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The Inn at Holiday Bay #20
Pawn in the Pumpkin Patch
A heartwarming cozy mystery series about losing everything, taking a chance, and starting again.
After suffering a personal tragedy Abby Sullivan buys a huge old seaside mansion she has never even seen, packs up her life in San Francisco, and moves to Holiday Bay Maine, where she is adopted, quite against her will, by a huge Maine Coon Cat named Rufus, a drifter with her own tragic past named Georgia, and a giant dog with an inferiority complex named Ramos. What Abby thought she needed was alone time to heal. What she ended up with was, an inn she never knew she wanted, a cat she couldn't seem to convince to leave, and a new family she'd never be able to live without.
In book 20 in the series, It's Halloween in Holiday Bay and the whole town has pitched in to ensure that the Harvest Festival is the best one ever. As they do every year, Abby, Georgia, and Jeremy have planned several Halloween themed events for the Inn, which will take place alongside the events hosted by other merchants in town. Things are right on track and expectations are high until the body of a close friend and coworker is found tucked in amongst the vines in the pumpkin patch.
After suffering a personal tragedy Abby Sullivan buys a huge old seaside mansion she has never even seen, packs up her life in San Francisco, and moves to Holiday Bay Maine, where she is adopted, quite against her will, by a huge Maine Coon Cat named Rufus, a drifter with her own tragic past named Georgia, and a giant dog with an inferiority complex named Ramos. What Abby thought she needed was alone time to heal. What she ended up with was, an inn she never knew she wanted, a cat she couldn't seem to convince to leave, and a new family she'd never be able to live without.
In book 20 in the series, It's Halloween in Holiday Bay and the whole town has pitched in to ensure that the Harvest Festival is the best one ever. As they do every year, Abby, Georgia, and Jeremy have planned several Halloween themed events for the Inn, which will take place alongside the events hosted by other merchants in town. Things are right on track and expectations are high until the body of a close friend and coworker is found tucked in amongst the vines in the pumpkin patch.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
358 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
321 books1,791 followersKathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.
Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.
Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 6, 2022
Holiday Bay, Maine. Preparing for Halloween. Present day. Kathi Daley’s Pawn in the Pumpkin Patch
(Inn at Holiday Bay, #20) has everyone in town decorating and making plans for the Harvest Festival and Halloween. Abby, the Inn’s owner, and Georgia, the Inn’s manager, discussing and planning for October 31. Although Georgia has moved in with Tanner who will be away, Abby knows that Georgia has all info on who is arriving when, what will they need, if anything, and decorations for the Inn are in place except for all the pumpkins. Abby suggests that they go to pick up their large order of pumpkins, but before they go, Abby wishes to go into town to check on some new merchant arrivals
(A new restaurant, the Bistro, will open soon.) and to see if the town’s computer glitch has caused any more trouble. Upon arrival in town, Abby learns that Colt’s (the sheriff) assistant, Peach, has been acting oddly. Peach appears to be dating a much younger (about 2o years younger) man, Max. Is that why Peach has not ‘been herself’? Returning to the Inn, Abby grabs Georgia, and they are off to the Pumpkin Patch. As they walk to where they get their large order, they notice a commotion. A body has been found between two rows of pumpkins, and she is someone they know well, but how did she get here so quickly? Who would want to hurt her? Colt is upset so Abby decides to help with the investigation, naturally. I like Holiday Bays’ community, and I absolutely love Maine. The author does a brilliant job of integrating new characters, and the original characters are my friends. This is a comfort series for me. (I definitely need ‘comfort’ this year and this holiday season!) 4.5 stars.
(Inn at Holiday Bay, #20) has everyone in town decorating and making plans for the Harvest Festival and Halloween. Abby, the Inn’s owner, and Georgia, the Inn’s manager, discussing and planning for October 31. Although Georgia has moved in with Tanner who will be away, Abby knows that Georgia has all info on who is arriving when, what will they need, if anything, and decorations for the Inn are in place except for all the pumpkins. Abby suggests that they go to pick up their large order of pumpkins, but before they go, Abby wishes to go into town to check on some new merchant arrivals
(A new restaurant, the Bistro, will open soon.) and to see if the town’s computer glitch has caused any more trouble. Upon arrival in town, Abby learns that Colt’s (the sheriff) assistant, Peach, has been acting oddly. Peach appears to be dating a much younger (about 2o years younger) man, Max. Is that why Peach has not ‘been herself’? Returning to the Inn, Abby grabs Georgia, and they are off to the Pumpkin Patch. As they walk to where they get their large order, they notice a commotion. A body has been found between two rows of pumpkins, and she is someone they know well, but how did she get here so quickly? Who would want to hurt her? Colt is upset so Abby decides to help with the investigation, naturally. I like Holiday Bays’ community, and I absolutely love Maine. The author does a brilliant job of integrating new characters, and the original characters are my friends. This is a comfort series for me. (I definitely need ‘comfort’ this year and this holiday season!) 4.5 stars.
December 4, 2022
In questo libro viene uccisa una persona che avevamo incontrato e apprezzato molto in precedenza: devo dire che la cosa mi ha colpita, anche perché Colt (e Abby) ci mettono un po' a trovare il colpevole.
October 4, 2022
Pawn in the Pumpkin Patch is the twentieth book in Kathi Daley’s heartwarming Inn at Holiday Bay series. The well-plotted storyline flows smoothly, and multiple twists and red herrings in the complex mystery keep the reader engaged. The setting is charming, and the well-developed characters are three-dimensional, compassionate, and caring. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.
After Abby Sullivan lost her husband and their infant son in a tragic accident, she moved to Holiday Bay, Maine, opened the Inn at Holiday Bay, made a new life for herself, and found a home and a family. Georgia Carter, who has also overcome obstacles in her life, is the inn’s talented cook/baker and manager, and she and her Newfoundland dog, Ramos, live with Abby, Rufus, a Maine Coon, and Molly, a terrier mix, in a cottage on the property. Georgia recently moved in with her boyfriend, Tanner Peyton, and is trying to decide if she wants to renew the contract for her cable cooking show, “Cooking with Georgia.” Jeremy Slater, who lives in the inn’s basement apartment with his young niece, Annabelle, is a valuable asset who helps with the inn’s day-to-day operations. Mylie Sanders has moved in with Jeremy and is officially working at the inn.
Halloween is just around the corner, and there are lots of events and activities taking place in Holiday Bay and at the inn, which are keeping Abby, Georgia, and Jeremy on their toes. The inn is hosting the Harvest Festival, including a murder mystery dinner, beer garden, wine tasting, pumpkin patch, face painting, as well as many fun events for children. The town is going all out for the Halloween Festival, and the Bistro at Holiday Bay is hosting a two-day Haunted Bistro. Everyone is looking forward to all the holiday-themed events, but the murder of a close friend and coworker and the ensuing investigation threaten to place a damper on the festivities.
After Abby Sullivan lost her husband and their infant son in a tragic accident, she moved to Holiday Bay, Maine, opened the Inn at Holiday Bay, made a new life for herself, and found a home and a family. Georgia Carter, who has also overcome obstacles in her life, is the inn’s talented cook/baker and manager, and she and her Newfoundland dog, Ramos, live with Abby, Rufus, a Maine Coon, and Molly, a terrier mix, in a cottage on the property. Georgia recently moved in with her boyfriend, Tanner Peyton, and is trying to decide if she wants to renew the contract for her cable cooking show, “Cooking with Georgia.” Jeremy Slater, who lives in the inn’s basement apartment with his young niece, Annabelle, is a valuable asset who helps with the inn’s day-to-day operations. Mylie Sanders has moved in with Jeremy and is officially working at the inn.
Halloween is just around the corner, and there are lots of events and activities taking place in Holiday Bay and at the inn, which are keeping Abby, Georgia, and Jeremy on their toes. The inn is hosting the Harvest Festival, including a murder mystery dinner, beer garden, wine tasting, pumpkin patch, face painting, as well as many fun events for children. The town is going all out for the Halloween Festival, and the Bistro at Holiday Bay is hosting a two-day Haunted Bistro. Everyone is looking forward to all the holiday-themed events, but the murder of a close friend and coworker and the ensuing investigation threaten to place a damper on the festivities.
October 25, 2022
Ms. Daley has written a complicated mystery with vague clues and red herrings that led me on a merry chase as I read the book. I was sad to read one of the established characters died so this was a rather bittersweet read for me. However, the mystery was compelling and I was very pleased with the conclusion.
August 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book. This is one of my favorite series of the author but I was very sad for the character that was killed off because I felt that she was very prominent in the stories. Hopefully the author will find other ways to extend her stories. It seems to me they're just too many amateur sleuths in one small town
July 25, 2023
Grest read! I'm very invested in these characters.
