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Melting Pot Cafe #2
Happy Deadly New Year
Never in my lifetime did I think I’d spend New Year’s Eve knee-deep in mischief, magic, and murder!
When my high-school nemesis, Prudence McAvoy, chooses The Melting Pot Café to host her New Year’s party, I know I’m courting trouble by accepting her booking. The trouble begins with Prudence turning up dead, face down in a pond, and the finger for her murder is pointed directly at my shape-shifting best friend, Jordi.
Determined to clear Jordi’s name and bring the real killer to justice, I pool resources with Harriet, Tyler, and my cheeky familiar, Miss Saffron, to find out what happened to Prudence. As the clock counts down to midnight, time is running out in more ways than one.
Can we find the killer before another body drops? Or will Jordi’s new year begin in the pokey?
If you like witty witches, talking cats, and magical murder mysteries, then you’ll love Polly Holmes’ light-hearted Melting Pot Café series.
When my high-school nemesis, Prudence McAvoy, chooses The Melting Pot Café to host her New Year’s party, I know I’m courting trouble by accepting her booking. The trouble begins with Prudence turning up dead, face down in a pond, and the finger for her murder is pointed directly at my shape-shifting best friend, Jordi.
Determined to clear Jordi’s name and bring the real killer to justice, I pool resources with Harriet, Tyler, and my cheeky familiar, Miss Saffron, to find out what happened to Prudence. As the clock counts down to midnight, time is running out in more ways than one.
Can we find the killer before another body drops? Or will Jordi’s new year begin in the pokey?
If you like witty witches, talking cats, and magical murder mysteries, then you’ll love Polly Holmes’ light-hearted Melting Pot Café series.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2020
132 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Polly Holmes
61 books965 followersAuthor also writes under P.L. Harris
Polly Holmes is the cheeky alter ego of Amazon best-selling author, P.L. Harris. When she's not writing her next romantic suspense novel as P.L. Harris, she’s planning the next murder in one of Polly's mysteries.
Polly’s award-winning Cupcake Capers Series is rich in storyline and location with characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. She publishes her cozy mystery books with Gumnut Press. Pumpkin Pies and Potions is the first in her new paranormal cozy series.
Cupcakes and Corpses was a finalist in the Oklahoma RWA’s 2019 IDA International Digital Awards, short suspense category. Cupcakes and Curses claimed second place and Cupcakes and Cyanide gained third place making it a clean sweep in the category.
Polly Holmes is the cheeky alter ego of Amazon best-selling author, P.L. Harris. When she's not writing her next romantic suspense novel as P.L. Harris, she’s planning the next murder in one of Polly's mysteries.
Polly’s award-winning Cupcake Capers Series is rich in storyline and location with characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. She publishes her cozy mystery books with Gumnut Press. Pumpkin Pies and Potions is the first in her new paranormal cozy series.
Cupcakes and Corpses was a finalist in the Oklahoma RWA’s 2019 IDA International Digital Awards, short suspense category. Cupcakes and Curses claimed second place and Cupcakes and Cyanide gained third place making it a clean sweep in the category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 25, 2020
Book two in the Melting Pot Café series brings with it more fabulous twists and turns as Evelyn learns more about her powers and about the people around her. It also hints at secrets being kept by some very important people in her life, leaving Evelyn unsure what to believe.
While Prudence has never been her favourite person, her ghost reveals a past connection Evelyn never expected. And to help solve her murder, Evelyn will have to face facts for which she’s not prepared.
Love the unexpected reveals in this book, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
While Prudence has never been her favourite person, her ghost reveals a past connection Evelyn never expected. And to help solve her murder, Evelyn will have to face facts for which she’s not prepared.
Love the unexpected reveals in this book, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
April 25, 2021
Great Cozy Witch Mystery
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked all of the paranormal and human characters in this book along with the familiar which is a cat. I can not wait until the next book comes out to see what mystery, Evelyn and her friends have to solve.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked all of the paranormal and human characters in this book along with the familiar which is a cat. I can not wait until the next book comes out to see what mystery, Evelyn and her friends have to solve.
