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Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery #8
Death of a Pumpkin Carver
For Hayley Powell, food and cocktails columnist for the Island Times, Halloween is all about costume parties and holiday treats--until a killer crashes the party . . . This Halloween, Hayley can't imagine a worse trick than her ex-husband Danny returning to Bar Harbor. Her kids may be happy to see their dad, but Hayley's determined not to be taken in by his charms, and suspects he's in financial trouble--again. Still, the haunted holiday is about to get a whole lot scarier after Danny's moonshine-making uncle is found lying dead next to a tombstone in a cemetery--and Danny quickly becomes the prime suspect. To prove her ex is innocent, Hayley will have to dig deep into her own bag of tricks to unmask the real culprit . . . before anyone else--including her--ends up in the graveyard . . .
1 pages, Audio CD
First published August 30, 2016
170 people are currently reading
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About the author
Lee Hollis
49 books817 followersLee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
January 20, 2025
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is the 8th book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mysteries. Set in Bar Harbor, Maine, the series revolved a food columnist who solve crimes in her free time. As a single mom to two teenagers, the tales are usually filled with fun family dramas, and in this one, Danny her ex comes by to visit his kids. Too bad the timing of his uncle's murder is coincidental, especially when Danny is found with the $40K grand Uncle Otis stashed under his mattress. Toss in a new book by a local eccentric author and his strange disappearance, and you've got a fully immersive story with a haunting Halloween setting. I love the free-flow style of the protagonist's thoughts as told by a separate narrator, and the plots while somewhat light tend to have a few twists and turns. Enjoyed this one and will be ordering #9 to read next week.
October 13, 2021
I absolutely love this series. Hayley's ex husband shows up in town and Hayley senses troubke right away. Danny is an expert at showing up and then leaving after he gets what he needs. So of course Hayley has her defenses up. Especially when Danny starts acting like they are one big happy family. But when Danny's uncle is murdered, Hayley knows Danny knows more than he says.
This has always been a series that I love. I loved the fact that we get to meet Danny. I loved the flashbacks to when he and Hayley were married. This is definitely a series I can't wait to read more of.
This has always been a series that I love. I loved the fact that we get to meet Danny. I loved the flashbacks to when he and Hayley were married. This is definitely a series I can't wait to read more of.
June 3, 2017
If there were one book series that I think should be made into a Hallmark TV series, it would be this one. Filled with hilarious moments, fun characters, solid mysteries, and a great setting, it would be perfect! If you haven't already guessed, I love this series and this book was no let down.
Hayley is a smart, talented single mom who's clumsiness creates hilarious stories, but she's not too clumsy. I've read some characters that were so ditsy I had to put the book down, but Hayley's not that way. She natural. I really like how Gemma and Dustin have grown and matured as the series progressed, and I loved meeting Danny. I really hope he appears in future books.Mona and Liddy weren't as heavily featured, but they were in the book enough that I didn't really miss them.
The mystery was very good. I didn't see who the killer was until the end, and Hayley didn't get snoopy. I also liked the added mystery of Danny's abrupt appearance, it added a mysterious feeling to the book that was already taking place around Halloween.
Overall and excellent book. With three stellar books in a row I'm getting spoiled! Highly recommend!
Hayley is a smart, talented single mom who's clumsiness creates hilarious stories, but she's not too clumsy. I've read some characters that were so ditsy I had to put the book down, but Hayley's not that way. She natural. I really like how Gemma and Dustin have grown and matured as the series progressed, and I loved meeting Danny. I really hope he appears in future books.Mona and Liddy weren't as heavily featured, but they were in the book enough that I didn't really miss them.
The mystery was very good. I didn't see who the killer was until the end, and Hayley didn't get snoopy. I also liked the added mystery of Danny's abrupt appearance, it added a mysterious feeling to the book that was already taking place around Halloween.
Overall and excellent book. With three stellar books in a row I'm getting spoiled! Highly recommend!
October 5, 2016
This was a light, fun, and kinda silly Halloween-themed cozy mystery, the 8th book in the Haley Powell series. The author did a great job making this book feel stand-alone. I'm new to this series and felt like Haley was an old friend right away. She's very funny and likable.
Haley writes a food column for the local newspaper, and she's a divorced mom of two teenagers. When her deadbeat ex-husband Danny comes back to town, he brings trouble with him. His very odd uncle is found murdered in the cemetery, and Danny is the prime suspect.
While Haley and the other characters were a delight getting to know, the mystery itself was just okay. It took a third of the book before the crime took place, and afterwards there wasn't much in the way of finding clues and figuring things out. In the end, I was surprised at who the murderer was though.