January 4, 2023
A Challenging Mystery
This installment of the Inn at Holiday Bay presents a mystery with twists and turns to get you thinking about “who done it.” With few hints about the culprit, the ending is a surprise. It also leaves and unanswered question which I will not ask as it is a reveal. Maybe, I will ask Ms Daley someday.
I have enjoyed this series. The developing relationships of the main characters reflect a depth that is not available in a one book publication. These are real people experiencing real life problems. While some might say that these are not the subjects that create a lasting masterpiece, being mundane and commonplace, I find that reading about how others sort through these issues gives me a fresh insight on my own life situations. This is a value worth appreciating. The simple enjoyment of reading about real people solving real life problems against the backdrop of a world full of problems that go unsolved is a source of hope for the future.
This installment of the Inn at Holiday Bay presents a mystery with twists and turns to get you thinking about “who done it.” With few hints about the culprit, the ending is a surprise. It also leaves and unanswered question which I will not ask as it is a reveal. Maybe, I will ask Ms Daley someday.
I have enjoyed this series. The developing relationships of the main characters reflect a depth that is not available in a one book publication. These are real people experiencing real life problems. While some might say that these are not the subjects that create a lasting masterpiece, being mundane and commonplace, I find that reading about how others sort through these issues gives me a fresh insight on my own life situations. This is a value worth appreciating. The simple enjoyment of reading about real people solving real life problems against the backdrop of a world full of problems that go unsolved is a source of hope for the future.
October 17, 2022
Abby Sullivan moved to Holiday Bay to start over. She's settled down and opened an inn and created a new family. It's Halloween so Abby and Georgia are going to the local pumpkin patch. But a close friend has been murdered and left amongst the pumpkins. Can Abby help Colt find the killer?
This is one of my favorite series by Kathi Daley and this book is no exception. It was well-written and has lots of twists and turns. I was drawn into this engaging story with wonderful characters and kept hooked from start to finish. There are a couple mysteries in this book which will keep you on your toes and guessing. Pawn in the Pumpkin Patch is deeper than usual, but it was an excellent read which I didn't want to put down. I'm eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which is best read in order for the most benefit and enjoyment.
This is one of my favorite series by Kathi Daley and this book is no exception. It was well-written and has lots of twists and turns. I was drawn into this engaging story with wonderful characters and kept hooked from start to finish. There are a couple mysteries in this book which will keep you on your toes and guessing. Pawn in the Pumpkin Patch is deeper than usual, but it was an excellent read which I didn't want to put down. I'm eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which is best read in order for the most benefit and enjoyment.
January 15, 2023
One of the characters who has been in the series since the very beginning is the murder victim whose body is discovered in a local farmer's pumpkin patch. The death hits Colt particularly hard and he is driven to solve the case. Abby and Georgia are busy preparing for Holiday Bay's annual Halloween festivities as well as hosting "leaf peepers" who come to view the show put on by Mother Nature.
The books in this series are quick, enjoyable reads. The characters have become a sort of family as they share the seasons and events in their lives. Please keep them coming. I always look forward to the next installment.
The books in this series are quick, enjoyable reads. The characters have become a sort of family as they share the seasons and events in their lives. Please keep them coming. I always look forward to the next installment.
October 8, 2022
The latest book from The Inn at Holiday Bay, where a local favourite is found murdered in the Pumpkin Patch, and Colt has his work cut out trying to find the murderer.
Abby and Georgia are busy at the Inn with regulars and new including 2 cousins who hold a seance to find where some jewellery is hidden.
I really enjoy the books in this series, and have read other series by the same author which are equally as good, all cozy mystery based.
The books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Abby and Georgia are busy at the Inn with regulars and new including 2 cousins who hold a seance to find where some jewellery is hidden.
I really enjoy the books in this series, and have read other series by the same author which are equally as good, all cozy mystery based.
The books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
October 18, 2022
Loss
When Peach, assistant to the sheriff is murdered, everyone in town is shocked. Her friends are also upset because they knew Peach was unhappy in her new relationship and they did nothing to help. Combine a computer breach at the police station with the murder of an employee and the problem becomes more involved. As always the mystery and familiar characters keep these books moving forward. The resolution probably will continue in the next installment which I will grab as quickly as I can.
