The Pumpkin Muffin Murder

Fresh-Baked Mystery #5

by Livia J. Washburn

The fifth in a delectable series fans can't wait to sink their teeth into. Includes fifteen recipes!

Phyllis loves to spend quality time with her grandson. She'll be taking him to a festival with hopes of winning the baking contest-now that her friendly competitor, Carolyn, is judging and not competing. But when a decorative scarecrow is actually a dead body in disguise, it's Phyllis's sleuthing skills that are needed.

The dead body is that of the festival's organizer- and his wife, Carolyn's friend, falls under suspicion. Carolyn turns to Phyllis for help, because who's better at dishing out some justice than a baker extraordinaire who can handle the heat...

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2010

About the author

Under the names Livia J. Washburn and L.J. Washburn, Livia Reasoner has been writing award-winning, critically acclaimed mystery, western, romance, and historical novels for more than thirty years. She began to write in collaboration with her husband, author James Reasoner, and soon branched out into telling her own stories. She received the Private Eye Writers of America award and the American Mystery award for her first mystery, WILD NIGHT, and was nominated for a Spur by the Western Writers of America for a novel she wrote with her husband, James Reasoner. Livia won the Peacemaker Award from Western Fictioneers for her story “Charlie’s Pie”.

Reviews

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very, very surprised when this book got instant 5/5 status as soon as the climax was threatening to be revealed. I was confident that it would be a solid work of literature. But though the premise of a festival was again used, it didn't feel forced or repetitive. I liked how the author alerts us that something important has just transacted, but in the final reveal that moment was not mentioned again. However the book did enough to elevate itself above its usual fare, and now I have better hopes for the successors in this quite delightful series. I also liked how the main characters were aware of the unreal coincidences that Phyllis kept discovering bodies and even solving cases. That was well thought of. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a well paced and thrilling book.

[Pat Cray-Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series.

[Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is more "cozy" than "mystery." the writing is very gentle and slow. whenever someone makes a statement with a strong opinion, Phyllis will mediate it by looking at other perspectives. there are lots of meandering conversations, people discussing their relationships, descriptions of baking, and decorating and spending time with a precocious grandson. a lot of information is repeated, and Phyllis investigates by having polite conversations, not climbing fences or sneaking around.

the characters make a lot of decisions based on emotion (she doesn't seem like someone who would commit murder). the police are also presented as incompetent (like they've never dealt with a hysterical suspect before), which is why it's necessary for Phyllis to investigate. a lot of the important plot points are just entirely contrived. this isn't my favorite kind of mystery story, and I would have preferred more visual details to set scenes, but I can see this being exactly the right speed for some cozy fans.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun adventure with Phyllis and the gang. This was fun because it happened at the first annual Harvest Festival and had some of the teachers they used to work with. The other interesting part was watching Phyllis try and sleuth with her grandson under foot as she was watching him while her son was out of town. Lots of fun and some yummy sounding recipes at the end.

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I figured out the real killer early on, but I don't know what it was that made me say "this person did it." The case was somewhat convoluted, or at least the way the murder was committed was.

[emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

book read a little slow and the main character didn't really start doing any major sleuthing until around the 200 page mark. also, the reveal of the killer didn't wow me. i did like the cozy elements of the book though.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really cute with a Thanksgiving theme. I like that Phyllis is an amateur sleuth in her sixties. The mystery was nicely done even though it took a while to get started.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillis may be an older, retired school teacher who lives with three other retired teachers, but she is just as sharp in the mind as she was many years ago...especially when it comes to solving a murder. Phyllis is currently focused on her grandson, Bobby, who is staying with her and on making just the right recipe for the fall harvest cooking contest. She is very hopeful to win this year seeing her main rival/friend/roommate is a judge instead of competing against her this year. Soon, though, her thoughts go to murder and who could or would really kill a prominent real estate man in town, Logan. Police are convinced it was his wife's doing after many people saw them fighting over an accused affair in public. Phyllis may not know the wife, Dana, very well, but she really finds it hard to believe she is a murderer. Even though she vows to not get involved any further than helping Dana get a lawyer Phyllis is soon up to her eyeballs in mystery and clues. Will she figure it out to save Dana from a life behind bars? If Dana is innocent will the real killer allow Phyllis to prove it? What if Dana really did murder her husband, is Phyllis really helping a murderer get away with it?

I have never read any of this series before, but seeing Thanksgiving is right around the corner I thought it perfect to read a murder mystery taking place around Thanksgiving too. As soon as I started reading this book I was in love with the characters! They are all so different in character, but so fascinating too! My favorite characters were Sam and Phyllis though, but Carolyn was pretty amusing too. Kind of like a Golden Girls special in book form and with murder. I also loved the plot. Things moved pretty quickly and easily in this book, which is what I like in a book. I did, however, feel like some parts could have been moved through a bit faster, but maybe I was just anxious to see if my suspicions were correct in what really happened in the murder and at who's hands. I must say every time I was 100% sure of my thinking something happened in the book to make me question myself all over again. This book is full of wonder, mystery, drama, romance (in a way), friendships, and murder.