December 29, 2020
Typical cozy
It felt as if the author decided to add new elements to the story that didn't fit with the first book which was better. The romance does not feel authentic and suddenly the cat talks and the heroine sees ghost which is new to the second book. Creative and unique are best.
It felt as if the author decided to add new elements to the story that didn't fit with the first book which was better. The romance does not feel authentic and suddenly the cat talks and the heroine sees ghost which is new to the second book. Creative and unique are best.
October 8, 2021
Of witches, the witch council, guardians, dark forces, and a cat who is also a witch, this novel offers a spectrum of threads that are tactfully tailored to produce a perfect meal for lovers of paranormal murder mysteries.
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 13, 2021
Love This Series
This is such a fun and exciting series. Can’t wait for the next book.
Love all the magic and suspense. 🥰
This is such a fun and exciting series. Can’t wait for the next book.
Love all the magic and suspense. 🥰
February 4, 2021
Happy New Year
Good story, the characters are growing and changing or their dead. Fun and it was a good read. Now for book three
Good story, the characters are growing and changing or their dead. Fun and it was a good read. Now for book three
March 2, 2021
Very entertaining
March 10, 2021
What a story!
It was a fun read with lots of drama, magic, surprises, and secrets. I enjoy getting to spend time with this group of magical friends.
It was a fun read with lots of drama, magic, surprises, and secrets. I enjoy getting to spend time with this group of magical friends.
May 20, 2021
Cute read. Written with whimsy.
When two former high school frenemies have to work together for a New Years Eve party, the potential outcome is wobbly, and even more so when the one is learning about her powers and the other is murdered.
This is a great whodunit with amazing limitations. Witches who only have certain powers. A secret only the high council is privy too. And more.
A great vacay read.
When two former high school frenemies have to work together for a New Years Eve party, the potential outcome is wobbly, and even more so when the one is learning about her powers and the other is murdered.
This is a great whodunit with amazing limitations. Witches who only have certain powers. A secret only the high council is privy too. And more.
A great vacay read.
January 3, 2026
When two former high school frenemies are forced to work together on a New Year’s Eve party, things are already a little shaky…but that’s before one of them starts discovering her powers and the other ends up dead.
This is such a fun whodunit with really clever limitations. The witches don’t have unlimited magic - everyone has specific abilities, and some secrets are known only to the High Council. I also love the setting of Saltwater Cove, where paranormals and humans coexist peacefully. It gives the story this comforting “what the world could be like” vibe, with acceptance baked right in.
On New Year’s Eve, Prudence who is basically the town’s most infamous rich girl - is throwing a party at Evie’s aunt’s café, with Evie and her friends working the event. Just after midnight, Evie stumbles upon Prudence’s body in the pond. To make matters worse, one of her best friends, Jordi, is quickly accused of the murder.
The story is cozy, fun, and fast paced, full of friendship, light romance, and clue following. It’s a paranormal cozy mystery that’s super easy to breeze through. I actually skipped book one for a reading challenge and jumped straight into this, but now I definitely need to go back and read it and finish the rest of the series.
This is such a fun whodunit with really clever limitations. The witches don’t have unlimited magic - everyone has specific abilities, and some secrets are known only to the High Council. I also love the setting of Saltwater Cove, where paranormals and humans coexist peacefully. It gives the story this comforting “what the world could be like” vibe, with acceptance baked right in.
On New Year’s Eve, Prudence who is basically the town’s most infamous rich girl - is throwing a party at Evie’s aunt’s café, with Evie and her friends working the event. Just after midnight, Evie stumbles upon Prudence’s body in the pond. To make matters worse, one of her best friends, Jordi, is quickly accused of the murder.