When Peach, assistant to the sheriff is murdered, everyone in town is shocked. Her friends are also upset because they knew Peach was unhappy in her new relationship and they did nothing to help. Combine a computer breach at the police station with the murder of an employee and the problem becomes more involved. As always the mystery and familiar characters keep these books moving forward. The resolution probably will continue in the next installment which I will grab as quickly as I can.
September 5, 2023
An excellent mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. First we have the death of one of the continuing characters and an all out push for Colt to find the murderer. Then we have several visitors to the inn with their own issues and solutions and life lessons to impart.
The author has skillfully introduced new people and given them all a part to play in the community and the death investigation. When Abby and Colt solve the mystery of the murder, the town and the inn are able to celebrate the Fall festival as small towns do.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. First we have the death of one of the continuing characters and an all out push for Colt to find the murderer. Then we have several visitors to the inn with their own issues and solutions and life lessons to impart.
The author has skillfully introduced new people and given them all a part to play in the community and the death investigation. When Abby and Colt solve the mystery of the murder, the town and the inn are able to celebrate the Fall festival as small towns do.
October 7, 2022
Good book.
I really can't remember what number book this is in the series. I have read them all and enjoyed them all. Since I am a big reader of series I try to encourage other people to read them too. The first book was a little slow due to setting up the characters . Now everyone is established and we can get to the story telling. I did guess the ending to this book but it didn't change my desire to read it.
I really can't remember what number book this is in the series. I have read them all and enjoyed them all. Since I am a big reader of series I try to encourage other people to read them too. The first book was a little slow due to setting up the characters . Now everyone is established and we can get to the story telling. I did guess the ending to this book but it didn't change my desire to read it.
October 14, 2022
Too heavy for a cozi
Peach is taken advantage of & brutally murdered. She worked for Colt and loved by many. Too close to home and senseless. Guests at the inn were not connected. Why bother with the baseball player. Guests left without goodbye. New guests there without an ending very disjointed. Ending with disgruntled situation of people wanting to cancel annual Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately this book was gloomy and negative.
Peach is taken advantage of & brutally murdered. She worked for Colt and loved by many. Too close to home and senseless. Guests at the inn were not connected. Why bother with the baseball player. Guests left without goodbye. New guests there without an ending very disjointed. Ending with disgruntled situation of people wanting to cancel annual Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately this book was gloomy and negative.
October 17, 2022
too much
I couldn’t even finish the first chapter. Dialogue was used to explain things that should have been narrative. It felt like every other sentence introduced another character and I could not keep track through the jumble of words. It felt like I was listening to someone talking too fast, with no space between thoughts and ideas. It was uncomfortable to read and almost painful.
I only got the sample from kindle but had to buy the book to leave a review.
I couldn’t even finish the first chapter. Dialogue was used to explain things that should have been narrative. It felt like every other sentence introduced another character and I could not keep track through the jumble of words. It felt like I was listening to someone talking too fast, with no space between thoughts and ideas. It was uncomfortable to read and almost painful.
I only got the sample from kindle but had to buy the book to leave a review.
November 9, 2022
While the pumpkin patch is thriving and Holiday Bay gears up for their Halloween celebration a body is found in the pumpkin patch grinding pumpkin sales and pick up to a halt. Follow Colt and Abby as they gather information to try and find the killer of their beloved friend. Add to that 2 guests at the Inn trying to find their inheritance via a medium to get what they need to find it from their deceased Aunt and the excitement is only beginning in this entertaining Halloween tale.
October 9, 2022
A heartfelt cozy mystery series
I have read this series from the start and always enjoy them. Fun characters with an emphasis on family and friends. They are an easy read and a good way to escape reality if even only for a few hours! No graphic sex, violence, or language. Look forward to the next one.
I have read this series from the start and always enjoy them. Fun characters with an emphasis on family and friends. They are an easy read and a good way to escape reality if even only for a few hours! No graphic sex, violence, or language. Look forward to the next one.
October 10, 2022
Nice edition to the series
This was a surprising story, and not expected. I did not guess the culprit until almost the reveal, making it more interesting to this reader. I think we see more of the emotional side of the characters, especially Abby, in this story vs. some of the other installments of this series. Overall a good read that kept my attention and interest.
This was a surprising story, and not expected. I did not guess the culprit until almost the reveal, making it more interesting to this reader. I think we see more of the emotional side of the characters, especially Abby, in this story vs. some of the other installments of this series. Overall a good read that kept my attention and interest.