I enjoyed the Halloween fun going on throughout the book. Haley shares lots of pumpkin-based recipes in her newspaper column too. {Borrowed from the library.}
Haley writes a food column for the local newspaper, and she's a divorced mom of two teenagers. When her deadbeat ex-husband Danny comes back to town, he brings trouble with him. His very odd uncle is found murdered in the cemetery, and Danny is the prime suspect.
While Haley and the other characters were a delight getting to know, the mystery itself was just okay. It took a third of the book before the crime took place, and afterwards there wasn't much in the way of finding clues and figuring things out. In the end, I was surprised at who the murderer was though.
I enjoyed the Halloween fun going on throughout the book. Haley shares lots of pumpkin-based recipes in her newspaper column too. {Borrowed from the library.}
October 17, 2016
This was pretty piss poor, but I read it in bed, with a cup of coffee and lovely sunlight streaming through the window, and Jackson Browne being all wonderful and acoustic in the background, so it was still a reasonably pleasant experience. The recipes for pumpkiny things lifted it a notch above complete trash.
August 30, 2016
A quick easy read of the of the Food and Cocktail series set in New England area. Hayley is a food editor for the Island Time newspaper. It's Halloween time and there are a lot of pumpkins and parties around. Hayley is dismayed to find expertly carved pumpkins on her front porch. Immediately she knew her ex-husband was around to visit. Danny's charm is hard to resist and he wants to get back with Hayley. She does not trust him. Shortly after his arrival, Danny's drunken Uncle is found dead in the cemetery. Uncle Ortis was murdered. At this time the story changes to family affairs. The ending surprised me as I didn't have a clue. There are seven pumpkins recipes. I recommend this book for light reading.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 23, 2016
Eight must be a magic number for author Lee Hollis, because this is the best Hayley Powell mystery to date! (I bet I’ve said that before, but it’s always true)
I am in my happy place when reading. I’m in my thrilled place when reading a cozy mystery. But I am in my ecstatic place when reading a Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail Mystery! DEATH OF A PUMPKIN CARVER practically had me in a reading coma of bliss! I didn’t come up for food, drinks, or potty breaks once I opened the book. What I did do is laugh a lot, gasp a lot, and have some full on “no way” shout out loud moments!
Along with all the other great characters associated with this series, in DEATH OF A PUMPKIN CARVER we finally get to meet Hayley’s ex-husband. I can see why they’re no longer married, but having Danny around for this book made for an intriguing storyline, and gave the police someone to blame the murder on. Despite their differences, Hayley knows Danny is no killer, and she sets out to prove it.
A fast moving story, things really turned into a reading frenzy near the conclusion of the book with the reveal of the culprit and all that followed. I was sitting dangerously close to the edge of my recliner by the time the book was over. I’m not ashamed to admit, when I finished reading I held the book close to me and just smiled.
You’re going to devour the wonderful recipes spread throughout this book! And, there’s a sneak peek of the next Hayley Powell mystery, DEATH OF A LOBSTER LOVER.
I am in my happy place when reading. I’m in my thrilled place when reading a cozy mystery. But I am in my ecstatic place when reading a Hayley Powell Food and Cocktail Mystery! DEATH OF A PUMPKIN CARVER practically had me in a reading coma of bliss! I didn’t come up for food, drinks, or potty breaks once I opened the book. What I did do is laugh a lot, gasp a lot, and have some full on “no way” shout out loud moments!
Along with all the other great characters associated with this series, in DEATH OF A PUMPKIN CARVER we finally get to meet Hayley’s ex-husband. I can see why they’re no longer married, but having Danny around for this book made for an intriguing storyline, and gave the police someone to blame the murder on. Despite their differences, Hayley knows Danny is no killer, and she sets out to prove it.
A fast moving story, things really turned into a reading frenzy near the conclusion of the book with the reveal of the culprit and all that followed. I was sitting dangerously close to the edge of my recliner by the time the book was over. I’m not ashamed to admit, when I finished reading I held the book close to me and just smiled.
You’re going to devour the wonderful recipes spread throughout this book! And, there’s a sneak peek of the next Hayley Powell mystery, DEATH OF A LOBSTER LOVER.
November 18, 2024
Book # 8 in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series has Hayley’s ex-husband Danny back in town, and suspected of murder. She does NOT want him back in her life, but she doesn’t want him convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.
This is only the second book from this series that I’ve read. I was singularly UNimpressed with the first one, but I was looking for something quick to read that fit a particular challenge, and this one fit that bill.
I just cannot get into the life of Hayley Powell. Based on the review I wrote for book one, I guess she is more together and competent now, but the plot is still rather thin and I’m not sure I understand the town dynamics at all.
There are several recipes, some of which I thought sounded delicious. But I thought that using pumpkin in each and every one of them was overkill. (Anyone find the idea of a Pumpkin Mojito remotely appealing?)
Lee Hollis is a pen name for a brother-sister writing team. Perhaps the disconnections in the book are a reflection of having more than one author contributing to the effort.
This is only the second book from this series that I’ve read. I was singularly UNimpressed with the first one, but I was looking for something quick to read that fit a particular challenge, and this one fit that bill.
I just cannot get into the life of Hayley Powell. Based on the review I wrote for book one, I guess she is more together and competent now, but the plot is still rather thin and I’m not sure I understand the town dynamics at all.
There are several recipes, some of which I thought sounded delicious. But I thought that using pumpkin in each and every one of them was overkill. (Anyone find the idea of a Pumpkin Mojito remotely appealing?)
Lee Hollis is a pen name for a brother-sister writing team. Perhaps the disconnections in the book are a reflection of having more than one author contributing to the effort.
November 8, 2021
Death of a Pumpkin Carver by Lee Hollis is the 8th book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series. Hayley's ex husband Danny returns to Bar Harbor just prior to Halloween and when his uncle is found murdered in the local cemetary, Danny becomes prime suspect. This is one of my favourite seies and it is always entertaining especially Hayley's Island Food and Spirits columns. I love that Hayley is standing up for herself a bit more and not being taken in by her ex and it is nice to see her kids grow and develop. Lots of crazy and fun moments as well as an interesting mystery.
September 28, 2020
Honestly, I really enjoyed this. I often find that I love the covers on cozy mysteries a lot more than the actual book. This one was fast and highly entertaining. Nothing ground breaking, but easy and fun, I binged almost all of it in an evening.
A Halloween setting and included pumpkin recipes made this extra fun and cute.
A Halloween setting and included pumpkin recipes made this extra fun and cute.
October 21, 2016
This is the first of the Hayley Powell Mystery series that I've finish, but not the first I've tried to finish. I tried to start the series with book 1 (Death of a Kitchen Diva), but I ended up DNF-ing it at about 50% in. I didn't like the characters at all and found the story rather lacking. So, I jumped ahead in the series to this one (#8 in the series) in hopes that things have improved. They haven't.
I don't find a single character in this story likeable or interesting. They were all either simply boring or down right annoying (though it seems Mona has *slightly* mellowed since book 1, but she's still super annoying).
The story was also blah. Totally predictable and unexciting, with extremely questionable segments to liven things up (SPOILER: ). Also, and this is a serious question, but why is this called "Death of a Pumpkin Carver"? Did Otis carve those pumpkins in the beginning? Did I miss some mention of him being a master pumpkin carver? I found that odd. I thought it would have had something to do with the story...being the title and all...but it really didn't. It just seems like an excuse to put in a bunch of pumpkin recipes. Which, if you like pumpkin, is probably the saving grace of this novel.
In short, I won't be continuing on with this series. It just didn't work for me.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I don't find a single character in this story likeable or interesting. They were all either simply boring or down right annoying (though it seems Mona has *slightly* mellowed since book 1, but she's still super annoying).
The story was also blah. Totally predictable and unexciting, with extremely questionable segments to liven things up (SPOILER: ). Also, and this is a serious question, but why is this called "Death of a Pumpkin Carver"? Did Otis carve those pumpkins in the beginning? Did I miss some mention of him being a master pumpkin carver? I found that odd. I thought it would have had something to do with the story...being the title and all...but it really didn't. It just seems like an excuse to put in a bunch of pumpkin recipes. Which, if you like pumpkin, is probably the saving grace of this novel.
In short, I won't be continuing on with this series. It just didn't work for me.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
September 21, 2017
This was a romance book with a cozy mystery on the side.
The writing was dreadful. The syntax with very short, repetitive sentences that made it seem overbearing and as if the author felt we needed to have characterization hit us over the head like a ton of bricks. The chapters were short and made the book seem loosely bound together.
The romance between Hayley and her ex husband was tired and was over by the first few pages, but it was dragged on as if any other outcome was possible. Hayley spent more time talking to exes to 'assure them' thay she wasn't after their men than she did attempting to investigate a crime. I also wonder if the author thinks all women are always insecure of other women and need to have verbal confirmation before continuing a relationship. It reads like a bad stereotype to me and made me disconnect from most characters.
The mystery itself was lackluster and easily predictable. It became apparent to me after the first conversation what happened in a sub plot, but the main plot was so ignored that I wouldn't have predicted it simply for lack of actual facts or investigating from Hayley.
I haven't read any Lee Hollis books before but I definitely won't be picking up any others. I think this series fell into the trap of focusing too much on interpersonal relationships and not enough on the case at hand.
The writing was dreadful. The syntax with very short, repetitive sentences that made it seem overbearing and as if the author felt we needed to have characterization hit us over the head like a ton of bricks. The chapters were short and made the book seem loosely bound together.
The romance between Hayley and her ex husband was tired and was over by the first few pages, but it was dragged on as if any other outcome was possible. Hayley spent more time talking to exes to 'assure them' thay she wasn't after their men than she did attempting to investigate a crime. I also wonder if the author thinks all women are always insecure of other women and need to have verbal confirmation before continuing a relationship. It reads like a bad stereotype to me and made me disconnect from most characters.
The mystery itself was lackluster and easily predictable. It became apparent to me after the first conversation what happened in a sub plot, but the main plot was so ignored that I wouldn't have predicted it simply for lack of actual facts or investigating from Hayley.
I haven't read any Lee Hollis books before but I definitely won't be picking up any others. I think this series fell into the trap of focusing too much on interpersonal relationships and not enough on the case at hand.
December 6, 2017
I just love this series. In this book the ex husband shows up. Murder, recipes, cocktails and humor.
October 14, 2025
This is the eighth Hayley Powell mystery. Hayley's ex-husband Danny is back in town. That already spells trouble. Then his Uncle Otis is found dead in the graveyard. Danny becomes the main suspect. Mysterious men are following him. He wants to get back together. No wonder Hayley wants Halloween to be over already.
I've been reading this series out of order so this is my first time spending this much time with Danny. He was previously in a novella I read. He's a funny character but a little much at times.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is funny as usual for the series. I enjoy watching the characters end up in crazy situations. This one is perfect for Halloween. I didn't guess the killer but I did figure out something major.
Something I love about this series is how recurring characters get some time in the story somehow. Then when you read later entries there's a lot of history for the town and everyone in it.
The mystery in this wasn't my favorite but it's still a fun read!
I've been reading this series out of order so this is my first time spending this much time with Danny. He was previously in a novella I read. He's a funny character but a little much at times.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is funny as usual for the series. I enjoy watching the characters end up in crazy situations. This one is perfect for Halloween. I didn't guess the killer but I did figure out something major.
Something I love about this series is how recurring characters get some time in the story somehow. Then when you read later entries there's a lot of history for the town and everyone in it.
The mystery in this wasn't my favorite but it's still a fun read!
October 19, 2017
A wonderful, fun Halloween read! I loved it!
December 18, 2020
Hayley Powell is the office manager and a columnist at a newspaper in Bar Harbor, Maine. She's created a decent life for herself and her two kids, Gemma and Dustin, after her divorce from her husband, Danny. But when she shows up home one night, she sees two carved pumpkins on her doorstep and knows that they couldn't have been done by anyone else except Danny. Knowing he must be with his drunkard of an uncle, Otis, she heads out to the cabin in the woods and finds them both.
Danny insists he's changed and is just there for a visit, and wants to spend time with them. Knowing her ex, she's naturally suspicious and doesn't believe a word of it, but she allows Danny to temporarily disrupt her life anyway -- while waiting for the ball to drop. When Otis is found dead in a graveyard, it's soon apparent he's been murdered. It's also apparent that Danny's the main suspect when Otis's money is found missing, and even though she doesn't believe he's guilty, she needs to figure out who is before he winds up in prison.
But more things are going on behind the scene: Hayley and her co-worker Bruce Linney have gone to see a reclusive horror author, but are told by his assistant Shane that he's ill and can't see anyone. Disappointed, they tell him they'll try again but Hayley becomes suspicious (again) when he puts them off. Then she finds out that Dustin's friend has written a horror novel and submitted it to the reclusive Norman Cross; her ex-boyfriend and Gemma's employer, veterinarian Aaron, has a new girlfriend who's an attorney named Crystal who also apparently hates Hayley on sight and Gemma's having problems at work with her co-worker; and to top things off, Danny's crazy ex-girlfriend Becky shows up in Bar Harbor insisting she wants him back. Couple that with two shady men following her and Danny around town, and you have what is a very interesting Halloween...if Hayley can live to see it...
This is the eighth book in the series, and while I wasn't enamored of the previous ones, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. There's plenty of action that didn't take place with Hayley and her friends sitting around getting plastered (which was my main problem, since all they did was drink).
This time out we have a real mystery to dig through, with plenty of threads that are twisted throughout, and watching them come together is quite intriguing. We also have a bit of a teaser here that gives us an indication of what will happen in future books, but I'm not going to give it away.
Danny is indeed a charmer, captivating all that he comes in contact with, men and women alike (aside from Mona), and watching Hayley try to figure out why he's really there is worth the read, because with Danny comes most of the rest of the problems they endure -- including a crazy ex-girlfriend and what she does makes me glad I don't know anyone like her.
But when we come to the ending it was quite a surprise, and putting the pieces together wasn't easy (although I did have part of it early on, I had to wait to see where the rest of it was going). The climax was decent, and the ending was quite satisfactory. Recommended.
Danny insists he's changed and is just there for a visit, and wants to spend time with them. Knowing her ex, she's naturally suspicious and doesn't believe a word of it, but she allows Danny to temporarily disrupt her life anyway -- while waiting for the ball to drop. When Otis is found dead in a graveyard, it's soon apparent he's been murdered. It's also apparent that Danny's the main suspect when Otis's money is found missing, and even though she doesn't believe he's guilty, she needs to figure out who is before he winds up in prison.
But more things are going on behind the scene: Hayley and her co-worker Bruce Linney have gone to see a reclusive horror author, but are told by his assistant Shane that he's ill and can't see anyone. Disappointed, they tell him they'll try again but Hayley becomes suspicious (again) when he puts them off. Then she finds out that Dustin's friend has written a horror novel and submitted it to the reclusive Norman Cross; her ex-boyfriend and Gemma's employer, veterinarian Aaron, has a new girlfriend who's an attorney named Crystal who also apparently hates Hayley on sight and Gemma's having problems at work with her co-worker; and to top things off, Danny's crazy ex-girlfriend Becky shows up in Bar Harbor insisting she wants him back. Couple that with two shady men following her and Danny around town, and you have what is a very interesting Halloween...if Hayley can live to see it...
This is the eighth book in the series, and while I wasn't enamored of the previous ones, I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. There's plenty of action that didn't take place with Hayley and her friends sitting around getting plastered (which was my main problem, since all they did was drink).
This time out we have a real mystery to dig through, with plenty of threads that are twisted throughout, and watching them come together is quite intriguing. We also have a bit of a teaser here that gives us an indication of what will happen in future books, but I'm not going to give it away.
Danny is indeed a charmer, captivating all that he comes in contact with, men and women alike (aside from Mona), and watching Hayley try to figure out why he's really there is worth the read, because with Danny comes most of the rest of the problems they endure -- including a crazy ex-girlfriend and what she does makes me glad I don't know anyone like her.
But when we come to the ending it was quite a surprise, and putting the pieces together wasn't easy (although I did have part of it early on, I had to wait to see where the rest of it was going). The climax was decent, and the ending was quite satisfactory. Recommended.
August 5, 2016
**I was given a copy of this upcoming book from Kensington Press via NetGalley in exchange for a fair, honest review**
Food and cocktails columnist, Hayley Powell is gearing up for Halloween (and Pumpkin Spice season!!!) in Bar Harbor, Maine when she discovers her wayward ex-husband, Danny, is back in town. While the treat is her kids getting to spend time with their dad, she wonders what tricks are behind his sudden visit. When Danny's moonshine brewing Uncle Otis is discovered dead in the local cemetery and shady mobsters appear in town, Hayley finds herself once again trailing after a killer.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is the 8th book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails series. It is not necessary to read this series in order, but it might be advisable in order to be familiar with all of the characters and situations. I haven't read any of the other books in this series yet, and I was able to follow the plot just fine. But, now I want to read the rest of this series so I know what led up to some of the situations between characters in this book! I've already ordered book 1! :)
This book was a delightful mix of humor, Halloween fun, and murder mystery. I liked how Hollis included columns written by the main character telling anecdotes and stories from Hayley's life, followed by fall theme recipes for all sorts of different foods and cocktails. I'm definitely going to try the pumpkin soup recipe!
The mystery and several sub-plots are well written and interesting. The story kept my attention throughout. Fall is my favorite season, and I am a sucker for all things pumpkin, so I loved the recipes included in this book! This is the first cozy I've read that included cocktail recipes! I love it when culinary cozies include recipes for more than just desserts. Death Among the Doilies includes recipes for main courses, desserts and cocktails. All pumpkin/fall themed recipes! Love it!
The cover art for this book is delightful! :)
All in all, a fun read! It made me really look forward to fall (pumpkin spice!!!!!)