The story is cozy, fun, and fast paced, full of friendship, light romance, and clue following. It’s a paranormal cozy mystery that’s super easy to breeze through. I actually skipped book one for a reading challenge and jumped straight into this, but now I definitely need to go back and read it and finish the rest of the series.
January 11, 2026
Evelyn Grayson is a graduate witch being raised by her Aunt Edie, a powerful Master witch, in the small town of Saltwater Cove. Saltwater Cove is home to more than just witches, supernatural and mystical beings have lived in harmony in this quaint small town for an exceptionally long time. And co-existing peacefully are the many humans who know about this special population living amongst them.
One such human, Prudence McAvoy and Evelyn, have much in common, they both lost their parents at an early age, but in time they will find out there is much more to their story than their parents’ tragic deaths.
On New Year’s Eve Prudence was found dead! It is now up to Evelyn, along with her friends, trusted cat/familiar, Ms. Saffron, to clear the name of Jordi, a shape shifting bestie accused of the murder. Will Prudence’s ghost help solve her murder?
Polly Holmes is an Australian author that writes paranormal cozy murder mysteries and Evelyn Grayson is one of her major protagonists. I have read a few of her books and I really like her writing style; her characters are relatable and well developed. If you’re looking for a weekend read, I would recommend one of her books.
One such human, Prudence McAvoy and Evelyn, have much in common, they both lost their parents at an early age, but in time they will find out there is much more to their story than their parents’ tragic deaths.
On New Year’s Eve Prudence was found dead! It is now up to Evelyn, along with her friends, trusted cat/familiar, Ms. Saffron, to clear the name of Jordi, a shape shifting bestie accused of the murder. Will Prudence’s ghost help solve her murder?
Polly Holmes is an Australian author that writes paranormal cozy murder mysteries and Evelyn Grayson is one of her major protagonists. I have read a few of her books and I really like her writing style; her characters are relatable and well developed. If you’re looking for a weekend read, I would recommend one of her books.
November 17, 2022
In a world of conflict, divisions and threats both physical and psychological, where event the weather seems to be working against us - it is lovely to occasionally retreat into a different world, with witches and magic and an accepted way of life where the differences are simply accepted.
This is not to say that there are not problems in this magic world - including murder and hatred and mysteries - but they unfold within a lovely context, a gentle and compelling writing style - and even with a dead body floating in a lake, your visit to this world is great fun, and satisfying - and the author manages the tricky art of bringing the story line to a satisfactory conclusion while at the same time hinting about future developments without resorting to the hackneyed cliff-hanging technique left over from Saturday movies.
If you need an occasional escape from the "real" word this book is a lovely way to explore it. If you haven't read the first book, the author brings you into this world easily and completely.
This is not to say that there are not problems in this magic world - including murder and hatred and mysteries - but they unfold within a lovely context, a gentle and compelling writing style - and even with a dead body floating in a lake, your visit to this world is great fun, and satisfying - and the author manages the tricky art of bringing the story line to a satisfactory conclusion while at the same time hinting about future developments without resorting to the hackneyed cliff-hanging technique left over from Saturday movies.
If you need an occasional escape from the "real" word this book is a lovely way to explore it. If you haven't read the first book, the author brings you into this world easily and completely.
December 12, 2023
A small town, paranormal sand murder
Witch Evie is at it again. Her aunt Edith, also a witch and owner of The Melting Pot cafe has all the answers. She just can’t share them all.
In Saltwater Cove, paranormal sand normals live together with no problems. This is one of the things I love about these books! It gives me the sense of what our world could be, everyone accepting of differences.
It is New Years Eve and Prudence, known as not everyone’s favorite rich girl, is throwing a party. Evie and her besties are staffing for it, as it takes place at her aunt’s cafe. But, unlucky Evie finds Prudence dead in the pond just after midnight. And one of her best friends, Jordi, is accused of the murder.
This story is fun, different and filled with best friendship vibes, blossoming love and following clues. The writing is good, although I had to get used to Aussie words and spells nags, which made it even more interesting for me. And the culprit is a surprise, as is the reason. A good mystery read.
Witch Evie is at it again. Her aunt Edith, also a witch and owner of The Melting Pot cafe has all the answers. She just can’t share them all.
In Saltwater Cove, paranormal sand normals live together with no problems. This is one of the things I love about these books! It gives me the sense of what our world could be, everyone accepting of differences.
It is New Years Eve and Prudence, known as not everyone’s favorite rich girl, is throwing a party. Evie and her besties are staffing for it, as it takes place at her aunt’s cafe. But, unlucky Evie finds Prudence dead in the pond just after midnight. And one of her best friends, Jordi, is accused of the murder.
This story is fun, different and filled with best friendship vibes, blossoming love and following clues. The writing is good, although I had to get used to Aussie words and spells nags, which made it even more interesting for me. And the culprit is a surprise, as is the reason. A good mystery read.
January 7, 2023
Prompt 16 of the Cozy Mystery 2023 Challenge: a book that includes a celebration: Happy Deadly New Year (Melting Pot Cafe #2) by Polly Holmes
I’ve been a fan of cozy mysteries for many years–I first discovered them in 2001 when I read a book by Diane Mott Davidson and I said to my reader-mother-in-law: “I want to read more books just like this!” And she introduced me to cozy mysteries. I’ve been reading them ever since.
I love to plan out my reading each month and I’m happy to incorporate the 2023 Cozy Mystery Challenges from @cozychallenges
On New Year’s Day I read Happy Deadly New Year by Polly Holmes, which I accessed through Kindle Unlimited. Snobby and rude Prudence McAvoy chooses The Melting Pot to host her New Year’s celebration. Evelyn and her aunt accept the booking, despite the fact that Evelyn considers Prudence her nemesis. We’re that far into the book when Prudence is found dead at the party and Evelyn’s best friend (and shape-shifter), Jordi is the number one suspect. This was fun–especially if you like a cozy mystery with magic and witches. I loved Miss Saffron, Evelyn’s cat (familiar) so much.
I’ve been a fan of cozy mysteries for many years–I first discovered them in 2001 when I read a book by Diane Mott Davidson and I said to my reader-mother-in-law: “I want to read more books just like this!” And she introduced me to cozy mysteries. I’ve been reading them ever since.
I love to plan out my reading each month and I’m happy to incorporate the 2023 Cozy Mystery Challenges from @cozychallenges
On New Year’s Day I read Happy Deadly New Year by Polly Holmes, which I accessed through Kindle Unlimited. Snobby and rude Prudence McAvoy chooses The Melting Pot to host her New Year’s celebration. Evelyn and her aunt accept the booking, despite the fact that Evelyn considers Prudence her nemesis. We’re that far into the book when Prudence is found dead at the party and Evelyn’s best friend (and shape-shifter), Jordi is the number one suspect. This was fun–especially if you like a cozy mystery with magic and witches. I loved Miss Saffron, Evelyn’s cat (familiar) so much.
November 23, 2024
Happy New Year and another Murder to boot!
I love this series! I can't wait to see where the romance between Tyler and Evelyn goes. There's also the romance or not romance between Jordi and Eli to watch how it shapes up. Questions of if Harriet with find a love interest. Will Detective Buxton and Evelyn's continue on in their relationship this time around and make it a permanent match? How about Miss Saffron and her little interjections about what is going on, she is so sassy or cheeky as the book says. Will Evelyn solve the murder of her once friend and the reason for the mysterious Eli's appearance? You just have to read to find out!
I love this series! I can't wait to see where the romance between Tyler and Evelyn goes. There's also the romance or not romance between Jordi and Eli to watch how it shapes up. Questions of if Harriet with find a love interest. Will Detective Buxton and Evelyn's continue on in their relationship this time around and make it a permanent match? How about Miss Saffron and her little interjections about what is going on, she is so sassy or cheeky as the book says. Will Evelyn solve the murder of her once friend and the reason for the mysterious Eli's appearance? You just have to read to find out!
November 3, 2025
this was an entertaining mystery with some unusual characters.
Amazon synopsis:
When my high-school nemesis, Prudence McAvoy, chooses The Melting Pot Café to host her New Year’s party, I know I’m courting trouble by accepting her booking. The trouble begins with Prudence turning up dead, face down in a pond, and the finger for her murder is pointed directly at my shape-shifting best friend, Jordi.
Determined to clear Jordi’s name and bring the real killer to justice, I pool resources with Harriet, Tyler, and my cheeky familiar, Miss Saffron, to find out what happened to Prudence. As the clock counts down to midnight, time is running out in more ways than one.
Can we find the killer before another body drops? Or will Jordi’s new year begin in the pokey?
Read
August 17, 2021With evelyn continuing to gain new witchy skills she finds herself invetigating a murder, as per request of the ghost who was murdered at her own party. With the help of her trusty bestie Tyler she also find her attraction to him is more than mere friends. Polly Holmes takes us on a page turning journey with twists and turns and full of mystery, you just have to know more. Evelyn discovers much more than the she bargained for with this investigation leading to a lot more personal history and aha moments.
October 31, 2023
Even better than the first
Polly Holmes wrote a great second book in the Melting Pot series. It's getting better and better. The continuation of learning about the characters was great. I find it interesting that people know that there are witches and such in this town but it's a secret as to who. Plus, magical people cannot tell that someone else is also magical. Im just curious about that part of the world building. We do find out more about the bigger overall story arc and it is definitely keeping me wanting more. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Polly Holmes wrote a great second book in the Melting Pot series. It's getting better and better. The continuation of learning about the characters was great. I find it interesting that people know that there are witches and such in this town but it's a secret as to who. Plus, magical people cannot tell that someone else is also magical. Im just curious about that part of the world building. We do find out more about the bigger overall story arc and it is definitely keeping me wanting more. Looking forward to reading the next book.
June 29, 2021
The Ghost in The Pond
What happens when you find a body in your pond on New Years Eve? What do you do when your best friend is the main suspect? Evelyn is faced with this problem when she finds that the murder victim appears as a ghost and asks for her help to figure out who murdered her. The victim is definitely not a friend, but Evelyn decides to help her to help her best friend.
What happens when you find a body in your pond on New Years Eve? What do you do when your best friend is the main suspect? Evelyn is faced with this problem when she finds that the murder victim appears as a ghost and asks for her help to figure out who murdered her. The victim is definitely not a friend, but Evelyn decides to help her to help her best friend.
July 1, 2021
Polly Holmes has given readers another fabulously written clean witchy, norm, shifter,and further para's with vibrant and colorful characters, undividable friendships , loyaltys and love. An intriguing twists in an entertaining and engaging plot. A truly fabulously written light hearted para witchy cozey murder mystery with splashes of sardonic humor along the way. Acquire " Happy Deadly New Year " so you to can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
August 14, 2022
A good story with great characters
My only complaint is poor editing. There are enough errors in spelling and grammar to seriously distract the reader. It is a shame because that withstanding this is one of the better paranormal cozies I have read. I will probably read more of the series hoping Ms. Holmes gets a better editor.
My only complaint is poor editing. There are enough errors in spelling and grammar to seriously distract the reader. It is a shame because that withstanding this is one of the better paranormal cozies I have read. I will probably read more of the series hoping Ms. Holmes gets a better editor.