October 10, 2022
I love this series. It is so interesting and not only provides intriguing mysteries to solve, it also has some very interesting secondary storylines as well. In this one, a beloved regular character is murdered, and I find myself missing this character already. I also really want to visit Maine and wish this Inn really existed! Anxiously waiting for the next in series.
October 14, 2022
Interesting twists
A cozy mystery with the death of a long-term character in the series. A death, a break-in and computer glitches all come together in the book. I do like how Abby doesn't place herself or her friends in danger, but when she learns something that might be useful to her boyfriend, Colt, who is police chief, she tells him instead of acting on her own.
A cozy mystery with the death of a long-term character in the series. A death, a break-in and computer glitches all come together in the book. I do like how Abby doesn't place herself or her friends in danger, but when she learns something that might be useful to her boyfriend, Colt, who is police chief, she tells him instead of acting on her own.
November 15, 2022
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Abby is a great amateur sleuth. She and her friends talk things out and of course her boyfriend is the investigating officer. This book is a little different as the person murdered was one that is in every book as she works for the police department. Actually there was 2 murder victims in the book. A very good cozy read.
March 3, 2023
Great cozy mystery series
This series by Kathi Daley continues to entertain, intrigue and keep the reader guessing until the end. I love all of the main characters, the small town setting and the wonderful story lines that keep this series going. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
This series by Kathi Daley continues to entertain, intrigue and keep the reader guessing until the end. I love all of the main characters, the small town setting and the wonderful story lines that keep this series going. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 2, 2024
one of the family dies
But I won’t say who.
No family rift being healed. No historical mystery, though events from the past are a big part of current trouble. Some touches of the paranormal - are people really contacting us from the other side?
But fall celebrations continue and, eventually, all is healing in Holiday Bay
But I won’t say who.
No family rift being healed. No historical mystery, though events from the past are a big part of current trouble. Some touches of the paranormal - are people really contacting us from the other side?
But fall celebrations continue and, eventually, all is healing in Holiday Bay
April 24, 2025
Its hard to loose a really good Peach! Pumpkins are ok but not the same.
This story has many ups but some painful downs! Even though it is a good story it also works well in the real world for dealing with death and pain. It just doesn't seem fair to have someone take advantage of a good person's heart!
This story has many ups but some painful downs! Even though it is a good story it also works well in the real world for dealing with death and pain. It just doesn't seem fair to have someone take advantage of a good person's heart!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
The Inn at Holiday Bay
This book had mystery and a town home feel. The mystery had you guessing till the end who was the murderer. I enjoy the characters and I am looking forward to the next book.
This book had mystery and a town home feel. The mystery had you guessing till the end who was the murderer. I enjoy the characters and I am looking forward to the next book.
October 10, 2022
When you least expect it
life happens. Shocking loss, dead end clues and a few mysterious strangers will keep you reading ti the end. Just remember, be careful who you trust, keep in mind who your friends really are because that is your safe place. You’ll love this one!
life happens. Shocking loss, dead end clues and a few mysterious strangers will keep you reading ti the end. Just remember, be careful who you trust, keep in mind who your friends really are because that is your safe place. You’ll love this one!
October 15, 2022
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Pawn in the Pumpkin Patch
Definitely a good story in the series. It felt fresher than some in the past so I feel the author has developed some new focus with the other spin offs included.
Definitely a good story in the series. It felt fresher than some in the past so I feel the author has developed some new focus with the other spin offs included.
October 24, 2022
Loved
I love this series and the way it continues to evolve. Abby, Georgia and company are usually in the thick of the investigation but this time they weren't even though the entire town was affected by Peach's death. As always great job Kathi.
I love this series and the way it continues to evolve. Abby, Georgia and company are usually in the thick of the investigation but this time they weren't even though the entire town was affected by Peach's death. As always great job Kathi.
October 30, 2022
True will come
This book has a lot to make you think of different things that have happened In you life snd the out comes slso the characters all ring ture to the story! I verymuch enjoyed this book!
This book has a lot to make you think of different things that have happened In you life snd the out comes slso the characters all ring ture to the story! I verymuch enjoyed this book!
November 5, 2022
This was good
I thought this was a good mystery, I have been reading this series from book one and have thoroughly enjoyed reading them ,can't wait hardly for the next book in this series.
I thought this was a good mystery, I have been reading this series from book one and have thoroughly enjoyed reading them ,can't wait hardly for the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews