Halloween Party Murder

Juniper Holiday Cozy Mystery #1

by Leighann Dobbs

Everyone knows a Juniper Holiday Halloween party is to die for.

To get an invite is the most talked about topic in Crescent Cove. To experience the Holiday mansion in all its (supposedly) haunted glory is the stuff of legend. Of course, no one has actually seen a ghost in residence—but how could they when they’re having the time of their life?

As an eccentric with too much money and time on her hands, Juniper Holiday loves any excuse to throw a party, and with Halloween just around the corner, she’s in go mode. Everything is going splendidly—until her fake corpse prop ends up being a real body.

With her reputation hanging in the balance, can Juniper unmask the murderer before stuffy Detective Desmond Mallard cuffs the wrong perp, or will her next block party be in a prison block?

Genres: Mystery, Halloween, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Holiday, Fiction, Cozy

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2022

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.

Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.

Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, short and a great Halloween read. First in a cozy series and it needed a bit more "world building" but I enjoyed it a lot.

Juniper Holiday is throwing a Halloween party for all her friends in Crescent Cove and has gone all out for it. Her centerpiece is a real casket, but she didn't order the body that came with it. The Holiday Mansion has a reputation as being haunted and Juniper has come to live a peaceful coexistence with the paranormal inhabitants in her home. But it isn't just the ghosts at the mansion, there are also werewolf brothers who run the local steakhouse.

When Juniper finds herself the prime suspect she decides to investigate on her own and is determined to unmask the killer before the uptight Detective Desmond Mallard does.

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook

I don’t know if the book was bad or just the narrator. The jury is still out on this one.

[Emmalynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I lost brain cells reading this!!!
June is not likeable
Was there a plot?
It was just bad

[Viola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, vilšanās. Tā vien liekas, ka autore visā grāmatas rakstīšanas procesā nav izdomājusi, ko grib veidot - detektīvu, paranormālo vai komēdiju, beigās nekas no iecerētā nav izdevies.

[Rachael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fmc was trash. 🚮

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t like the MFC. It also was kind of plot less, I love that in some movies but the characters were super likable.

[Cristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had such potential, but I always felt like I was missing something. While I was prepared to be dropped into a typical cozy mystery small town, I literally felt like maybe I had missed some books and was in the middle of a series. Juniper was an engaging protagonist, but I felt like we didn't really get much information. I also just felt like everything just went too fast. While I didn't really guess the murderer, it was not due to the writing but the lack of info. There are also supernatural elements that I wish were explored more.

However, despite all this, it was a book that had it's engaging moments. I will probably continue with the series, especially now that I have some background on the characters.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first cozy mystery series I ever read, years ago, was one by Leighann Dobbs, so I've always had a special place in my reading heart for her books, and with "Halloween Party Murder" the first book in the Juniper Holiday Cozy Mystery series she's done it again!

Juniper Holiday is not only eccentric, but she's also outspoken and nothing will stop the show or party from going on. However, right before her Halloween extravaganza is set to start and she's got a million things to do like slipping on her costume, a dead body is found in the coffin, a real body! She originally bought it to have a friend lay in it and scare the guests. The police are called in and the party will go on, for now.

Leighann Dobbs always writes the best characters and this one is no different. Juniper is too much, she talks back to the sheriff, she has more money than sense sometimes, but is so entitled she doesn't care. She's brash, she's honest and she's a force to be dealt with, I loved her! Then we've got the three otherworldly members of her household who are able to float through walls and find clues and witnesses no one knew existed. The investigator just wants her to butt out and let him do his work. Who did it and who are they after now? Let the fun begin!

This was a quick read and so much fun, as her books usually are. If you've never read Dobbs or are a big fan like me, this is a wonderful start to another great one! Happy Reading!

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Little Paranormal Mystery

How the ghosts and werewolves we're worked into the story was really clever. The little bit of backstory that was given left me wishing I knew more about it all. Maybe more will be revealed in subsequent books in the series? It was mostly clean, but the way everyone seemed irritated at the one character with Christian values grated on my nerves a bit, especially since the series is happening around and in the celebrations of currently Christian holidays.

[Brenda Deuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery.

[Sheila Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. The story was well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. Worth the time to read. I'm hoping my library obtains other books written by this author.

[Raymie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would have been good if they maybe spent a page or 2 giving some back story.

I’m thinking I’m going into a cozy murder mystery and then suddenly we were going to visit the were wolves and ghosts were spying on the sheriffs.

Nothing was explained. Why is this town ok with vampires and werewolves but it felt like it was just thrown in there.

The murder mystery part was good I guess the other stuff just threw me off 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Garry Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

the usual suspects …

A simple plain Jane cozy mystery with a few ghosts added into the narrative. The plot doesn’t twist and turn, but rather meanders through until it finally reaches the final page.

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

A meh of a mystery. Not enough character development, and what was done made the FMC Juniper seem terrible. The premise sounded fun, and I was expecting way more out of this based on the blurb. Also, I legit checked three times during this to see if it was indeed book 1 in a series because it started with details that absolutely made it feel like I missed a few books... but nope, this is the 1st.

The whole book was predictable, and it's a really short read... if it wasn't, I would have just DNF'ed.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Finished it, but it was not an enjoyable read. The main character is obnoxious and unlikeable. The characters and story were underdeveloped and the whole story was rushed and uninteresting.

[moxieBK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween Party Murder (Juniper Holiday Mystery Series #1) — Leighann Dobbs/Narrator: Kasey Logan (20 chapters) November 15, 2024

I love quick reads and this one is right near the top. Written by one of my favorite authors, this first book in a series that tells the tale of a lively woman, Junie, who lives in a mansion with her grand-daughter and three former employees who are now ghosts. Never mind that she is the only one who can see and hear them.

It’s Halloween and Junie is planning the greatest and scariest Halloween party; things get a little out of control when the main character lying in the coffin, played by an employed actor, winds up dead. Who is she (not the paid actor,) and why did she end up dead…and are those wolf-like scratch marks on her face? Junie races to the werewolves to inquire about the attack when she realizes that Detective Mallard is on his way to question her. Never a good way to declare yourself innocent, amirite?

With great supporting characters including a detective who seems no-nonsense (but is he?) Junie’s granddaughter Torry, plus a werewolf that might have a thing for her. Some great comic relief in the form of Junie (I.e. Quackers for the detective,) turns this into a great, fun read. Can’t wait to read more in this series.

The narrator did an awesome job telling this story.

Four stars.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halloween Party MurderHalloween Party Murder is the first book in Leslie Meier’s Juniper Holiday Cozy Mystery series. I had a lot of fun reading this book. Juniper Holiday is an eccentric millionaire (maybe billionaire) who loves to throw huge parties inviting nearly everyone in Crescent Cove. She lives in her mansion with her God-daughter, a cook and a butler and a trio of ghosts that were former employees of Junipers ancestors.
Juniper lives her life in a very carefree and almost hippieish manner. She has an antagonistic relationship with the local detective and some of my favorite parts of the book are the names she used for Detective Desmond Mallard.
This was a quick, easy, irreverent cozy mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Michelle Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I am not a fantasy book reader, but I am a Leighann Dobbs fan and love ghost stories. And it was shortly after Halloween when I read this book. It was GREAT! The book I mean, really enjoyable read. I read it in one night. I totally enjoyed the premise, the murder mystery, setting, and characters (Juniper, eccenteric millionaire and Victoria, "adopted daugher" of Junifper after her Mom dies, and the detective, Desmond Mallard).. and the running joke about his 'duckiness.' The set up with a real unexpected dead body in a coffin, which was rented (empty) from a funeral parlor as a prop for the Halloween party - really neat. AND MY FAV, were the resident ghosts, and how they helped Juniper solve the crime, add to the atmosphere, and generally have personalities and were funny. The fact that only Juniper can hear them.. and oh yes, the werewolves that own the Steak restaurant. Hilarious! Lots of good dialogue and humor. And a quick read. I find it a guilty pleasure, and palate cleaner for ANYTHING that may be stressing you out. And the series premise is fun, next up: "Thanksgiving Dinner Death" by the author.

[T.J. Puritz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio via my local library.

The narrator was nothing special. Her delivery was frequently off, but she attempted different voices. My star rating is not based on the narration though.

This was a simple mystery. I guess it could be a cozy but there wasn’t much depth to the writing. I appreciate that the author didn’t present story as new characters to each other, but as this is book one of a series, the reader needs more background detail as to who these people are and how their history connects them. We are thrown into a magical world with werewolves and ghosts, whom only the main character can see, but we have no idea why or how all of it is possible. It was very confusing.

Because I’m a sucker for holiday stories and there are few based around Halloween and thanksgiving, I will give the next one a shot. Thankfully, the running time of these books is under 3 hours, so I’m not investing too much time in them at this point. I have hopes that the next will be better.

[Jewel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a Halloween cozy mystery and bought this, thinking that even silly cozy mysteries can still be pretty good. It is not good.

I would love to see a middle school English teacher go at this thing with a red pen. It needs an editor so bad. Even more than an editor, it needs a lot more pages. There was so much plot that just skipped ahead without much explanation. I can't believe I'm saying this about a book I didn't much like, but it was too short.

I didn't like it and I didn't like the main character. However, I'm such a dumb-ass that when I bought it I *also* picked up the next book in the series, which is about Thanksgiving. It's nearly impossible for me to not read a book I paid cash money for. If it was a library book it'd be in the return box already, but I guess instead I'll be reading more about this annoying main character's stumbling across a murder over a can on cranberry sauce or some such nonsense.

[Tiger · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot was quite boring, the characters were bland and the main character was terrible. She's an arrogant, creepy, annoying bitch that acts as if the world revolves around her. Half the book was spent insulting the cop as if he's not just doing his damn job.

Literally, it felt like I was back on the playground watching the popular girl bully the nerd. SHE is the civilian that's interfering with HIS case and then she has the nerve to get mad at him and insult him - petty, childish insults at that.

What right does she have to get mad at him for closing down her party when SOMEONE DIED ON THE DAMN PROPERTY?? As if a real cop would ever allow a party to go on, to begin with. The dialogue felt weird, too, nothing that I can picture an actual human being saying unironically.

Honestly, it would have been better if he arrested her for interference.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audible audiobook. This story was fairly short. It wasn’t really the type mystery murder books I like but was cute. The story included ghosts & werewolves. The main theme was the Halloween party the main character threw & the murder which took place at that time. I got this series - Juniper Holiday Cozy Mystery series because I wanted some audiobooks to take me through this holiday season that were holiday themed. This series certainly fit the bill as the books go all the way through Valentine’s. And it is very hard to find holiday books that actually are the first of the series & go in correct order. So if you enjoy this type paranormal mystery & are looking for a series to get you through the New Year; you may like this. (Con: The audios are overpriced as some are only 2 or 3 hours listening.)

[Cinda Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juniper Holiday Cozy Mystery #1 is a new series by Leighann Dobbs. It is a fun read with very quirky characters.
Juniper Holiday is maybe Crescent Cove's richest woman. She lives in a mansion with her goddaughter, Victoria "Tori" Cooper. Juniper is trying to host Crescent Cove's creepiest, scariest, most fright-inducing haunted house for a Halloween party.
When the coffin is delivered from the mortuary, there is a dead body inside.
Juniper has three cats, a resident ghost and is friends with a werewolf.
If you like stories that are quick reads, you will love this story.
I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short cozy mystery that was a nice easy holiday read. The story is set in a small town called Crescent Cove, although. it is not clear until the last chapter that this town is located somewhere in the south. Juniper Holiday, a woman in her 60s, is the main character. Juniper is a town socialite that throws a Halloween Party at her house, until someone is found dead, and a murder investigation follows. Despite warnings not to from Detective Mallard, Juniper takes it upon herself to conduct her own investigation with help from some "spirited" sidekicks.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know but I felt like I was dropped in the middle of no where reading this book. There isn't any hint as to why and how and where the story is located.

Its just there is a dead body in the coffin in the living room and the dead person in the coffin is so lifelike it is amazing. then they realize it is not a prop but a real dead person, Juniper jumped into her car and raced off to see the wolf.

WTF!!!

Does that even make sense? I tell ya, it took me half the book to figure out what is what and then the book ended.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween Party Murder by Leighann Dobbs is a really fun Holiday Cozy Mystery!

I love Halloween and this was such a fun read.

Juniper Holiday is a rich, eccentric woman who throws the party of season. Her parties are always the talk of the town, but this party is deadly! There is a murder and Juniper is the prime suspect.

The characters are well written and funny.

The mystery was fun and kept me guessing until the end.

A really fun holiday cozy mystery that I really enjoyed!

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun new series! Juniper is off a certain age, but no one’s told her. She still acts like a kid. And Victoria, Juniper’s goddaughter that she raised, is the grounded mature one. There’s a little supernatural element with Juniper being able to talk with the ghosts of folks who worked at the mansion many years ago. And there’s a little building attraction with a certain detective. Looking forward to book #2!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first in the series. The main character is a wealthy woman in her sixties but acts like a very young girl. She is loads of fun and doesn’t understand why her party should be shut down when a body is found in ger guest house.

She short changes the detective, has some supernatural help in gathering clues, and helps the police solve the murder.

The reveal is a little bit of a surprise.

I was given an advanced copy of the story and am not required to leave a positive review.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a bit to warm up to

3.75 stars

This had definitely Halloween cozy vibes with the coffin, haunted house and Halloween party. It did take a bit to get into due to the style of being in multiple points of views and getting used to the quirky characters, however once they started investigating the crime it got much better. It was just a classic cozy that was pretty straight forward.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biggest issue with this book was no plot, no character building, has some supernatural elements that the author never really expands on, and reminded me of a story a student would write for creative writing. I listen to the audio, and the narrator did a decent job with the material she was given. It did have some good Halloween vibes which is why it’s a 3 star instead of a 2 star.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.