BOOK REVIEW: Death by Pumpkin Spice by Alex Erickson

Death By Pumpkin Spice (Bookstore Cafe Mystery #3)

by Alex Erickson (Goodreads Author)

ebook, 320 pages

Published September 27th 2016 by Kensington

Goodreads synopsis:

Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .

   As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . .

   With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . .

   I really enjoyed this Death by Coffee mystery burt I totally missed the cafe/bookstore aspect of the story. I feel this setting is key for the series as a whole, so, yes, missed it greatly.

***

4 Stars

Our story starts when Krissy Hancock is invited to a halloween party at the posh estate of one of the town’s elite citizens. Apparently, it is quite an honor to get an invite. Of course, our heroine isn’t quite in line with the high class in Pine Hill’s so she comes as her friend, Will’s plus one. The story stays in the mansion setting for most of the book and I had a total “And Then There Were None” feeling about the whole thing.

When one of the three Marilyn Monroe look-alikes winds up dead, I thought we were on our way to a series of multiple killings, but alas, my Agatha Christie spin did not occur. Shucks.

Officer Paul Dalton is also at the soiree, and reluctantly asks Krissy to assist him since he is the only officer at the scene and the rain outside has made it impossible for another detective to make it to the mansion. It is a bit of an awkward situation since she is there with Will and spending all her evening with Paul.

I just love this series and this was just the perfect accent to fall, a pumpkin spice murder! You all really need to pick this one up for your own library.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from NetGalley in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.