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A Poppy McAllister Mystery #8
Mischief Nights are Murder
Gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny were prepared for some pranks as the annual Mischief Night approached. But they weren’t prepared for a murder at their B&B . . .
Poppy is none too pleased when her B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour during Halloween season. Though her knack for finding dead bodies has given the place a spooky reputation, the Murder House is a completely undeserved nickname. At least it used to be . . .
While Poppy wrangles with some guests who can’t stop squabbling with each other—including a paranormal researcher, a very quirky pet psychic who freaks out her portly Persian, and an undercover tabloid reporter eager to catch her staff in a lie—one of them winds up facedown in a plate of tiramisu. And now she has bigger worries than getting her house TP’d . . .
Poppy is none too pleased when her B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour during Halloween season. Though her knack for finding dead bodies has given the place a spooky reputation, the Murder House is a completely undeserved nickname. At least it used to be . . .
While Poppy wrangles with some guests who can’t stop squabbling with each other—including a paranormal researcher, a very quirky pet psychic who freaks out her portly Persian, and an undercover tabloid reporter eager to catch her staff in a lie—one of them winds up facedown in a plate of tiramisu. And now she has bigger worries than getting her house TP’d . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2023
198 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
Libby Klein
11 books643 followersLibby Klein graduated Lower Cape May Regional High School sometime in the '80s. Her classes revolved mostly around the culinary sciences and theater, with the occasional nap in Chemistry. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that forced her to remove gluten from her kitchen and adopt a Paleo Diet. Now her life revolves around coffee and bacon. When she’s not feeling sorry for herself that she can’t eat bread, she writes from her Northern Virginia office while trying to keep her cat Figaro off her keyboard. Most of her hobbies revolve around eating, and travel, and eating while travelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
April 14, 2023
A highly entertaining addition to the Poppy McAllister Cozy Mystery series. Author Libby Klein is a master storyteller with an emphasis on comedic scenes and snarky thoughts and dialogue. That’s right up my alley! In Book #8, Poppy and Aunt Ginny host a pet psychic and a houseful of paranormal investigators. Against Poppy’s better judgement, they participate in the Haunted Homes Tour in Cape May, NJ, and the bed and breakfast becomes known as “the murder house”, although no one has ever been murdered there….yet.
My favorite story now, and the funniest one, too, in my opinion; I had many laugh-out-loud moments reading the book! Dr. Rodney, the pet psychic, is supposedly reading Figaro’s mind and, of course, Figaro is in everyone’s business! The “murder house” unfortunately earns its nickname. Poppy and Aunt Ginny are having staff problems. And, Gia and Poppy are keeping a secret from his demanding mother, Olivia, and the spaghetti sauce is going to hit the fan when she finds out! Also, someone is pranking the Halloween decor at the bed and breakfast’s front yard, and Ginny is on a prankster hunt!
Meanwhile, a murderer is on the loose and no matter how many times I tried to guess who the culprit was, I was wrong, and thus, surprised at the reveal. The author was oh, so clever at casting suspicion on numerous people involved in the victim’s life. This cozy mystery was SO great! It ends with a small cliffhanger….Aaargg! The frustration! LOL! I highly recommend this cozy mystery to readers who like a super mystery plot and to readers who like a lot of humor, also.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
My favorite story now, and the funniest one, too, in my opinion; I had many laugh-out-loud moments reading the book! Dr. Rodney, the pet psychic, is supposedly reading Figaro’s mind and, of course, Figaro is in everyone’s business! The “murder house” unfortunately earns its nickname. Poppy and Aunt Ginny are having staff problems. And, Gia and Poppy are keeping a secret from his demanding mother, Olivia, and the spaghetti sauce is going to hit the fan when she finds out! Also, someone is pranking the Halloween decor at the bed and breakfast’s front yard, and Ginny is on a prankster hunt!
Meanwhile, a murderer is on the loose and no matter how many times I tried to guess who the culprit was, I was wrong, and thus, surprised at the reveal. The author was oh, so clever at casting suspicion on numerous people involved in the victim’s life. This cozy mystery was SO great! It ends with a small cliffhanger….Aaargg! The frustration! LOL! I highly recommend this cozy mystery to readers who like a super mystery plot and to readers who like a lot of humor, also.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
July 16, 2023
My first Libby Klein cozy and I loved it. It's the 8th in the Poppy McAllister mystery series but I had no issues reading it as a standalone. I'll definitely be picking up the others in the future. Super funny antics in this one and the murder mystery totally had me guessing the whole way through. This is another Halloween themed cozy which was fun. There are alot of characters in this book, but that didn't bother me. Can't wait to check the others in this series.
Out July 25.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Out July 25.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2023
Review coming soon.
April 25, 2023
Halloween, the Cape May Haunted House Tour, pranks, a pet psychic, rival paranormal researchers, a ghost hunting tv crew, Gia' s mama and murder have Poppy McAllister ready to grab Gia, a gluten free muffin and hide until this night is over!
The latest addition to the series didn't disappointment and kept me guessing and laughing! I don't want to give anything away but I promise you'll love the book from the first sentence until the last!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own
The latest addition to the series didn't disappointment and kept me guessing and laughing! I don't want to give anything away but I promise you'll love the book from the first sentence until the last!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own
August 20, 2023
"Mischief Nights Are Murder" the 8th instalment in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series by Libby Klein. I love this series and I think this was best one yet! It’s spooky season, and gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny are preparing some pranks for Cape May, New Jersey’s annual Mischief Night at their B&B. But jokes and games are pushed aside when a killer strikes…
I love visiting the Jersey Shore and Poppy, Gia, the adorable Henry, Aunt Ginny, and the "Biddies"! Plus we cant forget about her mischievous cat, Figuro! This time around Poppy has been roped into hosting an Haunted House Dinner event for a week and Poppy really wishes she wasn’t as she already had a lot on her plate!
We have a new addition to the household Kenny Love , who I picture looking like carrot-top the comedian. I’m looking forward to knowing more about him in the coming books.
From a houseful of quirky paranormal enthusiasts, disappearing items and mysterious Halloween mischief on the front lawn Poppy has her work cut out for her. Enter her arch nemesis Joanne who ends up helping her along the way…. Is there hope for them yet.
I found the mystery was well written and paced with lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing to the end. I can’t wait till the next instalment comes out and finding out what Poppy does next!
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love visiting the Jersey Shore and Poppy, Gia, the adorable Henry, Aunt Ginny, and the "Biddies"! Plus we cant forget about her mischievous cat, Figuro! This time around Poppy has been roped into hosting an Haunted House Dinner event for a week and Poppy really wishes she wasn’t as she already had a lot on her plate!
We have a new addition to the household Kenny Love , who I picture looking like carrot-top the comedian. I’m looking forward to knowing more about him in the coming books.
From a houseful of quirky paranormal enthusiasts, disappearing items and mysterious Halloween mischief on the front lawn Poppy has her work cut out for her. Enter her arch nemesis Joanne who ends up helping her along the way…. Is there hope for them yet.
I found the mystery was well written and paced with lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing to the end. I can’t wait till the next instalment comes out and finding out what Poppy does next!
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 19, 2023
Mischief Nights are Murder by Libby Klein is the most recent book in the Poppy McAllister series. I've read several of the prior books in this series and I like Poppy. I also like the direction the series has taken in her professional life (running a Bed and Breakfast with her eccentric Aunt Ginny) and in her love life. This book has a Halloween theme and Poppy's B&B is taking part in a haunted dinner tour. When one of the dinner guests is murdered, Poppy is back in action as an amateur sleuth.
The book is a quick read with lots of humor. I would have enjoyed the book more if it wasn't for a couple of very unlikable side characters that are hard to take. I appreciate long epilogues and I liked the ending. However, I was disappointed that it ends on a very big cliffhanger. For those you like recipes in their cozies, there are several at the end of the book that those on a gluten-free diet will especially like. I would rate the book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The book is a quick read with lots of humor. I would have enjoyed the book more if it wasn't for a couple of very unlikable side characters that are hard to take. I appreciate long epilogues and I liked the ending. However, I was disappointed that it ends on a very big cliffhanger. For those you like recipes in their cozies, there are several at the end of the book that those on a gluten-free diet will especially like. I would rate the book 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
October 13, 2025
Another great book in the series. I love the Halloween vibes and the humor again doesn’t disappoint!
August 22, 2023
Mischief Nights are Murder is another wonderful, fun enjoyable cozy mystery set in Cape May, New Jersey. Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny own and operate a B&B and are going through some staff changes. Poppy has become known as a Murder Magnet, having discovered several murdered victims in the previous stories. She has been coerced to be part of Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour during Halloween season, showing off the "Murder House". As usual Aunt Ginny gets her into more situations when she agrees to have a ghost hunting team filming at the B&B and they are required to tell ghost stories about the B&B as well as serve a gourmet dinner. Things are hilarious when they have a pet psychic show up with all his paraphernalia along with the ghost hunters. There is another dog that sets off Poppy's cat and she is dealing with her luscious boyfriend's family who don't like her much. When one of the guests drops dead at the table, all meals are off, and Poppy is on the case.
