out to be a very good one indeed. This time we have the mothers of the three best friends, and they get up to as much trouble as their daughters. They're also a lot like their daughters, which the daughters won't believe. Go figure.

Anyway, in this book I actually laughed out loud at a couple of the scenarios; they were that funny. Sheila is a hoot, even though I'm glad I don't have her for a mother, but she's a master at backhanded compliments, even acting like she didn't know what she said was an insult. I actually felt sorry for Hayley in this book having to have been raised by the woman, all the while thinking some of the things she said and did were funny. So sad on my part...

Anyway, when we get to the meat of the story, you start to put the pieces together and then it becomes apparent who the only person was who could have killed Caskie. But watching Hayley voice it was still interesting, especially since she was voicing it to the killer. The kicker came at the end of the climax, and it certainly was humorous all around. I think that this might be my favorite book of the series, and I plan to read the next one soon. Recommended.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this already wonderful series. I love this series and Hayley is one of my favorite characters.
When long-time friends, Hayley, Liddy and Mona get together, the laughs are loud, however, add their colorful, quirky mothers to the mix, and you have the beginnings of a comedy show.
The mothers put on their investigative hats when one of their old friends becomes a murder victim.
It seems mothers and daughters are racing to see who can solve the mystery first, and these ladies are sure to keep you laughing.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since this is one of my favorite series, I am aways ready to read about Hayley Powell and her friends in Bar Harbor, Maine. This one had the added pleasure of Haley's mom and her two besties joining in on the fun. I was totally fooled as to who the murderer was, so that's always a plus. I really enjoy these books - the story, the recipes, and the fun.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEATH OF A BLUEBERRY TART, the twelfth book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries by Lee Hollis, is one of my favorites in the series so far! The protagonist, Hayley, is settling into her new marriage with Bruce. If you’ve followed the series, you know that Hayley and Bruce have always had a contentious working relationship before they got together, so this newest release is a fun look at how they’re managing. It brings to light how effective the author is at developing the characters over the course of the series. And while this book can be read as a standalone, starting from the beginning builds on the admiration for the protagonist and her supporting characters. Death of a Blueberry Tart also includes Hayley and her best friends, Mona and Liddy’s mothers as central figures to the plot. This provides plenty of opportunities for humor as the zany dynamics between mothers and daughters plays out on the pages, especially between Hayley and her mother, Sheila. Plus it gives the reader an opportunity to see Hayley through a different set of eyes and find out a little more about her life growing up.

When Sheila’s high school nemesis is found murdered, she becomes the number one suspect. She and her old high school friends immediately jump into investigator roles because if Hayley could solve cases in the past, then so could they. I greatly enjoyed how the author played the older generation of women against Hayley and her friends as each group tries to solve the case. With well-plotted clues and an additional murder thrown in to make the reader second guess themselves, the author wraps up story with a rousing ending worthy of Helen Reddy’s song, I am Woman!

Another aspect of this series that I truly love is Hayley’s food and cocktail columns that she writes for the Island Times. It’s a charming break in the story and always includes yummy recipes.

I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[RO G'ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death of a Blueberry Tart is the twelfth book in the Hayley Powell Mystery series written by Lee Hollis. The story moves along at a steady pace, the mystery is interesting and well plotted, and the characters are well developed. There are lots of laughs and no adult language, graphic violence, or sexually explicit situations. Twists and turns that keep the reader guessing.

Hayley Powell is the food columnist for the Island Times in Bar Harbor, Maine, and she humorously writes about her memories of past events and includes tasty recipes in her column. Hayley has two adult children, Gemma and Dustin, one brother, Randy, who’s married to Sergio Alvares, Bar Harbor’s police chief and owns a bar, Drinks Like a Fish, and recently married Bruce Linney, an Island Times crime reporter. As Bruce and Hayley prepare to leave on a one-week cruise to the Bahamas for their belated honeymoon, Hayley’s mother, Sheila, shows up unannounced because she’s broken up with her long-time boyfriend. Hayley and her best friends, Liddy Crawford and Mona Barnes, decide to throw a high school reunion for their mothers, who are also best friends, and Randy offers to hold it at his bar. When Caskie Lemon-Hogg, one of the senior friend’s classmates is murdered, Sheila becomes a prime suspect. Bruce and Hayley have to postpone their honeymoon, as Hayley and her friends try to clear Sheila’s name, and Liddy’s mom, Celeste, and Mona’s mom, Jane, team up with Sheila to do the same. Unfortunately, Bruce stumbles upon the body of Caskie’s best friend, Regina Knoxville.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another visit to Bar Harbor with Hayley and her friends Mona and Liddy, as well as her new husband Bruce. I always enjoy seeing what this group gets into, but this one adds their mothers as well. When Hayley's mom comes to stay for a visit, Hayley and Bruce and quite concerned. Things do not go well and Sheila ends up in a B&B with a restraining order against her from her highschool nemesis, Cassie Lemon-Hogg. When Caskie ends up dead at the B&B, guess who the main suspect is? So, Hayley cancels her honeymoon to try and find out what happened and clear her mother. Sheila and her friends, Celeste and Jane have their own investigation going on. Fun, laughter and some danger prevail during this story.

I loved the addition of the three moms. Sheila is a hoot, she is so dramatic, the proverbial mother from you know where. They are sarcastic, quick witted and forces to be reckoned with when together. Once again, there in the inclusion of Hayley's columns with anecdotes and recipes throughout the book, which sometimes spoils the flow, but adds some humour and insight into their lives. This mystery was interesting and well plotted. The story was well-paced and had me reading it in one afternoon. Another fun addition to the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series. I say, grab this book, make a cocktail and kick back to enjoy a fun story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

This is the twelfth book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails mystery series by Lee Hollis.

I am totally becoming the biggest Lee Hollis fan. A few of my most favorite and memorable reads have come from Hollis lately. I resonated with Hayley’s situation as her mother’s sudden appearance on their doorstep had them cancelling their much awaited cruise vacation. Then her mom’s old high school rival is killed and Sheila is suspect number.

Hayley’s mom seemed to attract trouble. Not sure how she wasn’t in jail more often in the town where she lives currently. Maybe being around her daughter is giving her some negative karma. I loved how the older generation were the ones going out and causing havoc while the younger generation went around bailing them out of jail. Too funny.

I also loved the relationship between Hayley and Bruce. And those little news clippings between chapters were so fun and informative. Loved them too! I mean, it was just a love fest all around reading this book. Can’t recommended it more highly.

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up right where the previous book left off. Hayley and Bruce are newly married and can't wait for their honeymoon. The only snag is Hayley's mother making an unannounced visit. After a fight with Hayley, her mother, Sheila, goes to stay in a hotel for the remainder of her visit. But when Hayley gets a call from Sheila that Sheila's high school enemy is found dead a few rooms down from where Sheila was staying. Hayley and Bruce cancel their honeymoon cruise and help try to prove that Sheila didn't murder anyone.

I always love the characters in this series. Hayley and her friends always make for some good laughs. I loved the added bonus of their mothers in the story. Hayley's columns thrown in are some of my favorite things about this series. I really enjoyed the stories of Hayley, Mona, and Liddy when they were kids. The mystery was well done. I didn't figure out who the killer was until the end. I can't wait to try some of the recipes in the book and am excited to see where the series goes from here.

I received a copy of this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.

[cozycratebox · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book from this author. After a woman nick named Blueberry Tart is murdered , the town drinker is arrested as the killer. Most in town believe that Hayley’s mother, Sheila, is actually the one responsible. So Hayley and Sheila both race to figure out the killer. The interaction between Mother and Daughter is fun and realistic. A second murder puts Sheila again in the suspect pool. After the second murderer is discovered, Hayley and Sheila join forces to figure out that blackmail is the motive. Haley figures out that the well respected hair salon owner and his cousin are the culprits. Enjoyed solving this along with Hayley. Loved the many recipes as well

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Hayley Powell tries to negotiate the waters of her new marriage as well as how to juggle her job, friends, an unexpected visit from her mother, and much more, a new wrinkle enters her life: her mother's old high-school rival is murdered and her mom becomes the prime suspect, since she and two other friends were witnessed publicly threatening the victim shortly before her death. To her chagrin, Hayley has no choice but to cancel her honeymoon cruise and help solve the mystery. This is another good entry in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mystery!! What great characters! The "Golden Girls" are a hoot! And poor Bruce always seems to put his foot in his mouth. I loved the snarky banter between Bruce and Hayley. This was my first book by Lee Hollis and I have to say I LOVE the witty dialogue and humorous situations the characters found themselves in. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series!

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blueberries

Just like the arrest of her books, Lee Hollis presents a book full of mystery, some giggles along the way and some delicious recipes. This time as you have guessed it's blueberries. There's not jus one but two murders and not just one but six unofficial detectives. It's another great installment into Haley's life. You won't regret getting mixed up in this mystery.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about blueberries, bees, a cat, a class reunion, murder, and romance. The romance was Hayley's mother's. I didn't like what happened with the cat, Blueberry. I would have done things differently. I enjoyed the mystery. I liked the way it ended. I wasn't a fan of everything Hayley or her mom did, but I liked them together.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to see the parents and daughters interact. Just a fun cozy

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 Another fun installment in this series.