May 2, 2023
Happy Deadly New Year
This is the second book in this series and things are happening Evelyn learns she can talk with ghosts and her cat Saffron talks and that she is in love with Tyler and Eli is a guardian but she is successful in finding the person that murdered Prudence A enjoyable read
This is the second book in this series and things are happening Evelyn learns she can talk with ghosts and her cat Saffron talks and that she is in love with Tyler and Eli is a guardian but she is successful in finding the person that murdered Prudence A enjoyable read
May 5, 2023
Happy Deadly New Year (3)
A really great read in this story! I enjoyed reading every word while trying to figure out what was actually happening. But I didn't actually figure it out. I ended up reading the entire book and only found out what happened at the end! Just about to being my next journey!
A really great read in this story! I enjoyed reading every word while trying to figure out what was actually happening. But I didn't actually figure it out. I ended up reading the entire book and only found out what happened at the end! Just about to being my next journey!
August 19, 2023
The second in a series of cozy witch mysteries. The story is very engaging, with a number of cliffhangers. A cliffhanger from the first novel was not addressed in this book. Hopefully the third novel will address the unfinished business of this story.
Unfortunately the editing detracted from my enjoyment, enough for me to decrease my rating by a star.
Unfortunately the editing detracted from my enjoyment, enough for me to decrease my rating by a star.
October 22, 2023
Fairly good read for a nice cozy night by the fire.
Good novel in the series. This being the 2nd in the series. Answers many questions from book one, but now gives us more questions as well. Some romance that is finally settled, while more romance is seeming to be in store for the 3rd book to come.
Good novel in the series. This being the 2nd in the series. Answers many questions from book one, but now gives us more questions as well. Some romance that is finally settled, while more romance is seeming to be in store for the 3rd book to come.
December 31, 2023
excellent Heroine
The heroine is wonderful, she is smart, knows her magic and doesn’t act dumb. I love the story, I’ll be reading more of Polly Holmes. Great group of “family and hometown” characters. Very interesting mystery. Didn’t expect that twist! Or the cool ending. Read and enjoy, perfect for NYE!
The heroine is wonderful, she is smart, knows her magic and doesn’t act dumb. I love the story, I’ll be reading more of Polly Holmes. Great group of “family and hometown” characters. Very interesting mystery. Didn’t expect that twist! Or the cool ending. Read and enjoy, perfect for NYE!
May 7, 2024
Evelyn's story continues
Evelyn is an ordinary young witch, in a community where some, but not all, people know that magic exists. After being orphaned, she was raised by her aunt. There's a mystery about her parents' deaths, and in Book 2, we learn more about that mystery and more about the characters in the story. I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommended!
Evelyn is an ordinary young witch, in a community where some, but not all, people know that magic exists. After being orphaned, she was raised by her aunt. There's a mystery about her parents' deaths, and in Book 2, we learn more about that mystery and more about the characters in the story. I can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommended!
March 8, 2025
A lovely paranormal tale
If you enjoy reading about witches, spells, dark magic, then Happy Deadly New Year is the book for you. There’s romance, a cozy mystery even a talking cat found in this supernatural mystery. I enjoyed reading about the clues the author uncovered to solve the murder.
If you enjoy reading about witches, spells, dark magic, then Happy Deadly New Year is the book for you. There’s romance, a cozy mystery even a talking cat found in this supernatural mystery. I enjoyed reading about the clues the author uncovered to solve the murder.
July 5, 2021
Intriguing plot
While the characters are still in development, with some characteristics and descriptions that are a distracting nuisance, the story keeps improving and is impossible to not finish the book in one sitting. I'm eager to jump in the next installment!
While the characters are still in development, with some characteristics and descriptions that are a distracting nuisance, the story keeps improving and is impossible to not finish the book in one sitting. I'm eager to jump in the next installment!
November 24, 2021
Happy Deadly New Year
Another wonderful book in this awesome series. This one is even better than the first. Polly Holmes is a amazing author and I highly recommend reading any or all of her books.
Another wonderful book in this awesome series. This one is even better than the first. Polly Holmes is a amazing author and I highly recommend reading any or all of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews