The Murder of Sleepy Hollow

Charlie Kingsley Mysteries #5

by Michele Pariza Wacek

Unfortunately for Ike Krane, his parents had a wicked sense of humor.

So, early on, he decided to embrace his challenges rather than run from them, which is how he become a ghost hunter and ended up visiting Redemption, Wisconsin.

The problem—trouble seems to follow Ike just as it did his fictional predecessor.

First, there’s the sound of a horse galloping down the neighborhood streets at night, even though there’s never a horse to be found.

Then, Ike’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Kat arrives with an urgent message for him.

But before she can deliver it, a journalist shows up, accusing Ike of murdering Abe … Kat’s former lover.

Surely, Ike can clear all of this up.

Except he’s disappeared.

And then, the journalist is found murdered.

And through it all, the sounds of endless galloping return, night after night.

Things definitely aren’t looking good for Ike, so it’s a good thing Charlie is there to get to the bottom of why a legend has seemingly come to life.

Meet Charlie. Better known as “Aunt Charlie” from the award-winning Secrets of Redemption series. She's back, making teas and solving cases in this funny, twisty, cozy mystery series set in the 1990s in Redemption, Wisconsin.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Halloween, Audiobook, Cozy

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2022

About the author

A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They're clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn't enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and currently lives there after spending nearly 30 years living in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she's not writing, she's usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she's an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she's not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 7

Charlie once again is involved in a murder as a suspect and investigating facts and people leading to the conclusion.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot how much I loved Charlie and her companion. Another one cozy reading with a pinch of romance.

[Donne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having just read the first installment, I couldn’t resist this installment that sounded like a good candidate for an entertaining Halloween read. While it did have some chuckles, there were a lot more eye rolls than laughs. This was an ok cozy mystery from the 90’s.

The book summary pretty much lays out the primary storyline of Ike showing up in Redemption, a town with a reputation of being haunted, and going missing right around the time his ex-girlfriend shows and a journalist (who has a complicated history with Ike) ends up dead. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that the journalist tried to enlist Charlie’s assistance in setting up Ike for murder. There are also secondary storylines, one being the complicated history Charlie has with a fellow resident, Louise, and how Louise would love to get back at Charlie for something. Then there is the…..attraction feelings whatever going on between Charlie and officer Brandon Wyle. Being that I skipped from installment #1 to installment #5, it’s obvious that I am missing some vital information regarding these two storylines. And this folks is why I don’t like reading a series out of order.

Anyway, there is a lot going on in this short story with a lot of characters so there is not a lot of deep character development going on. The pacing was steady and the storyline engaging. The writing was on par for a short, Halloween cozy. I like reading stories that are retellings/reimaginings of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, as long as they are entertaining, which this one was. I haven’t decided whether or not I will go back and read earlier installments. I have so many other series on my list that I would rather spend my free time catching up on.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Murder of Sleepy Hollow is a fun read for this time of year and Michele's world building is very good. I could smell the fallen leaves and hear the rustle as her main character, Charlie, walked through them. And it's easy to picture the various homes and shops located in Redemption, Wisconsin.

All of the characters have distinct personalities and are well developed and there is a "sort of/almost there" romance continuing with Wyle, the cop, through this book/series.

If anything I found the book to get bogged down with a lot of Charlie's emotions getting too many paragraphs. Example: She stresses out when the doorbell rings, we get a reason why, and another reason why and we jump around her life up to this point that is contributing to being stressed... Ok, we get it, the explanation doesn't have to drag on for a couple of pages, just open the damn door already! I admit to jumping ahead over a lot of that sort of content to get back to the more exciting parts.

I did find this Halloween themed story a great afternoon read. What surprised me was that I didn't figure out who the killer was until it was revealed! Now that's a well done trick, and a great treat all in one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelley Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Another winning mystery from author Michele Pariza Wacek! I love these characters, the friendships, the willingness to help one another, the enchanted town of Redemption, Wisconsin and each unique mystery. This ode to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow was perfect for spooky season and was thoroughly twisty and entertaining with a sweet side of slowburn romance. These are short, interesting and fun!