This is one of the most humorous cozy mystery series I have ever read and I absolutely enjoy every minute of them. Aunt Ginny is such a hoot and you never know what is going to come out of her mouth or what antics she will get up to. Throw in her friends "the biddies" and her boyfriends with alzheimers and you know there will be laughs. Most of the regulars are back and they are all wonderful. They are funny, yet serious when need be. They help Poppy sort out the clues when she is investigating, but not always on purpose. This mystery is a good one with lots of red herrings and more than a few suspects. I didn't guess the killer, but it all made sense and I loved how Poppy figured it all out. If you don't read the whole series, you can still enjoy the book, but you will miss some of the character development and relationships. If you are looking for a fun read, I recommend you pick up Mischief Nights are Murder. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Callie Beaulieu. She narrated a lot of cozy mysteries and I am accustomed to her voice and enjoy her performances.
This is one of the most humorous cozy mystery series I have ever read and I absolutely enjoy every minute of them. Aunt Ginny is such a hoot and you never know what is going to come out of her mouth or what antics she will get up to. Throw in her friends "the biddies" and her boyfriends with alzheimers and you know there will be laughs. Most of the regulars are back and they are all wonderful. They are funny, yet serious when need be. They help Poppy sort out the clues when she is investigating, but not always on purpose. This mystery is a good one with lots of red herrings and more than a few suspects. I didn't guess the killer, but it all made sense and I loved how Poppy figured it all out. If you don't read the whole series, you can still enjoy the book, but you will miss some of the character development and relationships. If you are looking for a fun read, I recommend you pick up Mischief Nights are Murder. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Callie Beaulieu. She narrated a lot of cozy mysteries and I am accustomed to her voice and enjoy her performances.
May 3, 2023
Poppy and aunt Ginny is back for another funny adventure. This one was awesome as usual. Its Halloween and of course aunt Ginny signs Poppy up for a Haunted Ghost Dinner Tour. As usual things do not go as planned and someone is murdered the first night of the dinner. I love this cast of characters! The ending will surprise you and leaving you wanting more.
#MischiefNightsAreMurder #NetGalley
#MischiefNightsAreMurder #NetGalley
October 27, 2023
4.5 stars. Loved this one! Omg! Which one is getting engaged? 💍 😲 Can't wait for the next book!
October 30, 2023
Ughh, now I'm dying!! Who does it belong to??
July 30, 2023
Mischief Nights Are Murder is big, really BIG! And I know I have complained about this very thing with other books in this series, but this time it didn’t bother me very much. Revolving around my favorite season, Halloween, I loved the haunted dinner tour idea, and the pranks were great! I actually didn’t care if a murder happened or not, but of course, it did, and it was done to perfection. Agatha Christie would have been proud.
A haunted dinner tour includes a gourmet meal and tour of Poppy and Ginny’s house, supposedly haunted by several ghosts. When a tour member dies while eating dessert at Poppy’s house, there is no doubt she will get involved with the investigation. Anyone who thought otherwise would have to be, well… a ghost. Suspects abound, including everyone at the dinner, one of Poppy’s employees, and a few who were not at the dinner. Evidence is in short supply, so readers must put on their thinking caps. The side mystery of who keeps pulling pranks and decorating Poppy’s front lawn with ghoulish delights keeps Ginny on her toes and bad-tempered.
Figuring out who the killer was, wasn’t easy. Keeping the tabloid reporter from claiming that Poppy’s house is haunted and, at the same time, making sure the reporter left believing it was haunted was quite a balancing act. I caught on to the killer about midway through the book but wasn’t confident I was right until the end. On the other hand, I had no clue who was pulling the pranks, but I loved the way they were revealed in both cases. The character of Poppy grew a bit, and I was able to like her a bit more; it seems she may be finally growing a spine. All in all, this addition to the series was fun, exciting and contained two mysteries that will leave readers laughing and happy. But if you are anything like me… it will also have you craving the holiday season, decorating, the scents of good food, and the laughter of good company.
A haunted dinner tour includes a gourmet meal and tour of Poppy and Ginny’s house, supposedly haunted by several ghosts. When a tour member dies while eating dessert at Poppy’s house, there is no doubt she will get involved with the investigation. Anyone who thought otherwise would have to be, well… a ghost. Suspects abound, including everyone at the dinner, one of Poppy’s employees, and a few who were not at the dinner. Evidence is in short supply, so readers must put on their thinking caps. The side mystery of who keeps pulling pranks and decorating Poppy’s front lawn with ghoulish delights keeps Ginny on her toes and bad-tempered.
Figuring out who the killer was, wasn’t easy. Keeping the tabloid reporter from claiming that Poppy’s house is haunted and, at the same time, making sure the reporter left believing it was haunted was quite a balancing act. I caught on to the killer about midway through the book but wasn’t confident I was right until the end. On the other hand, I had no clue who was pulling the pranks, but I loved the way they were revealed in both cases. The character of Poppy grew a bit, and I was able to like her a bit more; it seems she may be finally growing a spine. All in all, this addition to the series was fun, exciting and contained two mysteries that will leave readers laughing and happy. But if you are anything like me… it will also have you craving the holiday season, decorating, the scents of good food, and the laughter of good company.
October 16, 2023
HOW WONDERFUL IT WAS TO GO BACK TO POPPY MCALLISTER'S WORLD!!!!
PREMISE: Poppy is none too pleased when her B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour during Halloween season. Though her knack for finding dead bodies has given the place a spooky reputation, the Murder House is a completely undeserved nickname. At least it used to be . . .While Poppy wrangles with some guests who can’t stop squabbling with each other—including a paranormal researcher, a very quirky pet psychic who freaks out her portly Persian, and an undercover tabloid reporter eager to catch her staff in a lie—one of them winds up facedown in a plate of tiramisu. And now she has bigger worries than getting her house TP’d.
THOUGHTS: Truly loved being back in this world and the fact that we don't even get to the murder till after 100 pages in couldn't have been any more perfect for me as it gave me more time with some of my favourite cozy characters. The mystery itself I didn't reallyt enjoy (hence the docking of 1 star). I did love that there was a pet psychic included in the guests and of course figaro is always a joy! Can't wait for book 9!
4 Stars!
xoxo.
PREMISE: Poppy is none too pleased when her B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour during Halloween season. Though her knack for finding dead bodies has given the place a spooky reputation, the Murder House is a completely undeserved nickname. At least it used to be . . .While Poppy wrangles with some guests who can’t stop squabbling with each other—including a paranormal researcher, a very quirky pet psychic who freaks out her portly Persian, and an undercover tabloid reporter eager to catch her staff in a lie—one of them winds up facedown in a plate of tiramisu. And now she has bigger worries than getting her house TP’d.
THOUGHTS: Truly loved being back in this world and the fact that we don't even get to the murder till after 100 pages in couldn't have been any more perfect for me as it gave me more time with some of my favourite cozy characters. The mystery itself I didn't reallyt enjoy (hence the docking of 1 star). I did love that there was a pet psychic included in the guests and of course figaro is always a joy! Can't wait for book 9!
4 Stars!
xoxo.
September 12, 2025
This really got me back into reading I loved it! Very cute and interesting!
April 20, 2023
I received a free copy of, Mischief Nights are Murder, by Libby Klein from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a Poppy McAllister Cozy Mystery series book. Poppy owns a b&b in Cape May, New Jersey. It is Halloween time and anything can happen including a murder at Poppy's b&b. This town is quite odd especially Aunt Ginny, but a good read over all.
April 7, 2023
Oh my, #MischiefNightsAreMurder #NetGalley is a fantastic Halloween theme cozy mystery.
Poppy is on the Haunted House Tour thanks to a previous guest who believes the B & B is haunted. Her current guests are all part of the paranormal world, and some are bitter enemies.
Between the bickering guests, and Aunt Ginny's shenanigans, Poppy is at her wits end. Toss in her frenemy Joanne, add a dash of mean boyfriend's mom, and the mischievous pranks happening at the b and b, and you have all the ingredients to a great book.
I just had to keep reading, I didn't want to put it down, and the ending? Author Libby Klein really knows how to unleash the perfect cliffhanger.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Poppy is on the Haunted House Tour thanks to a previous guest who believes the B & B is haunted. Her current guests are all part of the paranormal world, and some are bitter enemies.
Between the bickering guests, and Aunt Ginny's shenanigans, Poppy is at her wits end. Toss in her frenemy Joanne, add a dash of mean boyfriend's mom, and the mischievous pranks happening at the b and b, and you have all the ingredients to a great book.
I just had to keep reading, I didn't want to put it down, and the ending? Author Libby Klein really knows how to unleash the perfect cliffhanger.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
April 7, 2023
Oh my, #MischiefNightsAreMurder #NetGalley is a fantastic Halloween theme cozy mystery. Poppy's bed and breakfast is on the Haunted House Tour thanks to a previous guest who believes the B & B is haunted. Her current guests are all part of the paranormal world, and some are bitter enemies. Between the bickering guests, and Aunt Ginny's shenanigans, Poppy is at her wits end. Toss in her frenemy Joanne, add a dash of mean boyfriend's mom, and the mischievous pranks happening at the b and b, and you have all the ingredients to a great book. I just had to keep reading, I didn't want to put it down, and the ending? Author Libby Klein really knows how to unleash the perfect cliffhanger. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
March 10, 2024
Poppy McAllister, a gluten-free baker, and her aunt Ginny run a B&B in Cape May. Aunt Ginny signs a contract to participate in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour and Poppy is not happy, and the same can be said for some of the guests that are staying with them. They seem to be arguing constantly and when one of them winds up dead everyone is a suspect. Not only are they dealing with a murder, but the B&B is also victim to prank after prank.
This is the eighth book in the A Poppy McAllister Mystery series, but this is the first book I’ve read. I loved the friendships between the main characters. The setting was lovely and made me want to go back to Cape May. This book could stand alone, but now I want to go back and read from book 1.
This is the eighth book in the A Poppy McAllister Mystery series, but this is the first book I’ve read. I loved the friendships between the main characters. The setting was lovely and made me want to go back to Cape May. This book could stand alone, but now I want to go back and read from book 1.
April 2, 2023
Here we go again with another fun stressbuster of a fun cozy! The town calls the place the murder house because Poppy keeps finding bodies. This time it's spooky season and there are home tours and more. The guests are all into paranormal but are argumentative with each other. The laughs never stop! The characters are fun and quirky, the goings on border on farcical, the sleuthing was good, and the food mouthwatering! Fantastic recipes at the end! Not to be missed!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you.
April 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters although there are so many I got a bit confused about who was who. Pretty much everyone is a suspect but in the end the killer is someone who isn’t a suspect. It is a surprise. The food sounds great. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger. #MischiefNightsAreMurder #NetGalley
September 11, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the Advanced Readers Copy of Mischief Nights Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery, #8) by Libby Klein. I love a great mystery, especially as it gets closer to Halloween, so when my request to read this book was approved, I was thrilled.
This was the first book I've read by Libby Klein, and it was a well written story that kept my attention. Although, it's the eighth book in a series, it could be read as a stand alone. The author did a relatively good job of giving the reader some backstory of each of the characters, so I didn't really feel like I missed out on anything. With that being said, I personally like reading books in a series in order.
Most of the characters were likable and relatable. Of course, there were a handful that weren't likable, but I would deem one of the obnoxious characters as one that you love to hate . . . under all the gruffness and nastiness of the character, she ended up being not quite so unpleasant. One of my absolute favorite characters was the cat named Fig. He just absolutely stole the show for me. There were an abundance of characters in Mischief Nights Are Murder, and at times, I found myself having trouble keeping up with who was who. Because of this, it took just a little of the enjoyment out of the story.
There were plenty of red herrings in the novel, and I kept changing my mind as to who committed the murder. I never figured out who did it and was shocked at who it turned out to be. Even though the culprit is revealed, there is a huge cliffhanger at the end of the story. This doesn't bother me in the least since I enjoyed the book and plan on reading all the other books in the series.
Four out of five stars is what I give Mischief Nights Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery, #8) by Libby Klein. This is the perfect book to put you in the mood for Halloween without it being scary or horrifying. For those of you who don't like a lot of swearing, you'll be glad to know that there isn't any in it.
This was the first book I've read by Libby Klein, and it was a well written story that kept my attention. Although, it's the eighth book in a series, it could be read as a stand alone. The author did a relatively good job of giving the reader some backstory of each of the characters, so I didn't really feel like I missed out on anything. With that being said, I personally like reading books in a series in order.
Most of the characters were likable and relatable. Of course, there were a handful that weren't likable, but I would deem one of the obnoxious characters as one that you love to hate . . . under all the gruffness and nastiness of the character, she ended up being not quite so unpleasant. One of my absolute favorite characters was the cat named Fig. He just absolutely stole the show for me. There were an abundance of characters in Mischief Nights Are Murder, and at times, I found myself having trouble keeping up with who was who. Because of this, it took just a little of the enjoyment out of the story.
There were plenty of red herrings in the novel, and I kept changing my mind as to who committed the murder. I never figured out who did it and was shocked at who it turned out to be. Even though the culprit is revealed, there is a huge cliffhanger at the end of the story. This doesn't bother me in the least since I enjoyed the book and plan on reading all the other books in the series.
Four out of five stars is what I give Mischief Nights Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery, #8) by Libby Klein. This is the perfect book to put you in the mood for Halloween without it being scary or horrifying. For those of you who don't like a lot of swearing, you'll be glad to know that there isn't any in it.
September 6, 2023
Libby Klein has done it again! Poppy's latest adventure, Mischief Nights are Murder, is another hilarious and murderous romp around Cape May, with the added bonus of ghouls, goblins, and ghosts, and a Haunted Dinner tour that Poppy has been roped into participating in (as well as spending her days cooking Italian food on the down-low, which is a story in and of itself!!!). There aren't enough words to describe the madness that ensues, so I will only say this - read it, and read it now. You will not regret it (unless of course you don't like hysterically funny laugh-out-loud cozies featuring a cast of characters so entertaining words cannot even properly describe them). I've said it before and I'll say it again, Poppy is my spirit animal! A+++, 5 stars, and my highest recommendation!
October 30, 2023
"Mischief Nights are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery #8)" by Libby Klein is a great Halloween themed cozy mystery. From the sassy senior lady crew, the pet "psychic" communicating for main cat Figaro, to the well done mystery this is book is humorous and keeps you guessing. I was pleasantly surprised in the end by the well done mystery. The Halloween theme was also consistent throughout.
July 15, 2023
Mischief Nights Are Murder by Libby Klein is due to be published July 25 2023 by Kensington Books is the 8th book in the Poppy McAllister mystery series.
Poppy is a Gluten-free baker with her aunt Ginny were prepared for some pranks as the annual Mischief Night approached. But they weren't prepared for a murder at their B&B. Halloween, the Cape May Haunted House Tour, pranks, a pet psychic, rival paranormal researchers, a ghost hunting tv crew.
This kept me guessing all the way to the end and loved every second of it ! I haven’t read any of the others in the series so I may have missed a few big parts but this one flowed pretty nicely.
I loved the writing style, the characters and can’t wait to read more!
I highly recommend this book if you love a good small town murder mystery.
Poppy is a Gluten-free baker with her aunt Ginny were prepared for some pranks as the annual Mischief Night approached. But they weren't prepared for a murder at their B&B. Halloween, the Cape May Haunted House Tour, pranks, a pet psychic, rival paranormal researchers, a ghost hunting tv crew.
This kept me guessing all the way to the end and loved every second of it ! I haven’t read any of the others in the series so I may have missed a few big parts but this one flowed pretty nicely.
I loved the writing style, the characters and can’t wait to read more!
I highly recommend this book if you love a good small town murder mystery.
September 20, 2024
This series is just so much fun! I loved the Halloween theme with multiple mysteries to solve. Plenty of atmosphere and delicious food descriptions to round out. And I never guess the killer! And now, on top of all this, I need to know who’s getting engaged! Looking forward to the next book, which should be out soon!
April 1, 2023
This was my first time reading Libby Klein and I loved this! I loved the cozy vibes, the characters, the banter, and the mystery! This was a definite page turner! I can't wait to read this again when it's autumn!
February 21, 2025
A great Halloween-themed Cozy mystery! My first Libby Klein book... but not last. I didn't guess the perp at ALL, so an extra star from me! :)
I loved the halloween setting & surrounding Cape May Victorian architecture (which certainly adds to the haunted house atmosphere). The writing was hilarious and I didnt expect to giggle while reading hahaha. I will have to go back and read the first Poppy McAllister (although you can start on this one like I did, and still understand whats going on). Poor girl can't catch a break lol. I'll end the review by saying... is parapsychology a real degree? :D
I loved the halloween setting & surrounding Cape May Victorian architecture (which certainly adds to the haunted house atmosphere). The writing was hilarious and I didnt expect to giggle while reading hahaha. I will have to go back and read the first Poppy McAllister (although you can start on this one like I did, and still understand whats going on). Poor girl can't catch a break lol. I'll end the review by saying... is parapsychology a real degree? :D
August 2, 2023
I'm pretty much obsessed with the world that Libby Klein has created in her Poppy McAllister series. The story may take place in the real town of Cape May, New Jersey but the characters and the drama surrounding them are all wildly made up, and in a wonderful way.
In this book Poppy is trying to prepare for the Cape May Haunted Dinners tour that her bed and breakfast has gotten roped into participating in. It's not exactly ideal timing because she has a lot going on, but with the help of her staff they may be able to get through the Halloween season unscathed.
But when someone turns up dead at her first night's dinner, the police are called in and all of the B&B's guests are acting peculiar. Now to be fair, some of them are just peculiar on a normal day. But others may be hiding secrets, including one person's motive for killing a seemingly prestigious guest.
When I say this book had me laughing out loud, I am not exaggerating. I loved how as the guests starting filling up the bed and breakfast, Poppy just grew more and more exasperated by the odd characters that kept popping up. And the fact that her supposed tech company that she booked was not what it seemed had me rolling.
Some of the best scenes were the different conversations going on between characters. I loved the love/hate relationship going on between Poppy and the cop Amber. And when it came to Poppy dealing with a testy employee named Joanne, it was more of a hate/hate relationship. But all of the dialogue was so funny and clever.
My only critique is that while it was a very good mystery and very well thought out, there were a lot of characters to keep track of. There were the regular characters, all of the bed and breakfast guests, as well as everyone involved with the ghost tour at the different inns and hotels around Cape May. I had to keep a mental tally of who was who.
But although it could be tricky at time, that's part of what made the murder interesting to solve.
This was a really fun book to read and now I'm in the mood for some Halloween candy! But I'm very similar to Aunt Ginny in that I can devour a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups within the blink of an eye, so I guess I'll wait a few months before I stock up on the goodies for trick or treat.
If you're in the mood for a good Halloween cozy, look no further! I found Mischief Nights are Murder to be a really fun and cozy read.
In this book Poppy is trying to prepare for the Cape May Haunted Dinners tour that her bed and breakfast has gotten roped into participating in. It's not exactly ideal timing because she has a lot going on, but with the help of her staff they may be able to get through the Halloween season unscathed.
But when someone turns up dead at her first night's dinner, the police are called in and all of the B&B's guests are acting peculiar. Now to be fair, some of them are just peculiar on a normal day. But others may be hiding secrets, including one person's motive for killing a seemingly prestigious guest.
When I say this book had me laughing out loud, I am not exaggerating. I loved how as the guests starting filling up the bed and breakfast, Poppy just grew more and more exasperated by the odd characters that kept popping up. And the fact that her supposed tech company that she booked was not what it seemed had me rolling.
Some of the best scenes were the different conversations going on between characters. I loved the love/hate relationship going on between Poppy and the cop Amber. And when it came to Poppy dealing with a testy employee named Joanne, it was more of a hate/hate relationship. But all of the dialogue was so funny and clever.
My only critique is that while it was a very good mystery and very well thought out, there were a lot of characters to keep track of. There were the regular characters, all of the bed and breakfast guests, as well as everyone involved with the ghost tour at the different inns and hotels around Cape May. I had to keep a mental tally of who was who.
But although it could be tricky at time, that's part of what made the murder interesting to solve.
This was a really fun book to read and now I'm in the mood for some Halloween candy! But I'm very similar to Aunt Ginny in that I can devour a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups within the blink of an eye, so I guess I'll wait a few months before I stock up on the goodies for trick or treat.
If you're in the mood for a good Halloween cozy, look no further! I found Mischief Nights are Murder to be a really fun and cozy read.
August 22, 2023
I absolutely adore this series! Mischief Nights are Murder, like the preceding seven books in Libby Klein’s Poppy McAllister series, combines a suspenseful, layered mystery; a gutsy and lovable protagonist; and a spark of humor to create a novel that is not only entertaining, but is downright delightful.
It’s Halloween season, and Poppy McAllister has agreed to cater dinner for the Cape May Haunted Homes Tour. She is dismayed to discover that her Bed & Breakfast is being marketed as “The Murder House,” even though no murders actually took place there . . . yet. But with a pet psychic fixated on revealing her cat Figaro’s thoughts, paranormal researchers, and the production crew of a paranormal television show all interested in the goings on at the Butterfly Wings B&B, Poppy has her hands full. Add to that a reporter who is bound and determined to reveal Poppy and her B&B as a fraud. Poppy must walk a fine line between allowing the guests to believe that the house may be haunted and representing that it is. But when one of the tour guests dies in the middle of Poppy’s dinner, all bets are off. Poppy teams up with Amber to get the down-low on the suspect guests and solve the murder.
Mischief Nights are Murder is extremely well-written. Its scenes run the gamut from poignant to humorous, and the subplots sparkle, especially those featuring Aunt Ginny and Gia (and his family restaurant, Mia Famiglia). The mystery is, as always in this series, top notch, with a large suspect pool and so many clues and red herrings it is hard to keep track. The epilogue ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what is next.
Not to be left out are two features that I have really come to appreciate. The gluten free recipes at the end of each book always sound intriguing, but this book’s “Lemon Earl Grey Tiramisu” sounds so fantastic that I plan to make it myself. And the narration by Callie Beaulieu is, as usual, excellent, giving the perfect amount of pep and humor to the story.
Can this book be read as a standalone? I think it can, but to get the full effect, you should start with the first installment. If you like humorous cozies, Mischief Nights are Murder (and the entire Poppy McAllister series) is a must read.
Note: I received an ARC of Mischief Nights are Murder from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
It’s Halloween season, and Poppy McAllister has agreed to cater dinner for the Cape May Haunted Homes Tour. She is dismayed to discover that her Bed & Breakfast is being marketed as “The Murder House,” even though no murders actually took place there . . . yet. But with a pet psychic fixated on revealing her cat Figaro’s thoughts, paranormal researchers, and the production crew of a paranormal television show all interested in the goings on at the Butterfly Wings B&B, Poppy has her hands full. Add to that a reporter who is bound and determined to reveal Poppy and her B&B as a fraud. Poppy must walk a fine line between allowing the guests to believe that the house may be haunted and representing that it is. But when one of the tour guests dies in the middle of Poppy’s dinner, all bets are off. Poppy teams up with Amber to get the down-low on the suspect guests and solve the murder.
Mischief Nights are Murder is extremely well-written. Its scenes run the gamut from poignant to humorous, and the subplots sparkle, especially those featuring Aunt Ginny and Gia (and his family restaurant, Mia Famiglia). The mystery is, as always in this series, top notch, with a large suspect pool and so many clues and red herrings it is hard to keep track. The epilogue ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what is next.
Not to be left out are two features that I have really come to appreciate. The gluten free recipes at the end of each book always sound intriguing, but this book’s “Lemon Earl Grey Tiramisu” sounds so fantastic that I plan to make it myself. And the narration by Callie Beaulieu is, as usual, excellent, giving the perfect amount of pep and humor to the story.
Can this book be read as a standalone? I think it can, but to get the full effect, you should start with the first installment. If you like humorous cozies, Mischief Nights are Murder (and the entire Poppy McAllister series) is a must read.
Note: I received an ARC of Mischief Nights are Murder from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
October 16, 2023
Book Review: Mischief Nights are Murder by Libby Klein
Rating: 3 stars
First off, let me start by saying that the cover of Mischief Nights are Murder is absolutely fantastic. I’m a sucker for a good holiday-themed cozy book cover, and this one definitely caught my eye. Now, let’s dive into my review of the book.
The story revolves around gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny, who find themselves in the midst of a murder mystery at their B&B during the annual Mischief Night. Poppy’s B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour, which brings along its fair share of quirky guests. As if dealing with squabbling guests wasn’t enough, one of them ends up dead, face-down in a plate of tiramisu. Now, Poppy has to navigate through the chaos to solve the murder.
Unfortunately, I found it quite challenging to get into this book. Perhaps it was because I hadn’t read any prior books in the series, but I felt like I was dropped into an ongoing story without any background information or hints. This made it difficult for me to fully engage with the characters and their relationships, as I lacked the necessary context.
Speaking of the characters, I must say that I found most of them to be rather unlikable and annoying. They were eccentric to the point of being over-the-top, and their behavior felt forced and unnatural. The entire book had a zany quality to it that, personally, was a bit too much for my taste. However, I can see how some readers might enjoy this quirky and whimsical style.
On a positive note, Libby Klein’s writing is undeniably good. Despite my reservations about the characters and plot, I appreciated the author’s ability to create a vivid setting. The Halloween season and the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour were described in a way that made me feel immersed in the festive atmosphere. This aspect of the book was definitely a highlight for me.
In conclusion, Mischief Nights are Murder is a mixed bag for me. While the writing is solid and the setting is suitably festive, I struggled to connect with the story due to the lack of background information and the unlikable characters. However, if you enjoy zany cozy mysteries and don’t mind jumping into an ongoing series without prior knowledge, this book might be a delightful read for you.
Note: This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary.
Rating: 3 stars
First off, let me start by saying that the cover of Mischief Nights are Murder is absolutely fantastic. I’m a sucker for a good holiday-themed cozy book cover, and this one definitely caught my eye. Now, let’s dive into my review of the book.
The story revolves around gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny, who find themselves in the midst of a murder mystery at their B&B during the annual Mischief Night. Poppy’s B&B is coerced into participating in the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour, which brings along its fair share of quirky guests. As if dealing with squabbling guests wasn’t enough, one of them ends up dead, face-down in a plate of tiramisu. Now, Poppy has to navigate through the chaos to solve the murder.
Unfortunately, I found it quite challenging to get into this book. Perhaps it was because I hadn’t read any prior books in the series, but I felt like I was dropped into an ongoing story without any background information or hints. This made it difficult for me to fully engage with the characters and their relationships, as I lacked the necessary context.
Speaking of the characters, I must say that I found most of them to be rather unlikable and annoying. They were eccentric to the point of being over-the-top, and their behavior felt forced and unnatural. The entire book had a zany quality to it that, personally, was a bit too much for my taste. However, I can see how some readers might enjoy this quirky and whimsical style.
On a positive note, Libby Klein’s writing is undeniably good. Despite my reservations about the characters and plot, I appreciated the author’s ability to create a vivid setting. The Halloween season and the Cape May Haunted Dinners Tour were described in a way that made me feel immersed in the festive atmosphere. This aspect of the book was definitely a highlight for me.
In conclusion, Mischief Nights are Murder is a mixed bag for me. While the writing is solid and the setting is suitably festive, I struggled to connect with the story due to the lack of background information and the unlikable characters. However, if you enjoy zany cozy mysteries and don’t mind jumping into an ongoing series without prior knowledge, this book might be a delightful read for you.
Note: This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary.
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