Lee Hollis is the pen name for writing duo, Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason. Find out more about their books at http://www.leehollismysteries.com/ Death of a Pumpkin Carver has a release date of August 30th, 2016.
Food and cocktails columnist, Hayley Powell is gearing up for Halloween (and Pumpkin Spice season!!!) in Bar Harbor, Maine when she discovers her wayward ex-husband, Danny, is back in town. While the treat is her kids getting to spend time with their dad, she wonders what tricks are behind his sudden visit. When Danny's moonshine brewing Uncle Otis is discovered dead in the local cemetery and shady mobsters appear in town, Hayley finds herself once again trailing after a killer.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is the 8th book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails series. It is not necessary to read this series in order, but it might be advisable in order to be familiar with all of the characters and situations. I haven't read any of the other books in this series yet, and I was able to follow the plot just fine. But, now I want to read the rest of this series so I know what led up to some of the situations between characters in this book! I've already ordered book 1! :)
This book was a delightful mix of humor, Halloween fun, and murder mystery. I liked how Hollis included columns written by the main character telling anecdotes and stories from Hayley's life, followed by fall theme recipes for all sorts of different foods and cocktails. I'm definitely going to try the pumpkin soup recipe!
The mystery and several sub-plots are well written and interesting. The story kept my attention throughout. Fall is my favorite season, and I am a sucker for all things pumpkin, so I loved the recipes included in this book! This is the first cozy I've read that included cocktail recipes! I love it when culinary cozies include recipes for more than just desserts. Death Among the Doilies includes recipes for main courses, desserts and cocktails. All pumpkin/fall themed recipes! Love it!
The cover art for this book is delightful! :)
All in all, a fun read! It made me really look forward to fall (pumpkin spice!!!!!)
Lee Hollis is the pen name for writing duo, Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason. Find out more about their books at http://www.leehollismysteries.com/ Death of a Pumpkin Carver has a release date of August 30th, 2016.
July 19, 2016
Every time I read a book in this wonderful series by Lee Hollis I am excited. I was not disappointed! Hayley Powell is such a fun and lovable character and her personality comes to life more and more in each book. Death of a Pumpkin Carver tells a ghoulish tale of murder and once again Hayley is caught up in the middle of it.
In this shocking story, Danny Powell, Hayley's ex husband makes a surprise visit. He may say he is in town to visit the kids, but Hayley sees beneath the facade and can't help but know he is up to something.
This book has everything I love in a cozy mystery, a good solid story, a cast of colorful characters and a touch of romance.
Fans of this series will be chomping at the bit to read Death of a Pumpkin Carver!
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In this shocking story, Danny Powell, Hayley's ex husband makes a surprise visit. He may say he is in town to visit the kids, but Hayley sees beneath the facade and can't help but know he is up to something.
This book has everything I love in a cozy mystery, a good solid story, a cast of colorful characters and a touch of romance.
Fans of this series will be chomping at the bit to read Death of a Pumpkin Carver!
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 11, 2018
Very interesting, twisty mystery with endearing pets & quirky characters. I loved the Halloween theme & pumpkin based recipes throughout. Hayley writes a column for the local Bar Harbor newspaper. She's a single mom doing her best to care for her teenaged son & daughter. Her screwup ex husband, Danny, suddenly shows up unannounced & insinuates himself back into their lives.
After his uncle's mysterious death, Danny seems like the prime suspect. Also a lot of shady things & people start turning up -- all because of him. Hayley has to use all her super-sleuthing skills to get to the bottom of things before she winds up dead herself!
After his uncle's mysterious death, Danny seems like the prime suspect. Also a lot of shady things & people start turning up -- all because of him. Hayley has to use all her super-sleuthing skills to get to the bottom of things before she winds up dead herself!
August 28, 2016
**I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
Poor Hayley has her hands full this Halloween. Her ex-husband is back in town, her daughter is working for her ex-boyfriend, and to top it off, she ends up stuck in the middle of yet another murder mystery. There are a couple minor story lines along with the murder, although the romance sub-plot seems to take over the story at times. Overall a nice, quick, easy read.
Poor Hayley has her hands full this Halloween. Her ex-husband is back in town, her daughter is working for her ex-boyfriend, and to top it off, she ends up stuck in the middle of yet another murder mystery. There are a couple minor story lines along with the murder, although the romance sub-plot seems to take over the story at times. Overall a nice, quick, easy read.
September 23, 2021
Book 8 it is Halloween. Haley is a good and cocktail blogger at the Island Times newpaper. For Hallowee It was her responsibility to give out Halloween treats to kids( ghosts goblins witches or werewolves that would come into office with their parents. But she could not help herself to mostly all of the Halloween candy ( like always. Bruce a crime reporter for paper used to be enemies with Haley. But after and stunt together on a crime in one of the books in series they have become close. Haley kids daughter Gemma a vet helped that works with Haley ex boyfriend Aaron is doing well. Except with Edith that is Aaron long time employee. She is rude to Gemma. And Dustin younger than his sister Henna wants to be a writer. His best friend Spanky has a story he has written and Dustin says he will be a big hit best seller like Norman Cross a horror writer. Haley ex husband shows up out of the blue and Haley knows it's him because he expertly carved pumpkins one of Batman ( Dustin favs when he was little ) and one of Harry Potter ( Gemma fav.) At Haley house now. . So Haley decided to go to his Uncle Otis house and finds Danny there. They banging their heads in a drunken stupor over Guns N Roses Welcome to the Jungle song. Both of them are Haley and Danny tries to hold her and kiss her but Haley does not go for that. Kiddy and Mona ( Haley' s friends) tells Haley that they better not see her try to have anything to do with him. Well then Uncle Otis is murdered. and he has 40, ooo dollars that no one knew he had so Danny is suspect. There are all kinds of things going on in this story book 8 and I Love every last minute of this book. There was a Haloween Party Haley goes to she was dressed up like Princess Leia from Star Wars and A decpicated abandoned old house where Norman Cross ( the horror writer owned ) and always on Haloween had a terrifying 👻Spooky Fright 😱Fest haunted house with Pumpkin Head ( the movies ,Freddy Krugar, Jason, ( Friday the 13th ) Michael Myers ( Halloween)🎃 Pinhead ( from Hellraiser) and a scene in dining room with decapitated corpses. It even scared the bejusus out of Bruce the macho (Crime reporter). Then there was the Annual Bar Harbor Halloween Parade with kindergarten up to 8th graders participate showing their Halloween costumes. The Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, Bart Simpson, Spongebob, and there were even kids dressed up like Duck Dynasty fellows with long grizzly beards. . I Love the Twists in this Stories I Highly Recommend This Book. If you Love Halloween and The 80 ' s Horror Flicks you'll Love This Book 8 Author Lee Hollis
May 23, 2018
I have only read a couple of books in this series, but had no trouble following the story. The "Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery" series is made up of shorter mysteries that have a lot of character development and details from the lives of the townspeople as well as a mystery. In this story, Hayley can’t imagine a worse trick than her ex-husband Danny returning to Bar Harbor just before Hallowe'en. Her kids may think it is a treat, seeing their dad, but Hayley’s determined not to be taken in by his charms, and she is always wary of his ulterior motives (usually financial troubles). When Danny's favorite uncle, Otis, a moonshiner who often samples his own goods, turns up dead in the cemetery, Hayley tries to find the killer. She is worried that Danny's proximity to their children might put them in danger.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is fun, lighthearted, with a few serious moments but its a change from the books I've been reading lately. I wanted a cozy read and this book fits the bill nicely. This book was a delightful mix of humor, Halloween fun, family life and murder mystery. I liked the columns written by the main character telling anecdotes and stories from Hayley's life, followed by fall theme recipes for all sorts of different foods and cocktails. I am a huge pumpkin fan, (I even grow my own pumpkins to cook and puree) so I am going to try several of the recipes. If you like seasonal cocktails, there are a few in this book.
While Haley and the other characters were a lot of fun and there were a lot of humorous situations, the mystery seemed to be a minor plot in the story. It took a third of the book before the crime took place, and afterwards there wasn't much in the way of finding clues and figuring things out. The last part of the book was a lot quicker tying together all the storylines and unveiling the murderer. In the end, I was surprised at who the murderer was as well as the reason behind it. I enjoyed the humor at the end, Danny is really not very bright. I did not enjoy this one as well as some other cozies, but I will read another in the series to see how it goes.
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is fun, lighthearted, with a few serious moments but its a change from the books I've been reading lately. I wanted a cozy read and this book fits the bill nicely. This book was a delightful mix of humor, Halloween fun, family life and murder mystery. I liked the columns written by the main character telling anecdotes and stories from Hayley's life, followed by fall theme recipes for all sorts of different foods and cocktails. I am a huge pumpkin fan, (I even grow my own pumpkins to cook and puree) so I am going to try several of the recipes. If you like seasonal cocktails, there are a few in this book.
While Haley and the other characters were a lot of fun and there were a lot of humorous situations, the mystery seemed to be a minor plot in the story. It took a third of the book before the crime took place, and afterwards there wasn't much in the way of finding clues and figuring things out. The last part of the book was a lot quicker tying together all the storylines and unveiling the murderer. In the end, I was surprised at who the murderer was as well as the reason behind it. I enjoyed the humor at the end, Danny is really not very bright. I did not enjoy this one as well as some other cozies, but I will read another in the series to see how it goes.
October 27, 2024
I enjoyed this cozy mystery! Perfect in time for Halloween and I wasn't able to figure out who done it right away!
September 7, 2025
Honestly, it's my own fault for picking up books just based on the cover art. The main character is a full-on pick-me in the body of a grown adult who thinks mental health problems aren’t real, and apparently all the women (except her) are sluts who want to sleep with her ex-husband. By the way, this ex has been described as a serial cheater and a freeloader who once sold the MC’s car but it’s been treated so lightly that it made my blood boil. This book is really stupid, and I don’t usually mind a stupid book as long as the vibes are cozy, but the undertones of misogyny completely threw me off. Oh, and the title is misleading, because NOBODY who died in the book was a pumpkin carver 🤡.
September 17, 2016
Death of a Pumpkin Carver is 8th book in the Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails mystery series by Lee Hollis. This book will lead you gently into the season of autumn with the pumpkin recipes and all the Halloween happenings in the town of Bar Harbor.
Hayley's ex husband Danny returns to Bar Harbor for a "visit" but it is quickly apparent that the reason is more self-serving than just to see his children. When a dead body is found, Danny is one of the suspects so Hayley jumps into the investigation to find the real killer before the body count is higher than the carved pumpkins on her porch!
I always enjoy books in this series although some elements were a bit predictable and easy to figure out. I do recommend this book to food, cocktails and cozy mystery lovers!
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Hayley's ex husband Danny returns to Bar Harbor for a "visit" but it is quickly apparent that the reason is more self-serving than just to see his children. When a dead body is found, Danny is one of the suspects so Hayley jumps into the investigation to find the real killer before the body count is higher than the carved pumpkins on her porch!
I always enjoy books in this series although some elements were a bit predictable and easy to figure out. I do recommend this book to food, cocktails and cozy mystery lovers!
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 28, 2017
Quick read, well written characters and an intriguing mystery.
Classic cosy mystery, it is the 8th in a series and I didn't realise that when I picked it up but I did still enjoy it.
If you like pumpkins and recipes including pumpkins then you'll love this book.
*Huge thanks to Lee Hollis, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
Classic cosy mystery, it is the 8th in a series and I didn't realise that when I picked it up but I did still enjoy it.
If you like pumpkins and recipes including pumpkins then you'll love this book.
*Huge thanks to Lee Hollis, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
August 23, 2023
Perfect for Halloween
Once again Lee Hollis outdone herself with an amazing captivating mystery. Very surprising ending! Perfect for a spooky Halloween night.
Once again Lee Hollis outdone herself with an amazing captivating mystery. Very surprising ending! Perfect for a spooky Halloween night.
October 10, 2019
Really not very good. Even a cozy mystery can be well-written, but this one wasn’t. Plus, I don’t like how the authors (it’s a brother-sister team) write women. Hints of misogynistic tropes.
September 13, 2025
This book was… rough. The title totally fooled me . I went in expecting a fun little cozy mystery with pumpkins, carving, maybe some fall vibes, but nope. Instead, it was mostly about a low-life man trying to worm his way back into his ex’s life, while her friends acted like her being single was the end of civilization. The “death of a pumpkin carver” part was basically background noise.
And listen… if the story wasn’t disappointing enough, there were typos sprinkled in. Like, how do you mess up both the plot and the proofreading? By the end, I was rolling my eyes so hard I got a headache. Definitely not the cozy fall read I was hoping for.
And listen… if the story wasn’t disappointing enough, there were typos sprinkled in. Like, how do you mess up both the plot and the proofreading? By the end, I was rolling my eyes so hard I got a headache. Definitely not the cozy fall read I was hoping for.
September 7, 2025
2.5
had this been any longer i would’ve dnf’d it. the ex husband sucks ass, everyone in her life kinda sucks too… the stories she writes above her recipes are borderline depressing like girl. don’t tell me about how your husband sucks just give me the pumpkin pie recipe!
had this been any longer i would’ve dnf’d it. the ex husband sucks ass, everyone in her life kinda sucks too… the stories she writes above her recipes are borderline depressing like girl. don’t tell me about how your husband sucks just give me the pumpkin pie recipe!
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