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever read by this author, so consequently, I am not familiar with the Charlie Kingsley mysteries.
I really enjoyed this story, because, while it is a cozy, it read more like an actual mystery book.
I had the perpetrator figured out fairly early on, but only one half of the whole.
These characters were nicely drawn out and the conversations felt realistic and not storybook-ish. Nothing worse than stilted convos where you're thinking, "Omw, real ppl don't talk like this!".
I like how everything came together at the end and that the book had a neatly done finish and not a cliffhanger. Hate those!
Anyway. I give this book five stars and they are well earned.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms.Wacet has once again her reader a sublime cozey murder mystery to snuggle up with,the heroine Charlie Kingsley is once again in the thick of things with her friends in trying to figure out who committed the latest murder in their small town. The array of characters as usual are vibrant, colorful, quirky and some very mysterious in of themselves drawing you in their small town drama. The events leading up to the murder are quite intriguing enticing you further into this complex mystery .While the plot carries you throughout from start to finish unable to put it down keep you turning page after page until you reach its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " The Murder of Sleepy Hollow " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disturbing urban legend

Ike Krane from Sleepy Hollow is researching the haunted houses in Redemption and Charlie is intrigued by who he claims to be. When jack-of-lanterns are found on the porches of the so called haunted houses, it looks like a prank but the sound of a clip clopping horse is an added disturbance. Charlie is determined to find the truth. Is the legend of the headless horseman true and how is Ike connected? Another unputdownable mystery by the author which had me turning the pages.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to read this book.

The myth of sleepy hollow migrates to the town of redemption. There is even an Ichabod Krane. A haunted town becomes targeted and Charlie, the protagonist is caught in an ugly web.

A fast read that is a cozy mystery so it isn't too frightening but held my attention from beginning to end

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the funnest mysteries I've read in a long time. I had a blast with the Sleepy Hollow theme, and while I nailed the whodunnit plan right away, it didn't matter. First, there were nuances I didn't even try to figure out, and second, it just made the book as suspenseful as it was a mystery. Win/win!

Meanwhile, onto the next!

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie is at it again. This time it's Halloween and it seems Sleepy Hollow has moved in. There is plenty of mystery and pranks to keep you invested. Can you figure out who it is before Charlie? Enjoy this fun, engaging mystery as you learn more about Charlie and Redemption. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[Vanessa Ouellette · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sleepy Hollow hits the smalltown of Redemption Wisconsin things end up a bit spooky as Charlie tries to clear her name in this murder mystery. Full of mystery, fall vibes with a Halloween tale twist.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clever and complicated storyline. I had a hard time putting the book down I just wanted to keep reading and find out who was doing what. The relationship between Charlie and Wyle is as complicated as any storyline yet in this series. And I am glad when this relationship is interwoven into the storylines. The author knows how to peel an onion and make it very interesting. I can’t wait to read the next book!! I was given an arc copy to read and give my honest opinion. This is a great series and I really enjoyed reading this book!!

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Carrie Hannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5☆

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Murder of Sleepy Hollow is Book 5 in the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries by Michele Pariza Wacek. I have read and totally enjoyed each book in this series. Charlie is a terrific character along with the hunky police detective Brandon Wyle. I thought that this was a perfect Halloween cozy. The story has several layers; Charlie's relationship/non relationship with Wyle, the Halloween pranks, a ghost hunter, and murder. I can't wait to see what Charlie gets into next! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely read more of Michele

First one I've read in this series. Well developed characters and I was over halfway through before I figured it out which is a lot for me. Definitely will go back to #1 and read in order. 👍

[Jessica Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

How amazing is this cover! Love it! I have to say I did enjoy this book, despite it being a bit long-winded at times. Sometimes the story went off on a strange tangent and it took me a while to pick it up again. I guessed the ending, but enjoy the journey to get there. Overall, a great take on the Sleepy Hollow story. I did struggle with the relationship between the MC and the male character, but that might be because I've not read any previous books in this series.

[Robin E]

The Headless Horseman rides again - or does he? Leave it Charlie to find out what is really going on. You’ll think you know, but wait, no…it’s this one, no…that one…. It will keep you turning pages to the end!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I love the Sleepy Hollow tales of the Headless Horseman and this take on it is quite interesting. I love a good Murder Mystery too which this definitely has but also a lot of adult drama too which I wanted to slap some people for. First I wanted to slap Wyle, he seems to be a good cop but Geeze man just ask her out for crying out loud. All this dancing around the issue, grr. Then I really wanted to slap Louise, like how old are you?! Spreading rumors like a teen in HS, really. I can’t stand people like that. Like what is it going to accomplish? Then I just wanted to knock out Kay and David. It’s totally obvious they had something to do with Ike feeling like he was being haunted by the Horseman. They both had some serious stalking issues and a little bit of crazy in the mix, the fact that no picked up on it especially Wyle made me grit my teeth. And poor Ike just wanted to be left alone to do his ghost research. He seemed to be a very nice guy just a bit spooked by the crazies. Then there’s Charlie, I liked that she makes her own tea but she was a bit annoying too going around trying to solve the issues when she was specifically told to stay out of the investigation, ugh! And it was way obvious that the galloping sounds of the horse was a recording.


I really enjoyed this style of writing as it had me so engrossed I felt like I was there and people were frustrating me.

I received this ARC from BookSirens and I’m volunteering my review

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Hallowe'en - that time of year that evokes the thoughts of deliciously crisp air, candy apples, and trick-or-treaters in their colourful costumes. But in the haunted town of Redemption, when the veil between the other world and ours is drawn aside, sinister happenings stir afoot. Has the Headless Horseman chased one of Sleepy Hollow's citizens to this mysterious place? And why are malevolently carved pumpkins being left on porches?

Each story in this series has been so well-written that it seems impossible that the subsequent one will top it and yet, The Murder of Sleepy Hollow blew them all away. The plot is, as always, top-notch, and the author causes her fictional world to temporarily become the reader's reality. The characters are so true to life that they have become dear friends. I loved this story and cannot wait for my next trip to Redemption.

Highly Recommended.

Thank you to BookSirens and Michele Pariza Wacek for allowing me the chance to read this eARC. As always, my opinions are my own - honest and true.

[James Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to rate this. I gave it a bonus star because I read it during Halloween week and it had a good vibe to it. But there were a lot of things I had issues with.

1. As my wife likes to say about certain books, "It had too many words." There was CONSTANT ruminating from the main character about EVERYTHING people were saying or doing. At one point, she is worried about what it means that one of the other characters did not drink all of her tea. Really?

2. For someone who is supposed to be a bad-ass, the main character comes across as a bit of a wimp. She spends a great deal of time wondering/worrying about whether people like her or why they don't. She also goes from one wild theory to another. It borders on stream of conscious writing at times. There IS a time and place for that. I would argue that a mystery book is probably not the best time/place.

3. The story itself is a bit meandering, but there are not really many surprises along the way. Some bits are never really explained. In the end, the culprit seemed to be kind of "picked out of the air." I am pretty convinced that about 90% of the book could have been eliminated, if there was just honest communication from the start.

4. I get that this is a "cozy mystery" and there are certain things that go with that. But the MC seems more adept at muffins (both making them and eating them)...than she is at figuring out the mystery.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it is part of a series. This book does not have cliffhangers, however, and you can easily enjoy this as a standalone. The author gets kudos for that.
There is a satisfying beginning and ending and no other knowledge regarding the series is needed in order to enjoy this book.

All in all, it was a pleasant enough escape for a few hours. But it could have been better. I can see some missed opportunities, here.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I wish I liked this book more, unfortunately I found it boring. Charlie is a survivor of abuse by her former fiancé. She now lives in a little town in the Midwest called Redemption, which is well known for its history of ghost haunting. In fact Charlie lives in the most haunted of all the homes in the town.

She runs a specialist tea and tinctures business from her house and has an instinct for solving crimes. She assists the local police department especially local cop Wyle.

She is approached one day by Ike Krane, who wants to interview her about her haunted house as he is a “ghost Hunter” who is writing a book about famous haunted houses. Ike is from the town of Sleepy hollow and whose parents thought it amusing to name him Ikabod.

Charlie is also approached by a man called David and a woman called Kat who are also involved with Ike.

Unfortunately David is found murdered one day and Charlie is a witness and possible suspect in his murder as is Ike who has disappeared.

Also someone is leaving pumpkins in the shape of ‘Jack O lanterns’ on properties in the town as well as the sound of a galloping horse which is heard throughout the town. Is someone playing a practical joke or could there possibly be a headless horseman haunting the town?

I liked the sound of the precise but actually most of the action takes place in either Charlie’s house over tea and buns or a local cafe. There isn’t much in the way of action and it was pretty obvious who the guilty party was.

I’m afraid I found the book boring and a bit repetitive.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Murder of Sleepy Hollow by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) . It's the fifth book in the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries series. Since I had read books 2 and 3, I knew that I liked the characters as well as the mysteries. I'm not sure how I missed the 4th book, but I'll have to go back to read it! You can read this as a stand-alone, so don't let that it's book 5 stop you!

I read this really quickly, as it's an easy book to get into, and you won't want to stop reading! I've really grown to love the main characters in these books. Of course, it's a cozy mystery, so there's an amateur sleuth (Charlie in this case) who doesn't always make the smartest decisions. She really has some trust issues, but you'll find out why in this book. Charlie is always making her chocolate chip cookies which always makes me hungry! Plus in this one, the owner of the town's inn has gingersnaps for the guests. Get cookies before you read this!

The setting is great! There was a series (that I haven't read) set in this town called Redemption. Charlie is a spin-off character from the series. It's a town where really weird things happen. People disappear and it's apparently quite haunted. It's fun! Even though Halloween had passed when I read this, I still enjoyed the Halloween theme.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, you'll appreciate that cozy feel you just get from reading a well written cozy like this one. Lots of cookies, a cat, a dog, a mystery, and great characters! What more could you want? I definitely recommend this book to all cozy mystery book fans!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caley Gredig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five of Michele Pariza Wacek's Charlie Kingsley series is The Murder of Sleepy Hollow. This book adds a new dimension to the classic legend when a man named Ike Krane shows up in Redemption to research the various haunted buildings and things start happening that remind everyone of events in the original story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. When a journalist contacts Charlie to discuss Ike's past and then later ends up dead, Ike becomes the primary suspect especially because he has also disappeared.

Within this book, the author has woven a new twist out of an old legend and has continued her pattern of excellent character and plotline creation. As the story unfolds and the parallels are drawn between the current happenings in Redemption and the old legend, the author provides interesting twists and red herrings that keep the reader guessing until the end as to the identity of the culprit and motive for the murder and other events in addition to the question of whether Ike left under his own power or is even still alive. I look forward to other stories from this author in this series to see the progression of the continuing threads of mystery that have been intertwined throughout all the books in this series.

I received an advance copy of this book from BookSirens and the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to believe we're already at book 5 of the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries series, which has become one of my favorites by Michelle Pariza Wacek, but here we are with "The Murder of Sleepy Hollow." I love these characters and to watch them grow and change throughout the series is one of my favorite parts. That and the setting, Redemption, WI a rumored haunted town where the residents all revel in their spooky status.

Ike Krane, a ghost hunter originally from the town of Sleepy Hollow has come to redemption to interview the owners of haunted houses in town. However, once there he begins to experience sounds of a galloping horse and the placement of jack o lanterns showing up on people's doorsteps. Including amateur sleuth Charlie Kingsley's. She's not one to overreact but when she becomes a victim with a jack o lantern showing up on her doorstep and then the sounds of the horse galloping, she knows she must step in. And stepping in was just the tip of the iceberg for Charlie, she'll risk her life and wellbeing to solve this case.

Excellent dialogue, characters and setting all come together for a fast paced well put together cozy mystery that offers the reader top notch storytelling. I can't wait for book 6 now. Happy Reading!

[Katy The Sleepy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I've said it before, but Michele Pariza Wacek has done it again and knocked it out of the park! I really loved this story. Heading back to Redemption once again to visit Charlie and see what trouble she's gotten herself into this time.

This story revolved around a guy named Ike Krane. Ike has come to Redemption, from Sleepy Hollow, to continue research on his book about haunted houses across America. He wants to tour what has been named the most haunted house in Redemption, Charlie's house. She of course, says no but is intrigued by Ike as he believes he's being haunted by the Headless Horseman. Every town he's visited has had weird goings on. Someone has been leaving pumpkins on porches and people say they've been hearing the sounds of a horse galloping through the streets but when they look, no one is there. The plot thickens when Ike goes missing and a man looking for him ends up dead. Throw in Ike's girlfriend showing up and Charlie definitely has her hands full.

I really love this series. The Charlie Kingsley series is one that I am never bored with. In fact, the whole Redemption series is just fantastic. The writing is very well done, the characters continue to evolve and grow and of course the setting is wonderfully described so you feel like you're there. I received this book free from Booksirens for an honest review.

[David Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alas, it appears THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN is at it again, haunting yet another Ichabod Crane--- only this time it is Ike Krane who gets the other-worldly special treatment.

When Ike visits Redemption as a professional ghost hunter" to study haunted houses and interview their occupants, quite naturally (er, unnaturally) Mister Headless follows him. Sinister-looking Jack-o-lanterns show up on door-steps in the dead of night; the sounds of a horse neighing and hooves clip-clopping through town keep townspeople up at night.

Ike Krane encounters Charlie at The Tipsy Cow: this makes Officer Brandon Wyle jealous, even though he and Charlie are not "a thing" romantically: or are they?

My opinion of Officer Wyle is negative: if this was in the real world, I would consider him a threat to Ms. Charlie Kingsley: the signs of "the crazy boyfriend" are present in his character.

Into the mix comes Ike's past fiance', and an obsessed man who claims to be an investigative journalist. The would-be spouse of Ike wants him back; the journalist wants him punished for a murder that he believes Ike committed.

This is a fun read, and I recommend it to readers who like their sex and violence "off stage."

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and the timing of this book, with it's Halloween theme, was great. There's some spooky goings-on in Redemption with some unwelcome jack-o-lanterns being left on people's porches along with the sound of hooves and tales of the Headless Horseman abound. Add Ike Krane from Sleepy Hollow to the mix and you can guess where this is going.

Charlie finds herself involved when an investigative reporter she argued with, ends up murdered. Ike Krane has also disappeared. This was a totally gripping read, probably due to the theme in the book but also the writing always has me hooked from the start and I find it hard to put these books down. I love the character of Charlie and also her frient Pat, the ongoing nastiness of Louise, and the possibility of romance with Wyle. The book is like not a full blown cozy but like a mix between cozy and mystery and that makes it more enjoyable for me. The ending nicely opens up for future storylines and I look forward to seeing how these progress in the future books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer]

You have to love the way parents minds think when it comes to naming their children. Let me introduce Ike Krane a ghost hunter that is trying to figure out who he is, beside being a ghost hunter. As he is out traveling he makes a stop in Redemption, Wisconsin. The last thing he expected to find was a mysterious sound night after night. Upon a closer inspection it turned out to me the sound of a horse galloping down the street.
A journalist pop up and accuse him of him murdering a guy name Abe, his ex girlfriend Kat ex's. Then Kat showed up in town. Ike is confused by what is going on, and why did this journalist think he killed this guy. Before he could ask this journalist more questions, he turns up dead.
Will he be able to solve these killings before the Legend takes another.