Part of a series or not, this book was a great stand alone read. This book may have referenced to past books in a round about way, but never in any way that made me confused or lost. Just in a way that makes me wonder if I should go back and read the other books because I'm curious about how Phyllis has such a reputation for solving murders.

This was a good read for me and I would recommend any mystery lover take time to check it out. It was a great "who done it" that was fun to try and solve along the way to the end and real conclusion.


4/5 Stars

[Helen Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this two stars only because it's nice and I'd feel guilty if I slammed it with one star.

I read this because I found it on the book swap table at work and I'm currently obsessed with all things pumpkin. It seemed appropriate to read this little mystery.

What a waste of time! It was like watching an episode of "Murder,She Wrote" that took days instead of an hour. I know, I know, I should have expected that.

It was just so overly polite and persnickety from start to finish. I was completely annoyed by Phyllis and all her friends and especially by her grandson and his 'fection (aka ear infection) who served ABSOLUTELY NO PURPOSE.

The mystery itself was not too exciting and the sudden solution out of left field. Not nearly enough clues for my liking. I also didn't understand the serious dislike of the police detective....maybe that's a holdover from a previous book? I'll never forget because I won't be touching this series ever again.

Not recommended even for a time-killer beach read or for a plane ride. SNOOOOZER from start to finish.

(I will be keeping the pumpkin cheesecake muffin recipe though!)

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading about the adventures of Phyllis and her friends. This time around, the investigation revolves an unexpected scarecrow at the annual Harvest Festival. Phyllis starts to investigate because one of her pumpkin muffins is found at the scene of the crime, and the victim is the husband of one of the teachers that put on the festival that Phyllis is also helping with.
I figured out who the killer was a lot quicker than I normally do, so the book was fun escapism for a time.
I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have enjoyed this book MORE but Carolyn is getting on my nerves😡 I mean honestly can't that woman shut her mouth for 2 seconds? Phyllis should have duct taped her mouth shut and then talked to the police and maybe it would have gone better. The twist of story was great (I was completely convinced it was the wife ) and Eve's announcement at the very end leaves my mouth hanging open.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one out of order,but it was easy to follow as the rest. Phyllis is the Jessica Fletcher of baking.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books never disappoint - easy to read and interesting plots. Yes, the characters can be a little tedious, but since I'm also a character, that's fine with me.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick entertaining read! The ending and the actual murder was a little convoluted but good book.

[Giulia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book at a library sale and it's the first of the series I have read (I like muffins and pumpkin okay). Sadly the recipes at the end are possibly the only good part of this book for me.
- First of all, the characters are insufferable, and I'm not talking about Carolyn, who seems to be one of the few decent ones. I also liked Eve too, I wish she had her own book series talking about her husbands and whatnot (btw that end note was so predictable it's spelled out halfway through). Side note but I'm ready to bet that Carolyn is a Sagittarius and Eve is an Aquarius, whereas Phyllis is something along the lines of a Scorpio (ugh). Anyway, the main idea I got from Bobby and Co. is that they remind me of those families who think they are perfect, and their children are perfect, when in fact everyone else despise their self-righteousness (Like the Mollisons in The Casual Vacancy perhaps?) and no one really cares about how well behaved little Bobby is. No offense.
- The trains of thought where mundane bordering on useless; for example why have Phyllis think about one thing, make an assumption, and then also say it out loud too? Is it to fill up a paragraph? Half of the narrative was repetitive and dragged on.
- Maybe I'm not the right audience for this but I could only picture in my head elderly small town republicans which are super churchy but also super judgy.
- What's with the hatred on Detective Largo who is just doing her job? Why are we supposed to dislike someone doing her job and following the rules, but feel thankful towards a policeman breaking the rules to get a job with Phyllis saint of a son??
- As above, why was Carolyn portrayed so negatively, and Eve depicted as shallow? All the women but Phyllis are pretty shitty in this story and I don't understand why. The male characters aren't half as bad in comparison.
- Everyone made too much of a fuss about those damn pumpkin cheesecake muffins.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just an easy read for when your mind is tired but you want to relax with a fun book. Phyllis is a retired teacher who is also a widow whose son is grown and married and out of the house. She had decided to rent rooms in her house to two fellow, also retired teachers, Eve the manizer and Carolyn, an overbearing sort always competing with Phyllis for baking awards and cooking compliments. Sam, from another school district, has also joined the ladies and he and Phyllis are boyfriend and girlfriend though, at their age, they shrink from the terms.
In this, the fifth outing of mystery solving in Weatherford, Texas we find the community getting ready for the annual Harvest Festival. Phyllis is entering Pumpkin Muffins in the baking contest but, this time around, Carolyn is acting as a judge. While that situation in itself may have ended in a murder and may have been quite interesting the contest never came to be.
On the morning of the day, as contestants arrived with their baked goods, Carolyn and Phyllis notice that one of the scarecrows that are scattered around the park as decoration appears to have been moved onto the porch of the cabin serving as the venue. Always ready to set things straight, the ladies take it upon themselves to move the misplaced fellow, only to have him fall at their feet--not a straw filled men's outfit, but a dead body dressed as a scarecrow. One of the local real estate moguls lies there, his mouth seeming to be stuffed with a PUMPKIN MUFFIN!!!! The game as has been said before is afoot! Did his wife do him in? The local police chief and his head detective are sure of it--but not so fast--Phyllis doesn't believe this lovely teacher could kill her husband. And, as is her wont, she sets out to prove it.

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

While taking care of her grandson before Thanksgiving, Phyllis and her fellow housemate and friend Carolyn find a body dressed as a scarecrow. The police suspect the wife but Phyllis has other ideas. Or does she? She can't seem to be tossed around by this one.

I liked this book but the writing is starting to resemble another writer in that the phrase "That's right" is WAY OVERUSED! I counted at least four or five "that's right's" on one page! I would think there are other phrases that could be used instead like: "yes", "I believe so", "you're correct", "sure!", "yes I/he/she is", etc., etc. It really grates on my nerves when I'm zipping along and run smack dab into "THAT'S RIGHT!" Soooo annoying!

[Karen GoatKeeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weatherford is holding its first Harvest Festival in November. Phyllis Newsom is entering pumpkin cheesecake muffins in the baking contest.
Lots of things happen as the community gets ready for the festival. It finally opens. And a man is found dead at the baking contest site.
Is his wife guilty? All the evidence points to it. Phyllis can't believe Dana murdered her husband. Can she prove it?
This is a typical cozy mystery and part of a series so the characters have their own relationships going. This doesn't hurt reading this book as a stand alone. It is a fast, easy one.
There is a recipe section at the end. These are main dishes as well as desserts.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this one. Setting= homey, including nice Thanksgiving. Bobby (4y grandson) is visiting for the week as his parents had an emergency flight out of state to be with a dying parent -and Bobby has ear infection. Bobby bonds with Sam over woodwork’g and football.
I guessed the murderer halfway thru but still needed 2 hear PN’s explanation to the police to get the specifics.
And there is a surprise announcement by boarder Eve of her engagement at the end of the book.
The denouement at the end of the celebration was great!
I am reading these in order and loving this series.

[Pam George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like series books where you become familiar with the main characters and I enjoy reading ones where the season coincides with my current reading season. These books are very light and an easy read. My only wish is that the author would use optional responses instead of, “That’s right.” That response occurs over and over and over in the book. In fact, I think it appears 61 times! It‘s starting to drive me crazy. Why can’t Phyllis, or any other character occasionally say, “Yes,” or another affirmative response. I can hardly believe a teacher would have such a limited vocabulary.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phyllis is taking care of her grandson, Bobby, while her son and daughter-in-law are away. Along with this, she is also helping out at the annual Harvest Festival, where she will also be competing in the baking competition, and she is also planning for Thanksgiving.

While helping out at the festival, one of the organizers turns up dead and so Phyllis is pulled into another investigation. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing as to who did it. I also enjoyed visiting with quirky characters. As usual, she included recipes at the end of the book which sound yummy.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. I really enjoy the time between Sam and Phyllis. In this book there isn't too much of that because Sam spends most of the time taking care of Phyllis's grandson which doesn't seem very realistic. The most realistic character is Carolyn who is outspoken and border line rude to anyone, even her friends. I can really see someone acting like that. I like Carolyn as a character. Now it's time to start another one of Livia J. Washburn's cozy mysteries!

[Emily Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Harvest Festival in Weatherford, TX and Philip Newsome is on the decorating committee. But on the day of the festival a stuffed scarecrow is stuffed with a body. I really enjoy the Fresh-Baked Mystery cozy series. It's interesting to read about a sleuth in her early 60s as well as the romance she shares with Sam. I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Agreed with other readers who said this book was more cozy than mystery. The character and setting were fine, though some, like the grandson, seemed to do nothing to advance the story and were distracting? Wish I had more build up of clues on the other suspects before it seemed everything was revealed in a rush. I do love pumpkin muffins though!

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does Thanksgiving fun include murder? In this book it did. All the favorites, her grandson, and someone suspected of murder, and hard to tell if they are or are not guilty. All the clues clearly seen through the book, but only Phyllis can put them together once again. Fun easy mystery with a recipe I cannot wait to try.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read and my favorite in the series so far. There is 14 of these so think I'll take a break and read something else and come back to them later. REALLY tasty recipes in the back of this one...Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins. Definitely want to make these.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Brown slime” — ma’am, no! 🤢 This mystery lost its cozy. And why has Sam been relegated to babysitting Phyllis’ grandson and running her errands? I liked the Thanksgiving setting, but ran out of patience with the rather flat characters and muddy plot.

[Ellen Dark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Retired teachers solve a crime while preparing for Thanksgiving. Definitely a cozy. It has lots of recipes too.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute, cozy mystery...that made me hungry! Lots of food talk and some good recipes included at the end.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

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